Hi guys. So a few months back I placed fourth in the second annual sci-fi contest on this website, and using that bit of positive encouragement to channel a short story into a full novel, I just published my debut. If you're a fan of sci-fi I would recommend that you give it a read, especially if you're an Unlimited subscriber. I take sci-fi's traditional tropes and both use them and turn them on their heads, leading to something that I hope is ultimately pretty unique. As everyone here is no doubt aware, self-promotion is arguably even harder than the writing process itself, as it stands I'm just trying to see the forest for the trees. Social media feels more of an obligation than a fun venture at this point, but at the same time I've made a few sales already and the feeling from that is as exhilarating as it is frightening. There's also a kindle version of the novel available, but somehow the paperback and kindle version's aren't being shown on the same page even when they should. The kindle link is here: If anyone has any general tips and advice for me, I would be more than happy to hear it. So far I'm sending out copies to book review blogs, I'm slowly but surely exploring promotion via social media (reddit, tumblr, imgur, the like), and have been posting about my publication on several forums. Is there anyone here who achieved considerable success in the matter? Cheers.
I'm not sure I understand. Where what is? The book? I linked to it in my post, twice no less, to paperback and the kindle version. I'm... confused.
Maybe the links don't work for some people. For the record, I can see it. Also, where did you get the art for the cover? Looks good.
I can see the links too. Congratulations on top 100 for the month. I can see it's based off of you submission for the 2013 contest.
Ok, looks like the cover is an original work by professional freelance artist Andree Wallin called Deep Impact. http://andreewallin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/127.jpg http://www.wallartrockers.com/13-Andree-Wallin-Contemporary-3D-render-digital-art-video-game--Halo--sci-fi-scene-large-format-acrylic-wall-art..htm He's a conceptual artist that has worked on Godzilla, Oblivion and other major productions, so to commission him would not be cheap. Unless you're Andree (and Tim Arthur is a pseudonym), commissioned this work yourself, or can prove it is in public domain, you're gonna be seriously open to a lawsuit by either Andree Wallin or the copyright holder, considering his background and status. And the fact that I could find all this out so easily and quickly means it won't take long. Self-publishers take note: You can't just use images you find online for your own commercial interests! It's a breach of copyright and can land you in some serious trouble. Just because it's online doesn't mean you can use it for whatever you like, especially not something you're selling. Edit: Looks like he either added, or I missed, a credit line referencing Wallin's deviantart page. Unfortunately that's NOT going to cut it unless he has given specific written permission to use the image in exchange for that credit, which he may well have done. If so, great, and hope the book sells.
Weird, I can't see the links either but they showed up when I hit "reply". But when I cut and paste them they don't show up either. Could it be the Mac browsers? This is what I see on reply but the links don't work: Code: [MEDIA=amazon]1502435144[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=amazon]B00ONU4ZQS[/MEDIA] Is this it? OK, more weird, the forum changes the address to the one that doesn't work.
OK, let me try this: Synthesis Alpha Nope, it leads to a dead link. Try copying and pasting: Code: http://www.amazon.com/Synthesis-Alpha-1-Tim-Arthur/dp/1502435144/ref=la_B00OKCDJES_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413864328&sr=1-1 Yep, that works. Sometimes this forum's software is bizarro.
Tim, Congratulations on publishing your novel, and welcome to the club! A bit of advice. You WILL get people who do not like your work, and you WILL get bad reviews. Do not take them personally, but instead read them at least five times and then laugh. Your most valuable reviews will be the 3 Star reviews. They will include the good, the bad, and the feels. These are what you want to pay attention to. Also, if that cover is not paid for, take it down immediately. I tried for a week to purchase my cover from a stock photo website, made several attempts to order (my bank had some weird address linked to my card that wasn't working for the billing address), called them with my intent to purchase and informed them that my book was going live, and I was begging them to take my money, and they still threatened legal action. Over a $25 picture. It all worked out in the end, but even with the cover photo, I had to follow guidelines on how it was to be presented, how the artist was to be credited. Moral of the story, take care of that cover immediately. At least you didn't make the mistake of putting up an unedited copy of your novel like I did. I was lucky that my story was good enough that most people overlooked it, but some didn't.
