There’s a person out there named R.B. (a.k.a. the Grinch) who has commented on what a terrible thing I’m doing, using my blog to talk about my own publishing efforts. You know what? I don’t care. I’ve spent a gazillion hours not only writing a novel but in doing countless other things to try to break out, things that might ultimately benefit you some day—consider it a pioneering effort. For instance:
- Designed the book and its cover (just one proof away from done)
- Set up printing and distribution with Lightning Source and Ingram
- Created free podcasts of the novel
- Created ebook versions (they are now officially published)
- Created, with a friend’s help, the video below
- Created a website, www.vampirekittycat.com
- Designed graphics for garments, mugs, water bottles, and opened a store
- Sent ARCS out for blurbs and reviews—see the peachy one from Tess Gerritsen below
- And come up with the BuzzBlast contest to make spreading the word (your part in all this) fun and prize worthy
I hope you’ll join me in challenging the status quo, the conventional wisdom that a writer can’t succeed in publishing a novel—much less write one that people like R.B. will, after looking down their noses, deem worthy of reading. Listen, the publishing world is changing, and I—and you—may be its future.
In fact, if you read on, you’ll see how this effort could possibly affect you through the new imprint I’m using for this book, Platypus. But first, some fun.
Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of Ice Cold says this about The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles,
"What a pleasure! Quirky and laugh-out-loud fun. Ray Rhamey takes the vampire novel where it's never been before, into the realm of sheer hilarity."
If you enjoyed the video and would like to use it, you can get the code for embedding it in your website or blog by right-clicking on the player image.
BuzzBlast contest starts now! It's simple, and everyone has a chance to win. Use email or Twitter to spread the word according to the contest rules here. No purchase necessary.
Folks,
for this to work, I really need your help in spreading the word. I'm
not asking (or expecting) anyone to buy the book, just let people know
about the website. They'll make their own decision. After you visit the
BuzzBlast contest page, take a look around the website—there are
podcasts, the video, a sample from the book, and reviews and
endorsements.
There are currently two contest periods, this week and next week. Read all about it here, and take a look at the fun stuff you could win.
Even if you don’t enter the contest, PLEASE consider emailing or
tweeting as many people as you can and send them to the website:
www.vampirekittycat.com. A shortened URL for tweets is
http://bit.ly/7TPGjy. That’s all
The future of publishing is us
We’re the writers who provide the fuel that powers publishing. If we can get through the barriers that face us, our work will reach an audience, and we may even make a buck or two. But I believe that there are many novels like mine that don’t fit into the status quo definitions of what is publishable that languish, unread.
So, if this effort for The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles succeeds, I’m going take what I've learned and open up my teensy publishing company to submissions from writers who want to try the indie route to breaking in. I call it Platypus.
Unbeaten paths to worthy reads
That’s the theme line for Platypus, and here’s what it’s about. The platypus breaks all the rules—it’s the only mammal that lays eggs, is venomous, has a duck bill, a beaver tail, and otter feet—and it does just fine, thank you very much.
It can be the same for novels that don’t slip tidily into genre
pigeonholes. Platypus authors take readers on unique paths to
entertainment, truth, and enjoyable reads.
I hope you’ll visit the page on the publishing website that tells you more. This is new, and will be refined and developed over the months as I wrestle with publishing my kitty-cat story.
It’s not vanity publishing, and not like the iUniverse-type operations, but a true partnership. We share the work, we share the income. We don’t expect much, either—there are no promises, no guarantees.
I'm signing off for today. Please visit vampirekittycat.com. We will resume regular flogging Wednesday, but I will still keep promotional elements up on the blog.
© 2010 Ray Rhamey
Ray, for someone like me considering non-traditional publishing means, I find your posts about your progress and experiences infinitely helpful. The only thing I'd change is a way to find them more easily. Please keep updating us on your progress.
Jodi
Posted by: Jodi | January 25, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Hey Ray - I put the link on facebook, and on my blog.
Hope this helps!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | January 25, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Kat, looks great! Many thanks.
Posted by: Ray Rhamey | January 25, 2010 at 01:02 PM
Well, I've started a discussion thread on Critique Circle (CC) about your self-publishing efforts and have linked this site and vampirekittycat.com. Also, I have added your book into our virtual library - and it links to Amazon for those who wish to purchase it.
You have to be a member of CC to view any of this, but I'm not looking for competition kudos, just wanted to help.
Oh, CC has a good following on facebook as well and I should be able to add it in there so people can see.
These days authors are expected to be able to market their own book, and through your efforts I think a lot of people will be inspired. Certainly I am. Quite frankly the level of dedication you have brought to this is terrific. I hope that you and Patch get the recognition you deserve.
Regards,
Posted by: Gumption Brash | January 26, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Your video is great!
Beat of luck.
Posted by: kathy | January 26, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Love the video!
Looks like the CC angle has already been covered. Good luck with this. :)
Posted by: Jean | January 26, 2010 at 12:55 PM
The book-trailer made me laugh. I like it. :)
Posted by: Kath | January 27, 2010 at 12:37 AM
In this age of shameless self-promotion (which, btw, is necessary), I don't begrudge anyone their opportunity to plug their work. You have a platform, it's your prerogative to use it for whatever means you choose.
I, personally, don't have the stones to self-publish. I don't think I could market myself to save my life. But that doesn't mean I begrudge anyone else the opportunity to do what they can do. It also means that I might not get published.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 27, 2010 at 08:35 AM
Ray, I'm afraid I'm worth diddley-squat when it comes to generating cyber-buzz -- I don't Facebook, Tweet, MySpace, blog, or belong to any significant online communities other than as a occasional lurker. So my BuzzBlastability is virtually nil.
But for what it's worth, I do support your efforts in self-pulishing, have enjoyed everything I've seen regarding 'TVKCC' (great video, BTW!), and wish you nothing but great success.
Yeah, I know -- that and a quarter won't even get you a cup o' coffee...
Posted by: Chris | January 27, 2010 at 08:56 AM