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CreateSpace is the best. I've checked out several, but for what you get, Amazon goes above and beyond. Normally when something is low cost or free, the quality is low. Not the case. I've published 5 books with them. Online sales are so-so, but I don't write amazing stuff like Susan Steck or Janet Taylor-Perry. Still, when I sell books at book fairs or readings, I do very well, actually averaging $200-$300, often times more, each setting. And I love the personal contact with my readers.

I have done workshops for teachers on how to use CreateSpace in the classroom and I can send you notes if you like. Of course many of the members in here know even more about the site than I do.

Write On!
MzP

Oh what a totally great idea. I know sometimes I'm slow getting back to work that I really enjoy, mostly because I have so much going on right now. But reviews drop off for me as well.  Loyalty points would be grand, and it doesn't have to be much. I'd say it wouldn't even have to start until the reviewer returns for the third time.
Write On!

Gosh, Charles, I'm not sure how to answer that. Like I said, any style done well is great to read, but the snippets you share don't give me enough information to comment.

POV is a writer's choice. And it's a reader's choice to pick it up and go from cover to cover. The important task for the writer is to mould that book into the best possible material, and that takes work and a ton of critiques.

I also love a great discussion. We all benefit by talking.

Write On!

Oh, Dear Mike. I fear I've joined the ranks of raking you over the coals with this. Do not let any of this be a discouragement! Roll with it and write the story you want to read!

I used to consume books like a kid eating candy. I still read, but not as much. I've read mostly first person or close, limited POV. I really don't like omniscient because I like to get into the book and feel a part of the story. If I'm watching from above, like I'm watching a movie, I'm not part of the story. I guess I'm also not really fond of books where the narrator talk to me about what is happening in the story.

HOWEVER

It can all be done. It's all work and requires dedicated critique, revision, rewrite, and edit. And all styles have been best sellers. When I'm more awake than I am now, I'm going to check out the links in here.

Write On!

I'm not sure about the answer to your question. I've had luck simply contacting Amazon and talking to them. You could also talk to your publisher. I use Create Space and call them regularly. If they can't answer a question, they point me in the right direction. I'm not sure about the sales channels, but I've sold quite a few books somewhere in Europe, also some in England. I run a royalty report on Create Space to find this information. Hope that helps
Connie

Thanks Janet, for that vote of confidence!

Dags, I just sent it. There was a time when procrastination was no part what so ever of my world. Now I'm just bogged in the quicksand of life (that is a sorry excuse for lazy)

Great article and great chapter. You encourage me to get busy both with writing and blogging (and hoping someone finally reads and makes a comment) But I'm learning, as always, and growing more comfortable with social media and such.

By the way, I also commented.

Janet, thank you for that insight. The suggestions make more sense the way you put it. I imagine it would be impossible to find such a needle in the haystack, and this forum did expand pretty quickly. I did a bit more exploring after my last posting. Organizing under tabs might be the ticket.

Write On!
MzP

Wow, what a thread. First off, I'm thinking with every person who is a member automatically being in this 'Premium' group, doesn't this make it the main forum? I'm wondering what the forum looks like in 'Basic'. I haven't been over there in months (heck I haven't been anywhere in months)

Second, I'm thinking that this forum is pretty much like the old one. Different threads, each with a long list of responses. Since this is the main forum, I'd be looking in here for general writing tips, general marketing tips, general whatever, and the like. If I'm looking for something YA specific, I may look in here or I may look in one of the YA groups. (I hear there are some reallllyyyy good writers in there) And the same with thrillers or sci-fi, which I sometimes like to read, but can in no way write.

Finally, I probably could be the poster child for hating change, but hey, progress happens and if it steps on your toes that means you didn't move your feet fast enough. I also strongly dislike all things technical - as in computers and social media. But I need these things to do what I do, so I gather what few brain cells I have and go talk to my grandchildren for advice on how to use things like Twitter!

It boils down to this - Sol created this amazing place where I got a foothold in the writing world. I've learned more from TNBW than from any workshop of university program I ever paid for and I don't want to see it fall apart. With technology evolving at the rate of rabbits having babies, we have no choice but to move along. Yes, we are more fractured - if we only focus on our individual groups. But Duh, there's how many thousands of members in Premium? You can't get more common or main than that.

Instead of grumping about how it used to be and how bad it is right now (other than expanding the forum notices on the right side of the screen) why don't we start using this forum in Premium like we used the forum in the old site? I never posted much, but I can tell you I read much of hey penang along with a whole bunch of other threads. And I can tell you that every question and concern I had which I started a new thread to ask, got answered.  If we want to discuss something in public, just start the thread! If it is something too narrow and only fits in your genre, then by all means, post in your group.

Well, I'll get off the apple crate now and get back to writing. I need to catch up and start posting again.
MzP

My other comment is that if the youth group in here is a closed group and members must be approved and only members of that group can see and comment, then I'd think it would be okay. If anyone posts a harsh comment which could discourage a young writer, that person should be booted from the group. Polite and constructive. Of course that should be the rule for every group and reviewer, but it's not always the case.
MzP