My Book Breaks Out -- Or 100 Agents CAN Be Wrong!

Before I decided to self-publish, I submitted my manuscript to 100 MG agents and got 101 rejections (yes, one agent felt the need to let me know she wasn't interested in representing me twice). Actually, I did get 10 requests for fulls or partials and some had nice things to say about my writing (a couple even asked to see my next manuscript) when they sent the dreaded Rejection.

Still, I was convinced I had a book that some kids would love. Today, I'm glad to announce that I was right--I just sold my 500th copy of SZJMB this month.

Now, 500 copies a month may not sound like a lot, but it's very good for a Middle Grade ebook. In fact it's good enough to rank as  the number #1 most popular Children's Humor ebook on Amazon and the #1 Bestseller as well.

I don't know how long this will last, Amazon rankings change all the time. But it's been #1 for a week (occasionally it goes to #2 or even #3 for a few hours before bouncing back) and I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.

I realize this isn't the same thing as selling a million books, or winning a Newbery, but it does prove that the agents missed a great book. No hard feelings though; I still plan on submitting my newest manuscript to them. But, I'm not going to spend a year querying and rewriting. If they don't like it, I have faith I can find kids who'll enjoy it.

Speaking of which, while I'm being self-indulgent, I might as well post some of my favorite kid reviews:

From Apple:
"i ♥ this book
this was the best book i have ever read"
"This was the best book ever
I could not put this book down I really hate reading but this book I could read it 1000 times if I could"

From B&N:
"You have to read this book
This book was one of the best books ive never read and im one of those kids that always reads that is saying a lot so read the damn book!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Omg
I couldn't put my nook down, it was just too good! It's thrilling, exciting, and in some cases sad. But i loved it when nate ran over the zombies! Usually girls don't like that stuff. Oh, by the way i finished this book in 3 days!"
"Best book ever!
I could not put this book down i read it all in on day it was so good. Everyone should read this book,i think anyway. I could read this book mutipule times plz write some more books like this one. If i could i would give M.J.A Ware an award for writeing such a good book!"

I do realize these reviews are so good, they almost read like fakes--honestly, unless my Mom posted them, they are real (and my Mom wouldn't do something like that--she probably can't figure out how to post a single review, let along a bunch of fake ones). It's really just that these are the best of the lot. If you want to see reviews from people who didn't like it, try Goodreads--hey, it wasn't written for them anyway.

That's all the blatant self-promotion I can stand for one day. I'm just so excited about my recent success, I had to share the news.

More Reviews and a Mini Sales update

So, I'm way behind in posting reviews, again. Sorry reviewers, I really do appreciate  the fact that you graciously give your time to help struggling authors. I'm just not very good at keeping up with you.

First up (and most belated) is a review from Kitty Bullard at Great Minds Think Aloud. Kitty loved SZJMB, well her exact words were, "I absolutely, 100%, loved this book!"
She's also the first person to spot a little Easter Egg in the print version of the book. I won't spoil it here, but if you are interested, check out her great review.

Cordelia Dinsmore frequents Absolute Write, a great writer's community and contacted me on there about getting a review copy. She's not a zombie fan and was a little worried SZJMB might not suit her taste, but I think the characters won her over as left a great review, "I think MJ has nailed the middle grade voice. I have a young son, so we read a lot of middle grade books around our house. We also watch quite a bit of kid-friendly television. The characters in SZJMB think and act quite similarly to many of the kids, both real and fictional, with which I am familiar."

Cordelia has her own MG/YA book, Michaela's Gift coming out next month, so keep an eye on her blog.

Last, is my shortest review ever (not counting iPod/Pad reviews), but it's still a great one, from Trisha at Passing Through. This also happens to be my first Tumblr review, which explains why it's just three (great) sentences.

Now for the mini sales update. Well, they've been great. I'll try to post an in-depth update in the near future, but for now, let me just say that in April I finally broke 500 books sold in one month. And--I hope I'm not jinxing myself here--but it looks like I'll do the same in May as well!

Thanks to everyone who's helped make that success possible (especially the reviewers).

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews!

I've owe an apology to the reviewers who've recently taken the time to read and review Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. I've been putting together a Middle Grade anthology while also finishing up my latest manuscript. So, I'm a little behind on posting these great reviews:

First up, My Life on Mars posted a review of the Graphic Novel version for SZJMB, saying, "MJA Ware tells a fun story that any kid would enjoy..."

Unlike the first blog, Susan Reviews does leave star ratings and gave SZJMB five of them saying, "A humorous tale of friendship complicated by growing up, zombie invasion and lemonade."

While the blog, A Room With Books doesn't give star ratings, it did rate SZJMB as a "Hit." In a pretty in depth review, where she recommends it for Middle Grade readers.

Last, but not least, Azure Dwarf also gave SZJMB 5-stars. Azure Dwarf writes and reviews mostly kidlit, especially boy stuff, so it was great when he said, "This is an excellent addition to the YA genre."

A lot of readers have been leaving Amazon and LibraryThing reviews recently and I just wanted to say how much these help; without them no one would find my books, let alone take a chance on them.

THANK YOU REVIEWERS, YOU ROCK!!!

My Novel is Free On Amazon -- And a Friend Passes On

Early this morning my best friend and canine companion passed away in her sleep. She was too young and her passing was unexpected. Still, she was getting on and had moderate arthritis, so perhaps God wanted to take her before she was too old to enjoy chasing after her favorite ball.

I think I'll take her ashes up with me to her favorite camping spot; the one where she once dove in the river because she thought I was drowning--only the current was too strong and I ended up having to save her!

With loyalty like that, I always slept easy on business trips knowing she was there to guard my family; Casey, you'll be missed!

Unfortunately, I had a free ebook promotion already scheduled for today and tomorrow. So, I still have to do some promotion for that.

Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb:The graphic Novel is Free on Amazon Today and Tomorrow only. It's the exact same story (same text even) as the regular novel, but with over 30 cute and funny stick-figure type drawings to entice younger readers.

It's great for really reluctant readers, who only read Captain Underpants, Wimpy Kid, Dork Diary-type books.

Opening Day!!! - And Some Updates

Well, it's finally here, Opening Day 2012. I for one am taking off work early to watch the Giants beat the Diamondbacks.

I'll go even further and predict that the Giants have what it takes to get to the World Series this year.

!!GO GIANTS!!

In other news, I've been writing quite a bit recently. I have some shorts that I'm going to finish and put out soon.

I'm almost finished with the first draft of a Chapter Book I've tentatively titled: Zack and Zoey's Alien Apocalypse. It needs quite a bit of polishing, but I'm going to try to have it out by the end of the month. And even though it's a Chapter Book, I think fans of Super Zombie Juice will enjoy it.

Speaking of Super Zombie Juice, I'm about 20% done with book two. Looks like it's going to be at least a bit longer than book one. I'm hoping each book gets a little longer than its predecessor. I've mapped out the kids adventures right to the end; but I'm not sure how many books it will work will out to (seems like when I start writing, things always go in a different direction than I plan). It's looking like five titles total for the series, could be 4-6.

I know a few readers have asked when the heck am I going to finish Girls Bite (my YA paranormal). Well, it's going through another major revision. I know I've been predicting this one since December, but it's just not ready. It's the first of a series, and I really want to get it right. I love Paranormal Romances, but only when they are done right--and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure mine is done right. On the plus side, it's grown from what was supposed to be an intro novella to almost novel length (45-50k); still short for a YA paranormal, but the right length to tell the opening of this story.

If you enjoy reading my work, please consider signing up for my newsletter. I promise to never send out more than six e-mails a year (haven't sent one at all this year). I only use it when I have big news, like a new release. In fact, that's why I'm suggesting you sign up; because the newsletter readers are my BEST readers and until further notice get a free (e)copy of all my books. I hope one day, the list will grow to the point where I can't do that anymore, but if that happens, it's going to be a while and I'll still treat these readers like royalty.

One last thing. I really like doing Happy Release Day posts and they do get a little bit of traffic. I know a lot of other authors read the blog, so shoot me a note when you release a book and I'll post a link to just about any genre that's kid friendly (i.e. no erotica or really hardcore, slasher-type horror--but light romance is fine).

I hope everyone gets to leave work early to watch their favorite team play today!

New Amazon KDP Special Author Promotion Program

Did you see the release this morning? This should be a great boon to Indie authors!

For immediate Release - April 1^st 2012 - Due to the success of our KDP Select program, Amazon is excited to announce our new KDP "Special Author Promotion Program," hereafter referred to as the KDP SAP Program. This special program is open only to Indie writers. So, sign-up today and be one of the first to become an Amazon SAP author!

With the KDP SAP program Amazon is finally allowing Indie authors to compete on a level playing field with big 6 publishers.

What are the advantages of the KDP SAP program?

This program allows authors to build a following by permanently giving away their books for free. In addition, Amazon will help promote your title and even offer free editorial assistance.

How long can I offer my book for free?

Forever! That's right, when you sign up for the KDP SAP program, your book will remain free forever, ensuring access to millions of readers and never again having to fuss with pesky commission checks.

How to I sign my books up?

It's simple; when you sign a new book on KDP simply leave the box checked that says, Yes, sign me up for Amazon's KDP SAP Program. If you wish to opt out, print out our easy to complete 18-page contract, have it notarized and delivered via courier to Jeff Bezos residence the first Saturday immediately preceding the new moon between the hours of 9 and 9:30 am.

Am I required to sign my books up with the KDP SAP program?

No, signing up your book is completely optional. However, titles listed via KDP that opt out of this program will no longer be listed in the "also bought" section of our product pages. Additionally, to create a level playing field for authors who chose to participate in the program, opted out titles will no longer receive a ranking, cover photo, or a "buy it now" button.

What if I decide to opt out of the program?

If, after the 30 minute grace period, you decide to opt out you may do so after the initial 3 year term has expired. Additionally, you may be required to sacrifice your first born child. Verification of said sacrifice requires you to deliver your child's freshly sacrificed blood via courier to Jeff Bezos residence the first Saturday immediately proceeding the new moon between the hours of 9 and 9:30 am.

Other Terms and Conditions:

By signing up for the KDP SAP program, you agree that your work is to be considered as a "Work For Hire" and filed with the Library of Congress as, Copyright 2012 by Jeff Bezos. Amazon reserves the right to remove any titles from this program, while still maintaining ownership. Complete terms and conditions are available via our gopher site, but really you don't need to read them, just sign up.

I don't know about you, but I'm signing up to be one of the first Amazon SAP authors!

Review from Kindling The Fire & My book Gets Pirated

Bri, over at Kindling The Fire just posted a great review of Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. Here's a quote:

"It's cute and funny in it's own way and will find it's way into your heart as you read it. The characters were depicted well, I loved Kali (I refuse to spoil anything! But it's so hard!) and I liked Nate and Misty's innocence, but awesome courage as they battled zombies."

Bri's site is newer, but she posts a lot and the site is growing quickly. If you haven't checked it out yet, I recommend you do.

In other news, I found my first pirated link to Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. This isn't the first time one of my books have shown up online and I'm sure it won't be the last.

The good news is that you have to download and install the Ares file sharing program, then search for it and even then, I had trouble finding it. So basically, it's way easier to pay for a copy, espcially since it's only 99¢ right now.

Just a note to clarify: Bri's site has nothing to do the the copyright infringement, they just happened to be posted on the same day.