A few red flags went up for me when I had two different people ask (or maybe they were the same person). I feel like folks are trolling FictionPress looking for work to buy up and sell off. I could be wrong about all of this, but the warning bells definitely went off. So... wanted to pass that on.
In other news, I'm reading A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES now. It's actually really good. I like the scientific/historic aspects of the creation of witches, vampires, and daemons. It's a long one--I'm not even half way through yet. I don't know why I get so daunted by big books. Probably because it's heavy and cumbersome. That being said, I'm still a paperback/hardback girl at heart. My Nook doesn't get much use, unless I'm reading my own stuff. But I still can't bring myself to buy e-books over $5. 
I'm almost halfway through my edit of KILLING MEMORIES. And since I shared possible covers with you before, I'll post a few more here. So, I'm leaning more toward the top graphic. I think it shows trust, which is kinda what the first book is about: Estela trusting herself and Caleb enough to break through bad memories of the past. The bottom one is more fun (and fits in with Dr. Pervo perfectly). The only problem is that I want all three books to have a similar look to them and the bottom image is pretty much the only one like it (and Estela is Hispanic so the pale legs wouldn't really work out). Also, it's really hard to find vector (I think that's what the silhouette graphic is called) image with plus-sized women (or ethic women for that mater). Anyway... thoughts on these?
I think the bottom one is tres amusing, and highlights the humourous aspect a bit better but like you said the top shows trust and it would probably be easier to follow the silhouette theme.
ReplyDeleteAnd ditto the fictionpress message. I'm actually just going to send my response 'no.' to them.
I know two other people who have been messaged and one of them knows two people, so I'm thinking scam. So far doing a basic perusal they've been approaching people with a fairly high review count so they're definitely aiming to sell it and they're hoping the fact that most of the people on the site are young will get them easy victims.
I haven't heard of that story, I'll make a note of it although is there a love triangle aspect? I picked up Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda because the sequel had an interesting premise and a non-white heroine, but the first one [Devil's Kiss] from the summary looks to lean heavily on a love triangle plot.
Ugh, I knew it was a scam! Especially when I got two in the same week. I feel bad because FictionPress really does have a lot of young writers and I feel like some of them might get screwed. I said no to both of the requests. They were both very polite about it, but it still screams scam. So, yea. I hope to warn a few people.
ReplyDeleteThe book doesn't have a love triangle (at least not in this one, and I kinda hope not in the rest of the trilogy--the next one is out this summer). I haven't heard of Sarwat Chadda. I'm trying to read what's on my shelves, because I tend to buy a lot and then have it sit there forever. Too bad I just put a hold on "Hex Hall" from the library. Oh well.
I really prefer the cartoon-ish version.
ReplyDeleteI get what you're saying about how the top covers symbolises trust, but that's about it.
I know you're still looking in covers, but the bottom is amusing, its different, and its colorful. Catches the eye. There are plently of covers like the top one...and it's a bit boring.
Oh and I just finsihed Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins from the library. Not sure if thats the book you're talking about... It was really good though. Funny, and I really liked the ending.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed Sophie's character. So much so that I ordered the next two books on my kindle at 4.99 each, which I've never done before.
I need to find a book that has tips on e-publishing. Some statistics on the success of covers. I really do like the bottom graphic too Sammy, I just worry that I won't find images just as good for the other two books. At times like these I really wish I was an artist because I would just draw the darn things myself!
ReplyDeleteYes, I was talking about Hex Hall! I'm waiting for the third one to arrive at my library. I almost bought the ebook but it was 9.99 here! I wish I could have found them for 4.99! They're very entertaining.
$9.99 is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteBut book pricing got me thinking...
Where are you gonna sell your ebook. Barnes, Amazon, Kobo, Google?
There are so many options. Have you thought about it?
I have thought about it. I want to make sure that it's in several formats.
ReplyDeleteI just read an article in Writer's Digest Magazine that suggested to first publish on Kindle and then publish through Smashwords, which will distribute it to Nook and a bunch of other places. I also have a ebook converter program, so I might figure out PayPal type of situation and offer the book that way (for unique e-readers that aren't so mainstream).
9.99 is ridiculous. I can assure everyone that, while I have control over my writing, I'll never have my ebooks be that expensive. Ridiculous.
Thanks for warning users about people attempting to buy copyrights. I got a similar message in my fictionpress inbox just last night and decided to do some searching to find out if there's any information on the legitimacy of it. I personally don't see myself able to give up the rights to my stories, since they all are quite personal to me.
ReplyDeleteAnytime! I ended up reporting several different people. It's a good way for them to make money, especially if an author doesn't realize their potential.
DeleteHi, I know I'm late to this discussion but I was just googling this very thing and came upon your blog! I'm the author known as PoppySeeds on FB (and Wattpad) and took down most of my stories on FP because of a constant barrage of message from these people. I *know* it's a scam, I just can't prove it. The more I said no, the more money they would offer me - at one point the guy was up to two grand before I not so politely told him to eff off. Then I took most of my stuff down because he said, "This is just me being polite. If I wanted your story, I could take it." Seriously?? If someone is not going to make a red cent off my writing, it's gonna be me. :) Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteUgh, what a loser!! I can't believe he said that. Yeah, I actually ended up reporting all these people. Luckily no one's bothered me in a while (I'm now self-publishing and making money for myself, not for someone else). It's a dangerous thing these people are trying to do. I'm glad that you said no and I really hope you find a good platform for your work! There are other sites out there that are a little more reputable, I think, but I'm worried to try them.
DeleteGood luck to you!
I was contacted twice and took their money. The thing is, they contacted me against the rules of the site, which renders any agreement invalid. They, too, contacted me separately within a week, which I realised right away was fishy. Neither was able to do anything with my work, as they'd tried to get it published, and found out the hard way how expensive a venture it would be. Also, they contacted me for the purpose of publishing, and the fact that they didn't constitutes a breach of contract. If it ever came to a court case, I could clean their clocks. The only thing I'm suspicious about is how they were able to get a look at FictionPress' analytics.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I was actually thinking of putting my story chapter by chapter on Fictionpress but it seems if publishers are unlikely to help your work while its online, looks like I will have to do something about my story via blog: www.nynyonline.co.uk
ReplyDeleteBut would posting ideas on a blog be prevented from publishing too?