Wicked Wednesday - oh those pretty, pretty covers

Book covers. This is where I like to have complete control. Maybe not do the actual design myself, but to puppet a talented artist to do it just the way I want it. I used to dream I'd have Michael Whelan as my own personal cover artist.

All the books I've self-published, I designed the covers and I'm immensely pleased with them. I bought the images from a host site (Dreamstime), and I manipulated them to suit the stories. I spent as much time on the font as the images themselves. It's tough work making a cover perfect. It takes a long time. Time I'd rather spend writing.

For my Dice & Debauchery books, I have very little input on the covers. I filled out a questionnaire and described my main characters, but that's all the say I get in it. I knew I wouldn't have any control in this when I signed the contract. I weighed it against the benefits of having a publisher for this series. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I at least kind of like the covers when I see them.

Next year, I'm self-publishing an urban fantasy novel. I'm going to hire a cover artist to do it for me. I'll have much more input than I do with my publisher, but not as much as I do if I did it myself. I tried finding images that would work for a cover, but nothing stood out for me. Nothing I wanted for this book. It has to be unique. It has to be made to suit it.

If you're published, did you design your own covers or did someone else? Do you like having control or are you much more easy-going about it than I am?

Confessions From A Coffee Shop Blog Tour - guest post from T.B. Markinson

 I'm excited to welcome here today the wonderfully talented T.B. Markinson to talk about her adventure when she first self-published. Enjoy!

Howdy Christine! It’s wonderful to be here today. You have some of the most supportive blogging buddies and I always enjoying visiting.

Thank goodness your visitors are kind since I have a confession to make. Many people assume since I’ve self-published three novels that I’m comfortable with technology. I wish that was the case, but I’m not. When I lived in the States, I was fortunate to have friends who were tech whizzes. In fact, I worked in an audio visual department. I wasn’t a tech, but I scheduled the appointments for the techs. At one point, our department hired a supervisor who knew less than me. One of the techs joked, “He probably doesn’t know what LCD stands for.” Everyone laughed while I sat at my computer and Googled what does LCD stand for. Just in case you want to know it stands for liquid crystal display.

When I decided to self-publish I had to take a crash course in publishing technology. In the very beginning, a reviewer asked me for a mobi file. What? How in the world was I going to find Moby Dick? Again, I Googled what the reviewer wanted and realized I did have a mobi file. That’s the type of file Amazon requires for uploading ebooks. Whew, one thing learned.

Time for another confession. When I published my first novel, I didn’t even own an ereader. I know, I know. I just published an ebook and I had to read it on my laptop. I felt like a hypocrite and a fool. My partner took pity on me and gave me one for my birthday. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would get used to it. Like many others who resisted the ebook craze for years, I wondered if it could replace the feel of a real book. I’m not sure it will ever do that, but I have to admit I love that I can carry an entire library with me at all times. And if I don’t want to carry my Kindle Fire, I now have a smaller Kindle. Sometimes though, even the small one doesn’t fit into my plans. Thank goodness for my cell phone, which I always carry. I am never without a book now. For someone who struggles with technology, I’ve managed to acquire some knowledge and a few devices. Right now I keep dropping hints that I want an iPad. Christmas is coming.

What does this mean for others who want to self-publish? At times it may feel like an uphill battle. You may have more technical knowledge (most people do), but there will still be things you’ll have to learn. But don’t let it discourage you. The best thing I’ve learned is to ask. Authors are the friendliest bunch. I have emailed many and asked them questions. No one has ever said, “Gosh you’re an idiot.” Instead they answer my question and usually give me more tips and advice. If you want to self-publish don’t let anything get in your way. And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” None of us did in the early stages. Go ahead and ask for help. You can even email me. Chances are I won’t know the answer, but I probably know someone who does. Self-publishing doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.

Blurb: Cori Tisdale was on top of the world. A basketball star at Harvard and a promising author with a lucrative book deal.

A few years later, Cori’s life is falling apart. Her beautiful girlfriend, Kat Finn, has a shopping addiction. To make ends meet, Cori takes a part-time job at a coffee shop.

Just when Cori thinks her life can’t get any worse, an old crush appears out of the blue. Cori’s friendship with Samantha Clarke pushes Cori further into a dangerous abyss when Sam reveals two secrets to Cori and asks her not to tell a soul, including Kat.

Will this be the end of Cori’s and Kat’s relationship?

Buy the book here:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

About the Author: T. B. Markinson is a 40-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. T. B. has published A Woman Lost, Marionette, and Confessions From A Coffee Shop.

Mailing List: Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Links: Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

Holiday Interview and Giveaway with David Salnave

The fire is crackling merrily and the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the house. The room is large but cozy, and filled with happy friends and family. Everyone is smiling and a few people have eggnog mustaches. There's a big tree in the corner with presents piled high underneath. I think the elf on the shelf just winked at you.

Come on in and take a seat by the fire. I want to introduce you to an old friend of mine. Someone who would always make me laugh in the mornings so I could get through the cold winter days. Please welcome David Salnave, comedian and author of To Kids From One to Ninety Two.

Put on your favorite Christmas album and grab a cup of hot cocoa, To Kids From One to Ninety Two is just what you need to get into the spirit of the season. A collection of Christmas cheer with just the right amount of cheese, these stories are a reminder to ADULTS of all ages that we should never get too old, or busy, or cool to enjoy the holidays with childlike wonder. 

Christine: I'm excited to have you here. I'm even more excited that you've published a wonderful book that makes me giggle, and feel warm and fuzzy too. What inspired you to write this book?

David: There were many inspirations behind this book. From my family and friends, to the fond Christmas memories and great Christmas stories I grew up on. I have a lot of Christmas Spirit that has been passed on to me, and I have always been eager to share it with others.

C: Publishing the book was a great way to share your cheer with others. What's your favorite thing about the holidays?

D: My favorite thing about the holidays is that it gives people an excuse to set everything else aside and enjoy the things that matter most to them. Family, friends, charity, taking a break from the grind. Sometimes we lose sight of what we need most in life.

C: That's so true. I've heard a lot of stories about your family. What do they think about the book?

D: Well, once they figured out that it wasn't a joke, they were very happy for me. That reminds me, I need to give out some guilt trips to those who have not yet bought their copy!

C: I've already bought mine!  What's your favorite part of the book?

D: I think I had the most fun writing the introduction. That is where I really spoke person to person with the reader the most. The intro really gives the reader a clear picture of what the thought process behind this book was. 

C: What affected your decision to self publish? And do you have any advice for writers wanting to do so?

D: I think time and inexperience were the biggest factors. I do not regret self publishing, but there is a lot that you have to be careful of. As for advice, check and recheck your work. Trust me, there will be something you missed. Better you catch it then someone else.

C: And there always seems like something we miss. Do you have any projects in the works?

D: I will be writing a new Christmas story for next year called the Christmas Consultant. Its about a man who makes a living making Christmas dreams come true for others, but never really took the time to focus on his own happiness. It's sort of like Hitch meets White Christmas.

C: Awesome! I can't wait to read it. Thank you so much for stopping by. Feel free to mingle and help yourself to the cookies.

David has some fantastic gifts for all of you. He's giving away a signed paperback copy of his book, an e-copy of his book, and three video Christmas cards. To enter, leave a comment below along with your email address. In one week, the winners will be chosen by Random.org.

Bio: David Salnave is a born and bred New Yorker who has been writing and doing standup comedy for the past four years. He prides himself on being a pretty tough guy, but has always had a big soft spot in his heart for the Christmas season. It's the only time of year when he allows himself to be as sappy and childlike as he can be. He's a firm believer that we all need to make time in our lives to just focus on being happy, and that Christmas provides us with the perfect opportunity to do so. David hopes his writing helps people to remember this, and to maintain perspective on what is most important in life.

Check out David's spotlight here!

You can buy a copy of To Kids From One To Ninety Two on Lulu.