tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post7803870492871169820..comments2023-12-31T20:43:08.499-05:00Comments on THE STILETTO GANG: My Name is Karen & I'm a PublisherUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-37712424191884915782008-08-02T11:39:00.000-04:002008-08-02T11:39:00.000-04:00This was a great blog, didn't get around to readin...This was a great blog, didn't get around to reading it until today. (Saturday.)<BR/><BR/>I've met Karen and she's a real go-getter! Not all publishers are quite as committed to actually getting out physically and selling books. <BR/><BR/>Too many authors don't realize that much of the promotion is up to them.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Karen.<BR/><BR/>Marilyn<BR/>http://fictionforyou.comMarilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04179984154939161530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-56916942297256289432008-08-02T10:28:00.000-04:002008-08-02T10:28:00.000-04:00No need to respond, busy woman. Just wanted to say...No need to respond, busy woman. Just wanted to say that you made me smile. Great writing, great advice. I've heard wonderful things about Echelon.Deb Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11553920518121536568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-55406579725626574702008-08-02T04:24:00.000-04:002008-08-02T04:24:00.000-04:00Thanks for the reminder that it's all about reader...Thanks for the reminder that it's all about readers. I'm at the stage of waiting to see how readers will respond since my novel doesn't come out until May 2009 (and I have a short story in an anthology coming out in October). It's a funny in between stage to be at, like a cobbler who has been making shoes for years and finally has a store. Well, ALMOST has a store.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-65880679204542917262008-08-02T00:25:00.000-04:002008-08-02T00:25:00.000-04:00Thanks Karen for guest blogging today! You were gr...Thanks Karen for guest blogging today! You were great!<BR/><BR/>The Stiletto Gang!The Stiletto Ganghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01667670723330755598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-38962421239611059312008-08-01T21:37:00.000-04:002008-08-01T21:37:00.000-04:00awright folks, this has been a blast! I have to be...awright folks, this has been a blast! I have to be up bright and early to give a workshop on the value of epublishing at the Hanover Book Festival. <BR/><BR/>If anyone pops in after I hit the sack, which will take place in approx. 8 minutes, I will respond in the morning.<BR/><BR/>It has been a pleasure and I certainly hope you will bookmark my Life as a Publisher Blog and keep visiting with me. I am doing the Blog Book Tour Challenge, so I will actually be making a post EVERY DAY in August.<BR/><BR/>For now, thanks to the Stilleto Gang for having me on the Blog. I feel like such a star!<BR/><BR/>This is me blowing kisses to you all...sheesh, I crack myself up!<BR/><BR/>KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-35588589328084036222008-08-01T21:33:00.000-04:002008-08-01T21:33:00.000-04:00Aww, Billie, that's so nice. I love making people ...Aww, Billie, that's so nice. I love making people feel good and I love telling people what to do. Been bossy my whole life...No, I meant I've been inspiring all my life. ::snort::.<BR/><BR/>KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-44367439344801079192008-08-01T20:07:00.000-04:002008-08-01T20:07:00.000-04:00Karen, you are indeed an inspiration. You sure kno...Karen, you are indeed an inspiration. You sure know what to say and how to say it! You should write a newsletter with a short pep talk for writer's on marketing their books everyday-- You do it so well. Thanks! I'm delighted to work with and for you and be in your company.<BR/>Billie/CricketAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11469607629317842216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-49256272814288626412008-08-01T19:37:00.000-04:002008-08-01T19:37:00.000-04:00Such great feedback you're getting Ms. K! Interest...Such great feedback you're getting Ms. K! Interesting about the handouts. And, I just ordered a bunch!<BR/><BR/>I've always wanted to attend a writer's retreat. How does Maui sound? Seriously, I'd love to attend. Scheduling would be tricky, though. Maybe next year??<BR/><BR/>Thanks, Stiletto Gang, for the fun post.Mary Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04377529303481858837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-8118321086430290422008-08-01T18:45:00.000-04:002008-08-01T18:45:00.000-04:00Emma, Emma, Emma. Let me tel you about Emma. She t...Emma, Emma, Emma. Let me tel you about Emma. She took my class at the college and sat at the back of the room, so quiet and so shy, I honestly didn't think she would make it through the course.<BR/><BR/>Then the last couple of sessions she began to blossom. Now, every time I see her posting on a list or in a group, I get such a feeling of warmth. For someone who I think was considering quitting, she has embraced this industry with such enthusiasm. You can see an excellent interview with her on my Life as a Publisher today.<BR/><BR/>And perhaps it is time I organize a retreat. Not enough people are serious enough for the college to have me back..sniff sniff...but retreat...hmmmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-23438622071819182202008-08-01T18:42:00.000-04:002008-08-01T18:42:00.000-04:00LJ, aren't you cute. Write? I wish! I miss it drea...LJ, aren't you cute. Write? I wish! I miss it dreafully, but I tell everyone very honestly that I am a much better publisher than I am author.<BR/><BR/>I still come up with great story ideas and I have a book file that all my outlines and stuff go into. Like right now I am outlining a new mystery series set in a Maryland Baytown with a relocated big city cop and his kid.<BR/><BR/>I have not given up om the writing, but until one or more of my authors sells a million copies, I am too busy traveling to festivals and promoting. :)<BR/><BR/>KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-17867351433707754832008-08-01T18:38:00.000-04:002008-08-01T18:38:00.000-04:00Janet,That is the key with readers, you very much ...Janet,<BR/><BR/>That is the key with readers, you very much control what publishers do. Maybe not so much how we do it, but without reader input as to how a book reads, what authors are worth another book, if you hate all our covers,etc. We have nothing to base our strategies on.<BR/><BR/>If reders were to be more open with publishers we would know what sucks so we don't waste our money doing it again.<BR/><BR/>Trinkets for example, I am hearing more and more that readers don't care about them. <BR/><BR/>We want to know, so keep telling us.<BR/><BR/>KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-74541036572829620572008-08-01T18:36:00.000-04:002008-08-01T18:36:00.000-04:00Jennie,I have been to your festival several times....Jennie,<BR/><BR/>I have been to your festival several times. I used to live in Memphis and I like SFB in Nashville so much better.<BR/><BR/>I could not justify the trip this year with Bouchercon in our backyard. We are debuting a new book at the conference, but I reckon I can make it down to see ya'll next year!<BR/><BR/>kAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-77408597386028260602008-08-01T18:34:00.000-04:002008-08-01T18:34:00.000-04:00Rene, you shouldn't have any time to wait. You sho...Rene, you shouldn't have any time to wait. You should be working your butt off to get events set up, scheduling your festivals and doing announcement mailings. Ha, time to wait. ppsshaaw.<BR/><BR/>KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-91402120272051421042008-08-01T17:31:00.000-04:002008-08-01T17:31:00.000-04:00Hi Karen! Love your blogs, great information. Here...Hi Karen! Love your blogs, great information. Here's a readers POV on connecting to readers, as I'm not an author (yet!) I would say conferences, book groups, and networking are three effective ways to reach readers. Of the last three books I ordered off of Amazon, two were for a book group and one was by an author I met at a conference who subsequently connected to me through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Goodreads. As a reader I'm always honored to connect to a published author, and it makes me more likely to buy his or her books.<BR/><BR/>And here's a question: Karen, are you going to teach any more classes anytime soon? Maybe "Getting Published 2.0?" Ooo, or maybe a fancy retreat/workshop. That would be awesome.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-80686301430838011692008-08-01T17:14:00.000-04:002008-08-01T17:14:00.000-04:00Hi KarenAre you still writing novels? And if you a...Hi Karen<BR/><BR/>Are you still writing novels? And if you are, how do you structure your day? How you do decide when you have time to write? There's always a million other things to do (online promotion, editing, correspondence, website updates). Doesn't it seem nearly impossible to be a novelist and publisher at the same time?<BR/>Lj<BR/><BR/>L.J. Sellers<BR/>The Sex Club<BR/>"A thrilling eye-opening read." — Mystery Scene magazineL.J. Sellershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213491074676394406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-61349686737535473712008-08-01T15:39:00.000-04:002008-08-01T15:39:00.000-04:00Hi, This is Jane St Clair from Good Reads. I just ...Hi, This is Jane St Clair from Good Reads. I just got to be an author a few months ago, so I still think of myself as a reader. To answer your question, Karen, I think readers don't think in terms of influencing publishers. We just think you know what you are doing and you will find the best stuff for us to read. Your blurbs and promotions are all so good, they always give me the sense of "so many books, so little time."<BR/><BR/>www.janestclair.net that's meJane St Clairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04930206717456365932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-22142055744912839862008-08-01T14:30:00.000-04:002008-08-01T14:30:00.000-04:00Popping in to say hello! My book, Searching For A ...Popping in to say hello! My book, Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery just came out last month from Quake, Karen's younger book division...<BR/> As for events - it's trial and error; so far my best sales were at a Dachshund event, but well, my cover explains that. ha! Still testing the waters to see what works and doesn't!<BR/> By the way, I'm blogging daily this month on writing and other stuff so stop by and comment!<BR/><BR/>Chris Verstraete<BR/>http://candiddcanine.blogspot.comCA Verstraetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00824300762520579768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-11442109613109211202008-08-01T14:26:00.000-04:002008-08-01T14:26:00.000-04:00Hey, Karen - if you like festivals, how's about co...Hey, Karen - if you like festivals, how's about coming to Nashville in October? We've got the Southern Festival of Books back here for good - it's been alternating with Memphis for the past couple of years... oh, wait; I forgot! It's the same weekend as Bouchercon. Oh, well. For anyone who's not going to Baltimore, and who wants to meet either 200+ authors or 30,000 readers over a three day period, consider coming to Nashville!Jennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01442754671445893599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-72559924852014887532008-08-01T14:17:00.000-04:002008-08-01T14:17:00.000-04:00I did review PSI Blue and loved it - waiting for t...I did review PSI Blue and loved it - waiting for the sequel.<BR/><BR/>Pat R.Pat R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03506208758752835844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-5321522847374040832008-08-01T13:59:00.000-04:002008-08-01T13:59:00.000-04:00Great advice! My first book will be released somet...Great advice! My first book will be released sometime in October or November of 2008 and I can't wait. Well I have to because I'm waiting on the pre-publication reviews. *shudder* I was trying to tell someone the other day just how important readers are..without them, what's the point? Right? Thanks so much for your awesome words! Love them!<BR/><BR/>Rene' MorrisRene Perezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04930344816090719826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-85579197485251759732008-08-01T13:25:00.000-04:002008-08-01T13:25:00.000-04:00This is good to know. Feel free to review our book...This is good to know. Feel free to review our books any time. :)<BR/><BR/>Okay, folks, I have to take a little break. Have to drive to Virginia. I will boot up when I get to the hotel in two hours or so and then you get to the really juicy stuff.<BR/><BR/>Doesn't anyone want to ask me about the gritty details?<BR/><BR/>Back soon!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-28739081551249546512008-08-01T13:21:00.000-04:002008-08-01T13:21:00.000-04:00I like book signings. Don't need trinkets or book...I like book signings. Don't need trinkets or book marks. I do a lot of reviews and if I review a good book I normally try to buy any other books that author has written.<BR/><BR/>I usually get the book for review for free but it leads me to buy more books and I usually pass the book on to another reader friend who will do a review as well so it is two for the price of one.<BR/><BR/>I agree on your remarks about Dorothy L. but it goes up and down.<BR/><BR/>Pat R.Pat R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03506208758752835844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-69794671739606366992008-08-01T12:44:00.000-04:002008-08-01T12:44:00.000-04:00I am a fiend for marketing and promoting. I often ...I am a fiend for marketing and promoting. I often pose questions from a pubisher's point of view asking what readers want.<BR/><BR/>Book signings?<BR/>Guests at Readers Groups?<BR/>Bookmarks?<BR/>Trinkets?<BR/><BR/>Things like that. What turns readers off? I know I am on DorothyL and sometimes I get so frustrated because I see that as a place for readers to talk about books, not a place for authors to whine about their books, or bad reviews, or stuff like that.<BR/><BR/>As a publisher and an author, I want to know what readers think. I take the bad along with the good. I ahve made myself approachable enough that if a reader gets one of our books and has a problem with it, they come to me and tell me. And I pay attention.<BR/><BR/>I hate readings, but I love being in a store and having people come up and talk to me. I do sometimes get frustrated when writers/authors come up to an event and want to pitch me. There is a time and a place, and when I am in a signing place, I don't want to reject authors. I want to meet readers!<BR/><BR/>I'd love to know what readers think of our books, our covers, our authors. I just want to know!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-30035131685104951542008-08-01T12:36:00.000-04:002008-08-01T12:36:00.000-04:00How would you want readers to get more active? Th...How would you want readers to get more active? The readers I know participate in newsgroups, check out what each other is reading, trade recommendations.<BR/><BR/>And read, read, read.<BR/><BR/>Pat ReidPat R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03506208758752835844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-9054200936453154502008-08-01T11:57:00.000-04:002008-08-01T11:57:00.000-04:00That's one of the reasons I posted the event on Go...That's one of the reasons I posted the event on GoodReads. That seems to be the one place where there are as many readers as authors.<BR/><BR/>I often wonder how to get the readers more active in the industry. Do you think we scare them?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com