Ruth Kaufman - Award-Winning Author and Romance Writer

Ruth Kaufman is the author of My Life as a Star, My Life as an Extra, My Once & Future Love, The Bride Tournament, Follow Your Heart, At His Command and other books.

Book publicity: how much & what works?

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I believe that, unless sales are through the roof, authors can’t do enough to get the word out about their books. But what works for one author might not work for another, and we must balance time spent with cost, and still make time to write and release new product.

Do I currently have a formal marketing plan? No. Do I try to stay on top of promotional opportunities and regularly promote to develop a great mix of reviews, blogs/articles and ads? Yes. Of course I’d love huge sales increases, but I’ve read that the frequency of impressions needed to get people to take action has increased from seven to 10. So I’m focusing on growing awareness

Here area few recent and upcoming results:

THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT  received a great review from Publishers Weekly, and is currently front and center on Booklife.com. Highlights: “Kaufman hits her stride with this enjoyable third entry in her War of the Roses Brides series….”  “Appealing protagonists, a satisfying pace, engaging supporting characters, and numerous obstacles to overcome combine in this emotionally satisfying romance.”

A post about TBT on Romance Lives Forever was tweeted and retweeted for several days. I stopped counting when the total reach passed 630,000!
And coming March 2: my first BookBub, such a popular and selective discount and free book daily email that I’ve been refused multiple times (as have many other authors I know). It costs hundreds of dollars, depending on your genre and countries you wish to include, but word on the street is that the thousands of downloads make it worth the price.
This and other promotion will be in conjunction with making AT HIS COMMAND free for 5 days. How many downloads will I get? Will sales of my other books increase? Stay tuned!

Valentine’s Day Blog Hop Featuring Heros

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Hello and welcome! I’m Richard Courtenay, Earl of Glasmere.

My thanks to Ruth for telling my story in THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT and for hosting me today and to you for stopping by. Please comment on your favorite characteristic in a hero for a chance to win one of three copies of Ruth’s first book, AT HIS COMMAND.

What is your strength?
I would have to say patience. The lovely Eleanor can be quite strong-willed and full of, shall we say, interesting ideas that she’s convinced are for the best. Plus, as I’m sure you know, even in your time, politics can be trying. 
What is your weakness?
Trust. After you’ve allowed yourself to open up and be vulnerable to accept what you thought was love only to be cruelly betrayed…it’s very difficult let anyone else breach the armor you’ve created around your heart. Especially when said someone is doing her best to find you a better and more willing bride because she wishes to wed her betrothed, but you find yourself intrigued nonetheless.
What would you like to get on Valentine’s Day?
Chaucer is believed to be the first to associate this day with romantic love. In the 1460s, when I first met Lady Eleanor de la Tour and was offered her hand in marriage, Valentine’s Day hadn’t yet come into vogue, as they say. Now, I confess I would like to receive chocolate. I do enjoy a good piece of chocolate, preferably with hazelnuts. The way it melts on your tongue…. 
What would be your perfect date?
 Unfortunately we One of our first “dates” was what you call a picnic. We had an interesting al fresco luncheon. She just looked so lovely sitting on a cloth on the grass arranging the foodstuffs I’d brought, and I was so pleased to be with her, I wanted that moment to last. So I’d say another picnic, on a perfect sunny day with a slight breeze. I’d select items to tempt her palate and please her.   
What are you giving the heroine for Valentine’s Day?
Eleanor loves chocolate even more than I. We share many things, but can be possessive when it comes to sweets. So I’ll be giving her a large box of her favorites, just for her. Which means no fruit allowed except for raisins, and only milk chocolate.    
Giveaway:
Ruth is honored to give away an ebook of AT HIS COMMAND to three random visitors who comment below about their favorite characteristic in a hero.

List of authors participating in the hop:
I hope you’ll visit them all to learn about their heros and enter their giveaways.

25 things authors should know about Amazon: Self-publish via 5) KDP 6) CreateSpace

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This is part three of my series explaining “25 things authors want to know about Amazon but didn’t know to ask“introduced on Romance Author Marketing Network.

Post one is here.

Post two is here.

Before I self-published, I kept hearing things like, “Just put your books up on Amazon,” as if doing so were simple. Well, IMO, it’s not. There are many many steps to complete. Every time I did the happy dance after getting past one, I had to stop and figure out the next. To me, the amount of clicking back and forth and finding information you need to enter was dizzying. I hope it’s easier for you because you can make decisions in advance.

To self-publish ebooks for Kindle, you need Kindle Direct Publishing. You can sign in with your already existing Amazon account info.

You’ll start by creating a new title on your Bookshelf. After entering details about your book, such as title, publisher and a description (aka back cover copy), you have to verify that you have the rights to your content. Next, you choose your browse categories by drilling down in the provided list. Where would readers look for your book in a store?

Is your book ready to release now? Do you want to do a preorder so you can promote your book before it goes live (read up on whether these sales count toward your Amazon ranking or not)? You’ll need to answer these questions.

The cover comes next. You can upload one already designed or assay their Cover Creator, which offers some pre-designed covers you can customize and an image gallery (or your own images) to start from scratch.  My suggestion: do not do your own cover unless you’re a designer. A good cover isn’t enough…yours has to be competitive with top sellers in your subgenre. Layout, fonts, colors, images, text…when working with a designer you still need to make most of the choices, but you’ll have guidance.

Next you decide whether or not to enable DRM, digital rights management, which impacts how readers can share your book. There are proponents for both options, so read up on which is right for you.

Now you’ll upload your book’s content. This isn’t just the manuscript. You need front and back matter. Look at books on your e-reader or on Amazon for ideas of what to include.

The content must be properly formatted. I’ve seen many posts about problems with this step. I hired a formatter for two reasons. One, worrying about these things (margins, spacing, fonts for text and chapter headers, scene spacers, etc. makes my head explode. Two, if it doesn’t upload correctly, they have to fix it. Even so, you’ll still have to make most of the decisions and let your formatter know what you want. You’ll want to review your book after it’s formatted via the “Preview Your Book” option. Check carefully for spacing and other errors.

Whew. Now we’re on to Rights & Pricing. How much do you want to charge for your book, and in what countries? I could do an entire post on this topic. Finally, are you “going wide,” meaning selling on as many vendors as possible (meaning you’ll need to repeat this uploading process with every vendor or use a distributor like Smashwords [of course there are pros and cons])? If you’re only going with Amazon, as I’m doing, you can decide about KDP Select, which puts your book in Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library

Do you want print books, too? Some think e-only is enough. I have print because: if I give a workshop or attend an event, it’s great to have examples and copies to sell (you can purchase author copies at a discount via CS), you have to have print if you want to do certain giveaways, such as on Goodreads, and I’ve had several readers ask for a print version. The cost to you includes a cover formatted for a print book (with a spine, etc.) and a print-formatted text file (unless you do it yourself).

Head over to CreateSpace. CS is its own platform. There is a way to covert your CS book to Kindle, but I’ve read too many things about formatting problems to give that a shot. You’ll need to make many more interior and exterior decisions, such as book size (for some reason, there’s no mass market size [though supposedly there’s a workaround], so they offer assorted trade paperback sizes) bleed, paper color, and matte or glossy cover.

How are you going to price your paperback…without sending readers into sticker shock, but still allowing you to earn some royalties? I just didn’t think most people would try a new author if the price was over $10.

Questions, comments?

More 25 things authors should know about Amazon: 3) Imprints & 4) Kindle Worlds

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If you prefer traditional to self-publishing, consider submitting to one of 3) Amazon Publishing’s 14 (!) imprints, listed at http://www.apub.com/.    

Each imprint releases different genres and types of books. For example, Thomas & Mercer is for mystery, thriller and suspense, while Grand Harbor Press is for personal growth, self-help and inspirational works and Two Lions is for kids’ books. When you click on each, you’re taken to that imprint’s books on Amazon. There aren’t any posted submission guidelines, probably because their site says Amazon Publishing doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions at this time. So, as with many other traditional publishers, you’ll need an agent.

4) Via Kindle Worlds, authors can self-publish fan fiction in the worlds of certain popular TV shows such as The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars, best-selling authors such as Kathryn Le Veque’s World of de Wolfe Pack and J.A. Konrath’s Jack Daniels and Associates, and comics. There are currently 49 worlds from which to choose. I suggest checking out what’s already available in your world of choice and assessing which are selling the most before writing yours.

Make sure to follow the instructions and rules as you write a novella or book in that “world.” And, as with any publishing agreement, read the KW agreement very carefully.

Then you’ll need to set up a KW account to upload your manuscript. You’re responsible for designing (and paying for your own cover), making sure to leave room for both the KW log and the individual world’s logo. They offer some free images to help you create one, but as with any self-published book, if you’re not a capable of creating a competitive cover, I’d suggest hiring a designer. Amazon sets the price and offers 35% of net revenue as a standard royalty rate paid monthly for ebook projects over 10,000 words. You can now write shorter stories, too. And there are royalties offered for hardcover, paperback and audio should you be interested in those formats.

KW has its own section in Kindle Books and its own bestseller lists. And there’s a blog geared toward readers and authors.

I’m in the progress of testing the KW waters…and will keep you posted. I’ve heard that novellas do better than full-length novels, so that’s what I’m writing.

Stay tuned!

25 things authors want to know about Amazon but didn’t know to ask: 1) Kindle Scout & 2) Write On

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I recently posted about “25 things authors want to know about Amazon but didn’t know to ask” on Romance Author Marketing Network. When I decided to self-publish, I had no idea what “putting your book on Amazon” really meant, and was surprised to uncover so many sites and things authors can do to make the most of Amazon.

Whatever you do, make sure you read all of the contracts, and usage and rights information, carefully.
I said I’d discuss each of the 25 things in more detail, so here we go with 1) and 2):
If you’re not ready to publish but want to get your GAN (great American novel) into the public eye, consider 1) Kindle Scout or 2) Write On by Kindle. 

1) On the just over a year old kindlescout, “readers help decide” which never-before-published books get a contract from Kindle Press to publish your books on Amazon only.  (Note: Kindle Press doesn’t have its own site) Basically you need to be ready to publish to participate. After authors meet submission requirements, including completing a checklist that requires you to have a great cover, book description, bio and more, you accept the KP Submission & Publishing Agreement. That says you give them a 45-day exclusive. And if you get a contract, which offers a $1,500 advance and assorted royalties, but don’t earn $25,000 in 5 years, you can request your rights back. 

I’d bet not many books will earn out $25K. I checked out a few that weren’t highly ranked, and a few that were. Publisher credits read, “Published by Kindle Press, Seattle” (year) and “A Kindle Scout Selection.”

Once your submission is accepted, you’re supposed to get the word out about your upcoming 30-day campaign. Readers view submissions, which include an excerpt of approximately 5,000 words, then nominate up to three books they like. They get a free book (and are asked to leave a review) if KP publishes one of their nominations.

Here’s one post about how KS works. Several posts I read mention that KP does some editing, which should help make the book better but would delay publication.

2) I should have made this number 1, because the less than a year old writeon by kindle (what’s with the lower case/one word names?) is called a story lab, and accepts works in progress and shorter pieces such as stories. Readers can like parts or all of a post, offer feedback via comments (to which the author can respond) and follow authors they like. Discussion forums offer another way to make connections. Authors can also ask for specific kinds of feedback by adding a Writer’s Request. 

Covers are required, and while some are obviously placeholders, many look like professional covers. If your story does well, it might make the trending list on the home page or the landing pages of any of 18 categories from romance to memoir. At the moment, Romance offers 538 results. The first listing on Romance Trending has 612 likes, 1849 reads and 121 follows, while the last has 19 likes, 38 reads and 4 follows. 

Write On has generated very little commentary in the blogosphere.

What do you think of these sites, as an author and/or a reader? 


Release Day! The Bride Tournament

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The Bride Tournament, my standalone third novel, releases today!

RT Book Reviews says, “The third book in the Wars of the Roses Brides series is an intriguing and enjoyable story. Kaufman writes well-developed and sympathetic characters with clear motivations. The Bride Tournament is a page-turner of a historical romance that will have readers rooting for a happy ending.”

And I love RT’s summary: “On the day of her wedding, Lady Eleanor de la Tour gets the surprise of her life: King Edward has disallowed her from marrying her beloved Arthur, and instead she is expected to marry Richard Courtenay, the new Earl of Glasmere. Because she still loves Arthur, she decides to hold a bride tournament to find another woman who is a better match for Richard. However, the more Richard appears to accept her plan the more Eleanor starts to believe she’s made a mistake — despite Richard’s quest to practice alchemy and the affect it could have on her family. Will these two ever find peace with one another?”

How I got the idea for this book: The opening scene popped into my head. Then I thought, “What if the heroine did something to make sure the groom she was told to marry had a better bride, so she could marry her betrothed?”

Learning about medieval tournaments was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed researching alchemy, the process of turning base metals into gold or perhaps leading to the fountain of youth or other results, depending on which source you follow. 

I hope readers love this story and the Eleanor and Richard’s journey….
 

Out with the old, in with the new….

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At this time of year, it’s hard not to reflect on the months gone by, and consider what the new year will bring. What I have I achieved? What could I have done better or differently? What did I most enjoy?

In 2015, I released two historical romance novels. My third, THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT, in which the Gone With the Wind love triangle meets The Bachelor, scheduled to release January 7th. I’m offering three copies for a Goodreads giveaway.

And my first two books were also in boxed sets. AT HIS COMMAND is in Castles, Knights and Chivalry, and FOLLOW YOUR HEART is in Highlanders, Lords and Lovers.

I’m writing a novella I hope to release in February. Because it’s a different time period and setting, the research (though interesting) is slowing me down. More details on that soon.

And I’m preparing for the start of a new paranormal medieval series, perhaps in April. The first book is written, the second was my NaNoWriMo project. Can I finish in time for a July release? And will readers follow or will I be starting all over again because of the addition of significant paranormal elements?

From time to time I think about the second book I wrote, which I haven’t released yet. It’s got a lot more actual history than the books I’ve released…not quite historical fiction, but more than most say readers like in historical romance. Of course I love the story, which is based on an actual letter that was written but never delivered. What should I do with that, and manuscripts I’ve completed in other genres?

Here’s to a Happy New Year!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Bride Tournament by Ruth Kaufman

 The Bride Tournament

 by Ruth Kaufman

 Giveaway ends January 05, 2016.

 See the giveaway details
 at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

The Scrinch (Scrooge + Grinch) and Holiday Gratitude

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Instead of being my usual Scrinchy (Scrooge and Grinch) self this time of year because of all of the muss and fuss, I’m going to focus on why I’m grateful for the holidays:

1) I usually work at home, and the seemingly endless construction of a new house behind me stopped early today. And there won’t be any on Christmas. 
2) The popular coffee shop I often go to when constructively evicted by hammering, sawing, drilling, engines running and/or trucks beeping was blissfully empty and quiet this morning. 
3) More time to just write. I’m working on a new project–a novella. More on this soon. 
There are so many other hats to wear as an author, from cover designer and blurb writer for upcoming books to getting more reviews for current releases to doing more promotion to growing my newsletter list so I can occasionally share news with readers (I hope you’ll sign up!). Any of these tasks could take an entire day. So while businesses are closed and no acting/VO emails arrive, I’ll write.
4) Holiday music. I’ve been listening to Pandora’s Christmas station and Chicago radio station 93.1’s all-Christmas programming. I enjoy classics sung by Perry Como, Bing Crosby and others, but I prefer choral arrangements.
5) Some people may have (and even enjoy) many gatherings and events and/or holiday guests. My family just gets together for a quiet meal and gift exchange. So while others cook and clean and entertain, I plan to write. 
6) A personal end of December tradition is to go through my filing cabinets and closets. So far I’ve recycled four garbage bags of papers. I like to start out the new year organized. Clean out the old, make way for the new.
7) After Christmas sales. A great time to save money on holiday cards for next year and other items.
8) Holiday cookies. A friend received too many and shared some. 
9) Pretty Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. 
10) When the holidays are over, and regular life resumes.

For my fellow Scrinches (Scrooge + Grinch)

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I am a Scrinch–part Scrooge, part Grinch–someone who doesn’t love the holidays. In part it’s because of how the hustle-bustle of decorating, cookie making, gift buying and giving, party throwing and attending takes over everything else. I’ve already received emails and seen posts about offices closing until January 4. While those who are Gainfully Employed with paid holidays may appreciate all of the downtime and getting paid to take time off, as a feelancing Gainfully Unemployed, I see two weeks without auditions and paying work.

However, I am awaiting the final script for a small VO job, and I have what could be an exciting writing assignment–more on that later.

In part, I admit I feel pressure–to give great gifts and have a wonderful time. What are YOU doing for the holidays? New Year’s Eve? Thankfully, I already have fun NYE plans. Whew.

Several years ago I had a true story published in an anthology. My Scrinchiness abated in 2009 when I portrayed Major Nougat at Winter Wonderfest, a vast indoor holiday amusement park filled with amazing decorations. Interacting and improvising with kids and seeing their true wonder made me appreciate that season.

One thing I do like to do during the holidays is go through all of my drawers, cabinets and closets. Organizing and donating is one way to start the new year fresh with my best foot forward.

How do you feel about the holidays?

Getting out the word about my new release, THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT

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My third book, THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT, releases January 7, 2016. I’m seeking cost-effective ways to get the word out. Amazon shows 1,434 historical romance releases in the past 30 days, so it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. How much time and money am I willing to spend, and how do I predict the best return on my investment?

I’m offering a Goodreads giveaway, during which members can enter to win one of three print copies. Perhaps some of those who sign up will be interested enough to buy it or one of my other books. So far 52 people have entered, with 27 days to go. My investment: Time: less than half an hour Cost: 3 paperbacks + shipping.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Bride Tournament by Ruth Kaufman

The Bride Tournament

by Ruth Kaufman

Giveaway ends January 05, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I’ll be participating in a Facebook party on January 9 in conjunction with another author’s release. Readers can stop by, chat online with authors and comment to win giveaways. I’ll be hosting from 3:30-4:00. Time: half an hour to 4 hours. Cost: whatever I decide to give away.

Reviews: Tracking down reviewers can be time consuming, and costly. Publishers Weekly’s BookLife doesn’t charge, but doesn’t accept that many books, either. I’m fortunate that my first two books were accepted. Time will tell it they’ll review TBT, also.

Kirkus charges $425 with 7-9 week delivery, as does RT Review Source. There are dozens of other places, but each has a separate submission process and time frame, with no guarantee of review. There’s also no guarantee that any review will be good or include a short, well-worded compliment I could use on, say, a bookmark or my website.

And it’s hard to measure the impact even a great review has on potential readers. But you need some reviews if you want to participate in certain promotional publications (amounts and ranking, for example over 4 Amazon stars, vary). And I doubt many readers like coming across a book with no reviews.

Many authors say writing great books is the most important thing. I wouldn’t release a book if I didn’t think it was great, but will readers agree?

Stay tuned….