Jenna. thanks SO MUCH for this! For the record, I like the parts you wrote better than the parts I submitted. Also for the record, I am thrilled/humbled that you would take the time to read my book! (I'd post a bunch of hearts here, but I don't want to look creepy) ❤️😊
A possible tip to boost sales ;) A couple went on Who Wants to Be a Millionaires some years ago and mentioned the book they'd written after quitting their corporate jobs and traveling around the country in an RV - they called it States of Mind inspired by towns that had names that fit. They did not win the contest but their book sales immediately skyrocketed to a high place in AMZN so they made their money that way - (this is like a story you tell around a campfire so shared in the spirit of possible mistakes!) States of Mind: A Search for Faith, Hope, Inspiration, Harmony, Unity, Friendship, Love, Pride, Wisdom, Honor, Comfort, Joy, Bliss, Freedom, Justice, Glory, Triumph, Hardcover – January 1, 1999
by Brad Herzog (Author) - sounds like a kindred spirit!
"Marketing" - letting people know your book even exists is perhaps the biggest challenge. Not sure I'd want to go on a TV show though. In many ways I'm done with being in the spotlight.
Glad to get to know you here Tim! I just bought your book and am excited to start reading. We have such a wonderful opportunity to live in this neighborhood of creative and interesting people that Jenna has created.
Thanks so much, Roberta! I hope you enjoy it. It really is a neighborhood here, isn't it. I love substack because the comments seem to come from real people, and not just angry trolls as on some other social media. Within SS, Jenna's is my favorite read!
Congratulations on publishing your first book Tim! That little blurg that Jenna shared was quite the tease. Can I have your permission to turn it into a movie with AI? Just kidding! Or maybe not... let me know.
It's nice to get to know who you are after sharing Jenna's comment space for so long. You sound like an awesome human being. Amen on the anti-war stance Tim!
"WAR is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives." - General Smedley Butler
Thanks Vee! Jenna really did tee this up for me, didn't she? The AI movie thing is intriguing, for sure. I guess I don't know enough to answer at this point. Can we hold that thought for now?
I always love the Butler quote. They never taught that in any class I attended. Go figure.
Oh, sweet Tim, you’ve melted my 💗…on 💗day no less. Looking forward to my next read - Trumansburg. Along side the NT, I predict it will be grand. Thank you for your generosity.
I was too young to vote for Carter, but rooted for him along with my parents. Voted for Clinton twice, even defending Hilary to my in-laws (until the “staying home, baking cookies and having teas thing…a total slam to THIS SAHM). R voter ever since but have plenty of friends who are not, and I love them all.
You seem like a sweet, sweet soul and I wish you much joy on this journey of yours!
It's wonderful to "meet" you Tim. I know we've crossed pens (keyboards?) here in the comments, but these spotlights are wonderful for actually getting a bit of background info on our friends!
I've taken a peek at your book on Amazon. I'm a little concerned that I'll cry my way through it. The water damage to my floors might be a problem. All the more reason to not get an electronic version!
I should toss in my support for "no wars". Killing people, fighting each other... it's never justified, it's just tragic (although it does boost my defense industry related stocks - what a terrible way to profit).
John. As you can imagine, over 13 years I did a LOT of re-reading. Believe it or not, there are a few points that make me cry. But then, the characters are somewhat real to me.
PS My father used to tell us stories of growing up in Atlantic City during the depression, so while it doesn't totally make sense from where I sit, I don't want you to forget that the Kindle version will be free tomorrow!
PPS Who was it who said, "No matter who you vote for, you get John McCain?"
Ah yes, writing involves a phenomenal amount of "re-reading". Just the tidbit I read on Amazon brought tears to my eyes for two reasons:
1) My life was devastated when my wife passed away (16 years ago)
2) I moved to what I thought was a "small town" after living my entire life in the suburbs of major cities. Instead of warmth, I found a hostile environment and now intend to move to a *tiny* town (or the wilderness) if I can find somewhere.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, John. And about your "small town" experiment. My siblings and I are in an on-going experiment in Grant County, WV. So far, so good. We're told that we'll always be yankees, but the neighbors and even total strangers are very kind. It's not perfect but it sure is peaceful!
Hmm.. Grant County eh? Too close to Washington DC!!! I grew up in King of Prussia (Pennsylvania). Lovely area geographically!
To be fair, I'm sure the majority of people here are wonderful people but they probably keep to themselves like I do. Unfortunately it only takes a few unfriendly jerks to really ruin the atmosphere.
I totally get the"too close to DC" idea, but their population is about 23 people per square mile. On top of that, my sister and I both concluded independently that it's about 5 hours from home, but also about 40 years back in time in many ways. In a good way!
40 years back in time sounds delightful. Especially if we can cherry pick the best parts of the past! I'd love to combine my childhood of the 1960s with the Internet of 1995. Get rid of the damn cell phones and WiFi! {grin}
So both your sister and yourself moved to Grant County at the same time? 23 people per square mile sounds pretty decent.
Many of my friends in Minnesota have talked about getting out of there, but only a few of us actually have.
A major challenge is that so many of us have so many different "checklists" of what we want in where we live (some of mine are: low population, low taxes, and plenty of snow - I love winter). I've also come to find that I miss having Amazon deliver in the blink of an eye. Living in a moderately small town in the middle of nowhere adds "delivery challenges".
Tim, I automatically laughed with your PPS comment about McCain. Having lived in Arizona for all but my first 8 years in life (small town, Iowa),I'm sure I never voted for him especially after Saving disaster in the 80s that named McCain until he ran for President and picked the strangest running mate. I figured he wanted to lose. Maybe a few decades ago that comment would be true but not today.
I've forgotten their part of the campaign but I remember the media and social trashing of the "hottie". She was a no-name in my opinion. I certainly had never heard of her. Did he really think he could win with a woman on the ticket (her, not a slam to women with accomplishments). I re-read my comment and it made sense at the time. My reference to a few decades ago that your comment would be true was the part that implied all parties are alike. Well the extremes in both parties are alike but both parties seem to be polar opposites more so than in the 60s and 70s. American culture has drastically changed since the 50s and 60s.
Totally agree on the change. It seems more vicious to me, or at least more heartless. Or maybe it's just that they no longer care enough to hide what they're doing. My Dad used to reference the increasing craziness and say that his ace in the hole was his advanced age. As so many times before, he was correct.
Jenna— I think your subscriber spotlight column is brilliant. With convid, so many of us ended up completely or almost completely isolated, so it really is heartening to find out more about others who subscribe to your blog.
Tim Pallies— good to know about you, and all good wishes for for your book.
Thanks, REOA! It brings me such joy, I don't have words. I just love this community so much and am so grateful to be part of bringing wonderful people together. I know it sounds so sappy, but it's true!
Yep. Margaret, although Maggie was what her friends used. And she was funny.
One day a decade or so back my sister Noreen told Mom she was going to Cape May for the weekend alone. No husband. No kids. not even a friend--just a couple of books and total quiet without another soul in sight.
My responded instantly. "That sounds great! Can I come?"
I'm sure Uncle Dan was a fine fellow! We have a *beautiful* German Shephard called Maggie McCarthy as it happens...she was named after the greatest British leader of all time.
I’ve got a question - and I’m sure I could google it (and it may even be a stupid question) but what benefits a writer more - buying the actual book or getting it virtually? As in where do they make the most money?
Fascinating! Very interesting to hear specific numbers (as I'm working on a few books to publish when I retire).
I'll inject here that I'm not an electronic book fan. Hardcover all the way! (which is unfortunate as my bookshelves are overflowing and my closets are running out of space - although it's great exercise moving them when I move homes!)
One of these days I need to "study" how to publish a book.
I built a bookshelf around the entry to my guest room…it’s beautiful! friends have even incorporated them into their bathrooms! I’ve seen side-tables “built” with books, and bookshelves built into doors…so many creative ways to store and display our little lovelies! I’ve also seen a book tower (revolving) on Facebook that can store gobs. Like you, I’m always searching for more book storage space…
A few months after I moved here, the ceiling collapsed in my library. So I had a wood ceiling built as a replacement to give my library a bit more charm. I do think I need to find a good woodworker to craft me some new bookshelves.
Are you calling me an antique? 😇 Ah, no, you are talking about bookshelves. Hmm... I don't think Facebook is going to have custom bookshelves to fit a 9' ceiling library.
I've come to learn that several books can be really useful, especially in a series. Apparently the "give one away" and sell the rest can be very effective.
I like a good hardcover too. Sometimes their even cheaper on Amazon (often with medical/health related titles).
Do yourfself a favor. Look seriously into publishing before you finish your books. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle.
Yes, it's a topic / skill that I intend to research sooner or later. (perhaps "sooner"). I'm wishing there was a better way to publish than Amazon (they have a reputation of paying the author only a pittance).
Good morning, Tim! It’s always a special treat to wake up early (4:45 am PST) and find a stack from Jenna!
Great to finally “meet” you. I am an enthusiastic and voracious reader of so many topics and genres. I am excited to dig into your book tomorrow! As to whether I will guess which 1990’s book it follows is literally a crap shoot for me. 😂
I prefer a real book, so I will order it on the evil Amazon! We love to hate Amazon, but it does make my gardening life so much easier 😎🙏
I love your recommendation to read the First Testament. IMHO, the greatest book ever. If one truly wants to learn life lessons, start with The Book of John!
Lastly, it’s taken me decades to learn and understand that the key to a joyful and purposeful life is faith, hope, and love. ❤️
Thank you, Tim for sharing your book. I will be sure to write a scathing review—just kidding! 😍
Thank you, Jenna for “Spotlighting” Tim.
Happy Valentine’s Day fellow travelers. ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🌹🥀💐
...and, Poof!, just like that, a stupid person's opinion gets vaporized with Real Information. Oh well, plenty of other things to comment on without doing any background research on whatsoever.
A. Why, yes, David, you stupid fellow. If you will but go to Amazon.com and hunt for The Trumansburg Project, you will find that, yes, there is, indeed, a hardback version offered at a price of $19.95. Since Tim did not happen to mention the royalties he gets from the sale of a hardback, I will stupidly assume it's $19.95. So THAT is the one I will be buying. Because Tim is a friend of mine.
David. FYI, Amazon only sends me another $.80 for hardcover over the other options. More importantly, thanks so much for buying and reading ANY version!
Tim, I just bought your book. Thank you for offering it to us for free starting tomorrow, but I think it sounds like your book is well worth paying for!
As a stupid person, I always like to wade in with an opinion--before a lot of people with actual facts answer.
"In My Opinion," authors would make more money on sales of digital formats, simply because of the lower overhead costs. [I almost wrote 'virtual sales,' but that is too vague in the sense that it's not clear whether the material being bought is 'virtual'--in the sense of not-tangible/digital, or that the sale is 'virtual--'sale' in form only (if you 'sell' me a brownie, and I promise to pay for it--but don't--that was a 'virtual' sale, even if I tell you how great it was).] However, once the output is in digital format, and loosed "into the wild," it's eminently stealable. Costs of photocopying offer a higher barrier to theft of intellectual property, in money and/or time, if the format is book-form, but the downside there is that increasingly "people don't want books(!)" and may consider it an imposition if you do not offer them a digital format.
"In Conclusion," once again speaking with the insights of a stupid person, I would say it depends on where the author perceives the risk between reaching the paying populace and having it ripped out of her/his hands. [Now I wonder: Tim, is 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 'worth stealing?' HEY! It's just the sort of thing a stupid person 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 wonder! If so, then make it harder to.]
Thanks! I like both - getting the book in my hands and on my shelves but love the convenience of popping on kindle when I’ve got a few moments to spare.
I otoh cannot abide electronic forms, wanting always to have my finger tucked under 'the next page,' ready to demonstrate to my brain that "we're making real PROGRESS here!" The electronic books "feel" end-less to me, and I lose heart, gumption even. I just finished a BIG book--for the first time in DECADES--and in UNDER a week--and Every Time I picked it up, I got a little dopamine shot that said, "feel that, muscles? we're really DOING something here, aren't we, brain?" The ebooks all weigh the same, about the same as kiddy-books. I don't think the great minds in history would've been satisfied with poring over kiddy-books.
I'm with you for the most part, David. I do like my Kindle for reading on vacation. It's nice to have any number of books in a compact form. I also use it sometimes for library books that can be downloaded very easily.
The BIG book, which has been on my list for a long long time was 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗔 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵–𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟳. It had been recommended by a Catholic bishop friend who has since passed, as a practical exemplar of how to begin thinking about how the current order could end and what steps might be taken before the event. (I should add that it's not a "Catholic" book, and in fact, is not a "religious" book at all; it's in the vein of how-it-can-all-go-sideways--quickly.)
You can see it takes place in the near future, but even so, written in 2016, the author, (Ms) Lionel Shriver, seems clairvoyant in some aspects. What I found most shocking is that the conditions before her imagined societal collapse are unchanged today. A lot of surprises.
(Oh, and it was MOSTLY BIG because I got the Large-Print version--which again flatters my sense that brain and I are Racing through text!)
I own a lot of physical books but also a ton of ebooks. I get frustrated when most ebook I buy these days are as expensive as the hard copy, so lately I’ve just been getting the print version. I sure hope the author gets most of that profit from ebooks, since there’s not as much overhead like the print book.
Jenna. thanks SO MUCH for this! For the record, I like the parts you wrote better than the parts I submitted. Also for the record, I am thrilled/humbled that you would take the time to read my book! (I'd post a bunch of hearts here, but I don't want to look creepy) ❤️😊
It’s not creepy today cuz it’s Valentine’s Day 😉❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
{grin} Can Jenna be everyone's "Valentine" today? We love reading her witty articles and especially these spotlights!
I can!!!
😇
I bet she would say yes
Thanks Karen!! ❤️❤️❤️
I just bought the Kindle version! Looking forward to reading it, Tim!
I hope you enjoy it, Anna! Thanks!!!
A possible tip to boost sales ;) A couple went on Who Wants to Be a Millionaires some years ago and mentioned the book they'd written after quitting their corporate jobs and traveling around the country in an RV - they called it States of Mind inspired by towns that had names that fit. They did not win the contest but their book sales immediately skyrocketed to a high place in AMZN so they made their money that way - (this is like a story you tell around a campfire so shared in the spirit of possible mistakes!) States of Mind: A Search for Faith, Hope, Inspiration, Harmony, Unity, Friendship, Love, Pride, Wisdom, Honor, Comfort, Joy, Bliss, Freedom, Justice, Glory, Triumph, Hardcover – January 1, 1999
by Brad Herzog (Author) - sounds like a kindred spirit!
"Marketing" - letting people know your book even exists is perhaps the biggest challenge. Not sure I'd want to go on a TV show though. In many ways I'm done with being in the spotlight.
It sounds like they had a wonderful experience!
it was 1999 and their story stuck with me because of it's uniqueness
Glad to get to know you here Tim! I just bought your book and am excited to start reading. We have such a wonderful opportunity to live in this neighborhood of creative and interesting people that Jenna has created.
Thanks so much, Roberta! I hope you enjoy it. It really is a neighborhood here, isn't it. I love substack because the comments seem to come from real people, and not just angry trolls as on some other social media. Within SS, Jenna's is my favorite read!
Yes! It's absolutely wonderful to share the screen with "real people"!
Love/Hurt. Happy/Sad. Yin/Yang. The Picture You've Always Had Of Someone In Your Head/The Picture of Them on a John Deere.
Still, it makes the world go 'round, right?
So pleased for you--and I know you will resonate with the sentiment--that you 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲!
Welcome to my virtual world, 𝘮𝘪𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘥𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘮𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘳, 我的结义兄弟 (WOT?!? No 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘴?!?.
Thank you David!!!
Congratulations on publishing your first book Tim! That little blurg that Jenna shared was quite the tease. Can I have your permission to turn it into a movie with AI? Just kidding! Or maybe not... let me know.
It's nice to get to know who you are after sharing Jenna's comment space for so long. You sound like an awesome human being. Amen on the anti-war stance Tim!
"WAR is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives." - General Smedley Butler
And the love stance too! Happy love day y'all! ❤️
Thanks Vee! Jenna really did tee this up for me, didn't she? The AI movie thing is intriguing, for sure. I guess I don't know enough to answer at this point. Can we hold that thought for now?
I always love the Butler quote. They never taught that in any class I attended. Go figure.
She really knocked it out of the park! Haha absolutely. 👍
I was already impressed by your comments, Tim, and can't wait to read the book. And I echo your anti war stance. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Thanks so much, Heather! Remember, it's free the next few days starting on Sunday.
Just went ahead and bought it.
Any friend of Jenna's...❤️
Thank you Sally! I hope you enjoy it!
Perhaps it's time to start "Jenna's book club" - we all buy each other's books!
Darn it don’t make me have to write one!
Pick a subject... any subject... (just not yet more crap about the Epstein files)
😇
So excited to read your book, Tim! And you killed me with ‘I try not to die on hills’. 🤣
Thanks Jean Louise! I hope you enjoy it!
PS Glad to hear my attempt to amuse succeeded. Jenna is a VERY tough act to follow.
Oh, sweet Tim, you’ve melted my 💗…on 💗day no less. Looking forward to my next read - Trumansburg. Along side the NT, I predict it will be grand. Thank you for your generosity.
I was too young to vote for Carter, but rooted for him along with my parents. Voted for Clinton twice, even defending Hilary to my in-laws (until the “staying home, baking cookies and having teas thing…a total slam to THIS SAHM). R voter ever since but have plenty of friends who are not, and I love them all.
You seem like a sweet, sweet soul and I wish you much joy on this journey of yours!
Thanks Nard! I hope you enjoy it. My wife doesn't find me all that sweet, but I try to slow down and be better in print. 😊
It's wonderful to "meet" you Tim. I know we've crossed pens (keyboards?) here in the comments, but these spotlights are wonderful for actually getting a bit of background info on our friends!
I've taken a peek at your book on Amazon. I'm a little concerned that I'll cry my way through it. The water damage to my floors might be a problem. All the more reason to not get an electronic version!
I should toss in my support for "no wars". Killing people, fighting each other... it's never justified, it's just tragic (although it does boost my defense industry related stocks - what a terrible way to profit).
John. As you can imagine, over 13 years I did a LOT of re-reading. Believe it or not, there are a few points that make me cry. But then, the characters are somewhat real to me.
PS My father used to tell us stories of growing up in Atlantic City during the depression, so while it doesn't totally make sense from where I sit, I don't want you to forget that the Kindle version will be free tomorrow!
PPS Who was it who said, "No matter who you vote for, you get John McCain?"
Ah yes, writing involves a phenomenal amount of "re-reading". Just the tidbit I read on Amazon brought tears to my eyes for two reasons:
1) My life was devastated when my wife passed away (16 years ago)
2) I moved to what I thought was a "small town" after living my entire life in the suburbs of major cities. Instead of warmth, I found a hostile environment and now intend to move to a *tiny* town (or the wilderness) if I can find somewhere.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, John. And about your "small town" experiment. My siblings and I are in an on-going experiment in Grant County, WV. So far, so good. We're told that we'll always be yankees, but the neighbors and even total strangers are very kind. It's not perfect but it sure is peaceful!
Perfection is perfectly elusive!
Hmm.. Grant County eh? Too close to Washington DC!!! I grew up in King of Prussia (Pennsylvania). Lovely area geographically!
To be fair, I'm sure the majority of people here are wonderful people but they probably keep to themselves like I do. Unfortunately it only takes a few unfriendly jerks to really ruin the atmosphere.
I totally get the"too close to DC" idea, but their population is about 23 people per square mile. On top of that, my sister and I both concluded independently that it's about 5 hours from home, but also about 40 years back in time in many ways. In a good way!
40 years back in time sounds delightful. Especially if we can cherry pick the best parts of the past! I'd love to combine my childhood of the 1960s with the Internet of 1995. Get rid of the damn cell phones and WiFi! {grin}
So both your sister and yourself moved to Grant County at the same time? 23 people per square mile sounds pretty decent.
Please let us know when you find that friendly tiny town. many of us are/will be looking soon.
Many of my friends in Minnesota have talked about getting out of there, but only a few of us actually have.
A major challenge is that so many of us have so many different "checklists" of what we want in where we live (some of mine are: low population, low taxes, and plenty of snow - I love winter). I've also come to find that I miss having Amazon deliver in the blink of an eye. Living in a moderately small town in the middle of nowhere adds "delivery challenges".
If that was for me, we are outside of Petersburg, WV. Beautiful country and a lot of nice people.
Tim, I automatically laughed with your PPS comment about McCain. Having lived in Arizona for all but my first 8 years in life (small town, Iowa),I'm sure I never voted for him especially after Saving disaster in the 80s that named McCain until he ran for President and picked the strangest running mate. I figured he wanted to lose. Maybe a few decades ago that comment would be true but not today.
Remember their campaign? “Heroes and hotties?” Sure. That’s not creepy at all.
I've forgotten their part of the campaign but I remember the media and social trashing of the "hottie". She was a no-name in my opinion. I certainly had never heard of her. Did he really think he could win with a woman on the ticket (her, not a slam to women with accomplishments). I re-read my comment and it made sense at the time. My reference to a few decades ago that your comment would be true was the part that implied all parties are alike. Well the extremes in both parties are alike but both parties seem to be polar opposites more so than in the 60s and 70s. American culture has drastically changed since the 50s and 60s.
Totally agree on the change. It seems more vicious to me, or at least more heartless. Or maybe it's just that they no longer care enough to hide what they're doing. My Dad used to reference the increasing craziness and say that his ace in the hole was his advanced age. As so many times before, he was correct.
Jenna— I think your subscriber spotlight column is brilliant. With convid, so many of us ended up completely or almost completely isolated, so it really is heartening to find out more about others who subscribe to your blog.
Tim Pallies— good to know about you, and all good wishes for for your book.
Thanks, REOA! It brings me such joy, I don't have words. I just love this community so much and am so grateful to be part of bringing wonderful people together. I know it sounds so sappy, but it's true!
Thanks Reader!
Book ordered!
Thanks Dan! I hope you enjoy it!
PS My mother's brother was Dan McCarthy, too.
Wait, your mom was a McCarthy, too?!?!?
Yep. Margaret, although Maggie was what her friends used. And she was funny.
One day a decade or so back my sister Noreen told Mom she was going to Cape May for the weekend alone. No husband. No kids. not even a friend--just a couple of books and total quiet without another soul in sight.
My responded instantly. "That sounds great! Can I come?"
Oooo... a weekend alone in Cape May with books! Sounds delightful!
I'm sure Uncle Dan was a fine fellow! We have a *beautiful* German Shephard called Maggie McCarthy as it happens...she was named after the greatest British leader of all time.
Mom would be flattered! We have a long tradition of naming dogs after family members.
“A Coming Home Story.” I’m on it, Tim! Thanks for offer of FREE, but I’m buying it. That’ll get your John Deer down the driveway, I suppose.
Thanks Ron! I hope you enjoy it!
(Psssst! Don't tell anyone, but it's my brother-in-laws tractor. I just like the picture.)
Always love these! (Curated bad ass-ness ❤️)
Enjoyed this post and bought a hardcover of his book.
I love the group love! Thank you SW for supporting another supporter LOL! :)
I’ve got a question - and I’m sure I could google it (and it may even be a stupid question) but what benefits a writer more - buying the actual book or getting it virtually? As in where do they make the most money?
Daryce. I am NO EXPERT, but in my particular case, with my paperback at $12.95 and ebook at $2.99 the royalties come out to $2.04 and $2.05.
Fascinating! Very interesting to hear specific numbers (as I'm working on a few books to publish when I retire).
I'll inject here that I'm not an electronic book fan. Hardcover all the way! (which is unfortunate as my bookshelves are overflowing and my closets are running out of space - although it's great exercise moving them when I move homes!)
One of these days I need to "study" how to publish a book.
I built a bookshelf around the entry to my guest room…it’s beautiful! friends have even incorporated them into their bathrooms! I’ve seen side-tables “built” with books, and bookshelves built into doors…so many creative ways to store and display our little lovelies! I’ve also seen a book tower (revolving) on Facebook that can store gobs. Like you, I’m always searching for more book storage space…
A few months after I moved here, the ceiling collapsed in my library. So I had a wood ceiling built as a replacement to give my library a bit more charm. I do think I need to find a good woodworker to craft me some new bookshelves.
Or maybe try facebook marketplace? It seems to me that antiques sell for very little there sometimes.
Are you calling me an antique? 😇 Ah, no, you are talking about bookshelves. Hmm... I don't think Facebook is going to have custom bookshelves to fit a 9' ceiling library.
I've come to learn that several books can be really useful, especially in a series. Apparently the "give one away" and sell the rest can be very effective.
I like a good hardcover too. Sometimes their even cheaper on Amazon (often with medical/health related titles).
Do yourfself a favor. Look seriously into publishing before you finish your books. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle.
Yes, it's a topic / skill that I intend to research sooner or later. (perhaps "sooner"). I'm wishing there was a better way to publish than Amazon (they have a reputation of paying the author only a pittance).
I literally do book publishing consulting on the side. There are LOTS of better ways to do it; happy to talk "real numbers" any time. (My treat.)
;)
https://jennamccarthy.com/consulting/
Love it Jenna! Thank you. We shall connect again in the (near) future!
https://www.ingramspark.com/ may be worth a look. If I can ever figure it out I'll put my book there as well.
Thanks! I'll check it out.
Good morning, Tim! It’s always a special treat to wake up early (4:45 am PST) and find a stack from Jenna!
Great to finally “meet” you. I am an enthusiastic and voracious reader of so many topics and genres. I am excited to dig into your book tomorrow! As to whether I will guess which 1990’s book it follows is literally a crap shoot for me. 😂
I prefer a real book, so I will order it on the evil Amazon! We love to hate Amazon, but it does make my gardening life so much easier 😎🙏
I love your recommendation to read the First Testament. IMHO, the greatest book ever. If one truly wants to learn life lessons, start with The Book of John!
Lastly, it’s taken me decades to learn and understand that the key to a joyful and purposeful life is faith, hope, and love. ❤️
Thank you, Tim for sharing your book. I will be sure to write a scathing review—just kidding! 😍
Thank you, Jenna for “Spotlighting” Tim.
Happy Valentine’s Day fellow travelers. ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🌹🥀💐
KatWarrior, thank you so much! I hope you really enjoy it.
My favorite book is Matthew, but maybe just because it's first. John is also wonderful--14:6 alone is priceless!
As Jenna might say, be sure to write that review (but only if you like it! 😂)
...and, Poof!, just like that, a stupid person's opinion gets vaporized with Real Information. Oh well, plenty of other things to comment on without doing any background research on whatsoever.
And, stupid people want to know, IS there a hardback version? ARE there even, these days?
A. Why, yes, David, you stupid fellow. If you will but go to Amazon.com and hunt for The Trumansburg Project, you will find that, yes, there is, indeed, a hardback version offered at a price of $19.95. Since Tim did not happen to mention the royalties he gets from the sale of a hardback, I will stupidly assume it's $19.95. So THAT is the one I will be buying. Because Tim is a friend of mine.
David. FYI, Amazon only sends me another $.80 for hardcover over the other options. More importantly, thanks so much for buying and reading ANY version!
(Tim, if you would write another one for $15.05, I will get free shipping. ref. stupidperson, above)
Tim, I just bought your book. Thank you for offering it to us for free starting tomorrow, but I think it sounds like your book is well worth paying for!
Kristie that is very kind of you. Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!
Got it! Looks like I’ve got something to do here on a cold Saturday in the northeast!
Thanks! Just remember, Kindle free starts tomorrow.
Oh good to know! Thank you!!
As a stupid person, I always like to wade in with an opinion--before a lot of people with actual facts answer.
"In My Opinion," authors would make more money on sales of digital formats, simply because of the lower overhead costs. [I almost wrote 'virtual sales,' but that is too vague in the sense that it's not clear whether the material being bought is 'virtual'--in the sense of not-tangible/digital, or that the sale is 'virtual--'sale' in form only (if you 'sell' me a brownie, and I promise to pay for it--but don't--that was a 'virtual' sale, even if I tell you how great it was).] However, once the output is in digital format, and loosed "into the wild," it's eminently stealable. Costs of photocopying offer a higher barrier to theft of intellectual property, in money and/or time, if the format is book-form, but the downside there is that increasingly "people don't want books(!)" and may consider it an imposition if you do not offer them a digital format.
"In Conclusion," once again speaking with the insights of a stupid person, I would say it depends on where the author perceives the risk between reaching the paying populace and having it ripped out of her/his hands. [Now I wonder: Tim, is 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 'worth stealing?' HEY! It's just the sort of thing a stupid person 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 wonder! If so, then make it harder to.]
Thanks! I like both - getting the book in my hands and on my shelves but love the convenience of popping on kindle when I’ve got a few moments to spare.
I otoh cannot abide electronic forms, wanting always to have my finger tucked under 'the next page,' ready to demonstrate to my brain that "we're making real PROGRESS here!" The electronic books "feel" end-less to me, and I lose heart, gumption even. I just finished a BIG book--for the first time in DECADES--and in UNDER a week--and Every Time I picked it up, I got a little dopamine shot that said, "feel that, muscles? we're really DOING something here, aren't we, brain?" The ebooks all weigh the same, about the same as kiddy-books. I don't think the great minds in history would've been satisfied with poring over kiddy-books.
I'm with you for the most part, David. I do like my Kindle for reading on vacation. It's nice to have any number of books in a compact form. I also use it sometimes for library books that can be downloaded very easily.
PS What's the big book?
I have the same question!
My current one (big book) is Thomas Sowell's "Basic Economics" (704 pages hardcover) - absolutely awesome book! A great read!
The BIG book, which has been on my list for a long long time was 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗔 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵–𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟳. It had been recommended by a Catholic bishop friend who has since passed, as a practical exemplar of how to begin thinking about how the current order could end and what steps might be taken before the event. (I should add that it's not a "Catholic" book, and in fact, is not a "religious" book at all; it's in the vein of how-it-can-all-go-sideways--quickly.)
You can see it takes place in the near future, but even so, written in 2016, the author, (Ms) Lionel Shriver, seems clairvoyant in some aspects. What I found most shocking is that the conditions before her imagined societal collapse are unchanged today. A lot of surprises.
(Oh, and it was MOSTLY BIG because I got the Large-Print version--which again flatters my sense that brain and I are Racing through text!)
I try to read large-print only. It's OK though. My wife knows I'm old.
I own a lot of physical books but also a ton of ebooks. I get frustrated when most ebook I buy these days are as expensive as the hard copy, so lately I’ve just been getting the print version. I sure hope the author gets most of that profit from ebooks, since there’s not as much overhead like the print book.
I was able to order the book in Canada on Amazon! Looking forward to reading your book.