The Next Part

All right, it’s been a month since we last visited… so what’s been going on?

Eyes in the Black is doing well from all indicators, which is amazing, humbling, mind blowing, et al. If this were a multiple choice quiz, my answer would definitely be D. All of the Above! I appreciate the feedback we’re getting from friends and strangers alike.

I should say that we appreciate and all commentary. ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another’ is a truism as well as a Proverb. Criticisms and critiques are as welcome (okay, maybe not as welcome, but we still want ‘em!) as applause and praise. It’s kind of funny, but I’m always wary of praise. Not because I don’t like it, but because I don’t think we ever feel as writers that we’re deserving of it. We all know we can do better and strive for that. It’s a big part of what drives me to write more.

So that being said, we encourage your comments and thoughts. I really hope that we can inspire aspiring writers to pursue their dream and metaphorically put pen to paper. It’s an incredible feeling to just kick it in the ass and get going, believe me!

There are speed bumps, to be certain. Editing, voice talent search for the Audible, formatting, marketing, artwork just to name a few. You have to think on these things, which I really didn’t do until the book was written. Thankfully, Cyd has a lot of experience in the music industry that translates into the publishing world of the written. Whew!

You need to look for a good editor. No matter how good a writer you are, an editor who has experience in the genre you’re swimming through is like finding gold. A fellow author named Bill Webb who has become a bit of a mentor to me advised me on this. He said a good editor will ‘punch up’ your story with very subtle word changes or suggestions. I’ve already experienced the truth of that statement in a new series I’m engaged in.

Another great thing, if you can afford it, is to get a good marketing team to work with on your post-writing book selling. Cyd thankfully knew a great one in Ment Marketing Services out of Bryan, Texas. (So, Amelia, if you read this, know that I think you and your team are rock stars!) Navigating the world of search engines, marketing materials, ads, etc., is something far better left to those with clues.

On a side note, have you noticed how few people seem to actually have a clue? A lot of people have opinions, far fewer truly know what the hell they’re talking about. Probably just as true now as when the first caveman drew art on the wall of a hole in the ground!

The journey is fun, the people you get to meet bring more color to your world and the writing you do is good for your soul. We encourage you to ‘scratch that itch’ if you think you can write. Don’t dither. Reach out to us if you have any questions. Cyd and I are happy to help, if we can!

So, next time I’ll tell you about some upcoming projects and ideas. Have a great November and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Craig