Books Are My Bag's #OneInAMillion Competition | For UK & Ireland Book Lovers! @booksaremybag #Giveaway

#OneInAMillion Competition Launches on Bookshop Day
Industry Unites to Celebrate 1 Millionth
Books Are My Bag Supporter
One Lucky Book Lover Will Win:A one-off Orla Kiely bag | £250 in National Book Tokens | A Golden Ticket to Hay Festival |A rare print signed by Quentin Blake | Special edition Handmaid’s Tale | Lots of new books expected to be bestsellers this Christmas | West End Tickets

And much more!
London. 9 October 2017. Book lovers in the UK & Ireland have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime competition with an incredible bundle of prizes on offer to celebrate Books Are My Bag (BAMB) – the annual bookshop campaign – reaching one million supporters this year.

A post shared by From Jess to You Services (@fromjesstoyouservices) on Oct 9, 2017 at 8:34am PDT

One lucky book lover is in with the chance of winning a host of extraordinary prizes donated from across the book industry and beyond, including a beautiful, totally one-off Orla Kiely luxury leather bag, in the style of this year’s Books Are My Bag tote bag.

To enter, book lovers just need to Tweet #OneInAMillion saying what their favourite bookshop is and why.

The #OneInAMillion Prize winner will take home:

• An exclusive, one-off Orla Kiely leather bag
• £250 in National Book Tokens
• A golden ticket to Hay Festival
• Afternoon Tea for Two at Claridges (Hachette)
• London Zoo tickets and a copy of Zoo Quest (Hachette)
• A limited-edition copy of Alan Bennett’s Keeping on Keeping On, RRP £200 (Faber)
• A limited-edition print from Billy and the Minpins, signed by Quentin Blake (Puffin)
• A special edition Handmaid’s Tale (Vintage)
• A set of Vintage Classics Dickens (Vintage)
• A signed Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World print by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury)
• A signed first-edition copy of Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst (Pan Macmillan)
• A set of PanMacmillan70th Anniversary edition books (Pan Macmillan)
• A pair of tickets to The Christmasaurus Live on Stage at the London Apollo (Penguin Random House) – any date between 20 – 28th December

Two runners up will also be in with the chance of winning the following fantastic prizes:

Second Prize

• A signed copy of Hurrah for Gin by Katie Kirby, together with a bottle of Sipsmith gin (Hachette)
• A copy of Nigella Lawson’s new cookbook, At My Table (Vintage)
• A signed copy of The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein (Bloomsbury)
• A signed copy of My Name is Victoria by Lucy Worsley (Bloomsbury)
• A signed copy of Moonrise by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury)
• Subscription to the New Scientist magazine (Hachette)
• Haunted House tour and a signed copy of Devil’s Day by Andrew Hurley (Hachette)
• A mounted Emily Sutton print (Bloomsbury)

Third Prize

• A copy of Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and a box set of Stephen King DVD’s (Hachette)
• A signed copy of Down to Earth: Gardening Wisdom by Monty Don (DK)
• A copy of The Creakers by Tom Fletcher (Puffin)
• A signed print of Oliver Jeffers’ new book Here We Are (Penguin Random House)
• A Perfectly Norman print by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury)

The competition marks the 1 millionth Books Are My Bag tote bag to be worn by the public, showing their support for bookshops in the UK & Ireland.

Meryl Halls, Head of Membership Services at the Booksellers Association, said: “Reaching our one millionth supporter is a hugely exciting milestone, and we’re delighted to be able to show our thanks to bookshop lovers across the UK & Ireland with this fabulous prize. It is wonderful to see the book industry coming together to support bookshops with the amazing prizes they have donated. We wish everyone the best of luck, and look forward to hearing all about our supporters’ favourite bookshops!”

Bookshop lovers will have until 7th November to enter the competition, with the lucky winners being revealed on 25th November, when bookshops across the country will offer a Saturday Sanctuary as respite from the business of daily life.

Orla Kiely, said: “I am so happy to have collaborated with the Bookseller’s Association. As a great lover of books and bookshops, nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering a new book, whether it’s a beautiful edition on a new favourite photographer, a great novel or a rare out of print edition. There is nothing more relaxing, inspiring or stimulating than reading and losing oneself in another world. We should all take time to read and importantly, to encourage our children to love books.”

Now in its fifth year, the Books Are My Bag campaign highlights and celebrates the vital role of high street and campus bookshops. Over the last four years, a million people have worn a Books Are My Bag canvas bag in support of the campaign.

More details on Books Are My Bag 2017 will be unveiled in the coming weeks; keep an eye on www.booksaremybag.com for updates.


For more information on events, visit www.booksaremybag.com.

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Even though Jess does not live in the UK or Ireland (just here in USA) she is supporting this event by posting Books Are My Bag's newletter ... plus she tweeted about her fave local bookstore too! Please participate!! Also .. retweet her tweet too if you have a chance! *hahaa*

#OneInAMillion: @pageafterpage was my favorite bookstore when I use to live near it. Great selection! https://t.co/kn6cFTbL3B @BAbooksellers

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) October 9, 2017

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne | Review

Today I'm showing off Ruth Logan Herne's "Back in the Saddle," which is her recently released novel and the FIRST book in her Double S Ranch Series!! [Blog Tour will run from March 29 - April 15, 2016]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 500; Paperback - Pages: 304; Kindle Edition - File Size: 6666 KB | Release Date: March 15, 2016 | Publisher: Penguin Random House : Multnomah | Obtained: Litfuse

"Back in the Saddle" [Double S Ranch Series, Book 1] by Ruth Logan Herne

Author's Book Description : The Prodigal is Coming Home

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. A down-on-his-luck Wall Street financial advisor goes home to his cowboy roots with plans to hole-up until the storm passes in New York. However, that changes in day one when he gets home and finds a gun aimed straight at him by the house manager/housekeeper. A woman who has changed the whole way his father's home is run and changed his father to become a better man. Soon Colt (Colton) finds himself changing for what he believes to be the better too. Yet when Colt's past from New York tells him it's time to come back will he so keen to leave everything his family's home once again or will he decide a new future is in the cards for him?

This was a heartwarming start to an intriguing series. I appreciated way the plot was laid out with the build-up it has for all the characters on Double S Ranch, and the town, even though I found it to be very slow-paced. Only because of its pacing, was why I found it a struggle at time to get through. Though, with its vibrant characters I was still able to enjoy it.

Angelina (Mary Angela) and Colt were a very sweet matchup. I enjoyed how they worked through everything that was thrown their way with grace and courage. And while I wished the ending tied up more loose ends then having Colt just say, “I had taken care of that already, you just needed to ask me,” I was happy with how it all turned out.

I recommend this novel and series to those looking for a sweet Christian romance!

-- On a side note --
I know it probably won't happen, and she'll most likely end up with someone else, but I am hoping that Lucy (the Double S Ranch's neighbor) ends up with Trey (Colt's youngest "brother").

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2) | Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : Home on the Range (Book 2)

Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Library Binding, Large Print) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Kobo (e-Book) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)
Alibris (Paperback) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Amazon (Kindle) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Amazon (Hardcover – Large Print) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)
Amazon (Paperback) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)	Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : Back in the Saddle (Book 1)

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne | Spreading the Word | Second Sentence Saturday: Back in the Saddle

A down-on-his-luck Wall Street financial advisor who goes back home to his cowboy roots - By @RuthLoganHerne https://t.co/m5YxPlnyuo

— Jessica (@fromjesstoyou) April 3, 2016

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne [ #BLOGTOUR ] | #SpreadingTheWord ::...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, April 1, 2016

Author's Novel Extras :

Posted by Ruth Logan Herne on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Author's Series Extras : Recipes from the gals... and maybe a few cowboys... of the Double S!

Book Teaser(s) :

BACK IN THE SADDLE by Ruth Logan Herne -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, April 4, 2016

"There is no claim to be staked. You know it. I know it. He knows it."
"He will never accept that," Isabo replied. She dropped potatoes into the kettle of water with infuriating calm, one after the other. "He is not that kind of man. Like his father, when he sees something he wants, he finds a way to get it. You can see that as you look around this home, this land. It takes a person like that to accomplish what they've done. You have Colt thinking of new things and old. He weighs what was with what could be," Isabo noted. "This is good." ~ within Chapter 9

Book Preview(s) :


For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Ruth, then please check out her Amazon acct.

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Posted by Ruth Logan Herne on Saturday, August 15, 2015

About the Author :

Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. "Back in the Saddle" is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

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Find Ruth Logan Herne :

• Ruth Logan Herne - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• G+
• Goodreads
• Amazon.com Page

Disappointmentville: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 3 | #BookReview #JRWard

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Mass Market Paperback
Print Length: 434 Pages | Publication Date: September 5, 2006
Publisher: Penguin Random House : Berkley : Signet
ISBN-10: 0451219368 | Language: English | Main Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance, Action & Adventure Romance
Jess Obtained This Book Through: The Recycled Reader Used Bookstore

"Lover Awakened" [Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 3] by J. R. Ward

Author's Book Description : #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward’s ferociously inventive series continues as the most fearsome member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood discovers just how tempting the night can be...

A former blood slave, Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the Brother’s seething power. Except even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against her abductor drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover not only overcome the wounds of his tortured past, but find a future with her...

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars ... we follow the series into Bella and Z’s (Zsadist) lives. These two had a very strong connection that neither truly understood before their novel begun. Now, in this novel, they learn their “true feelings” for one another while they deal with their pasts, manage the current predicaments they are caught in, and figure out their futures. Yet with the world wanting to tear them apart will they be able to overcome everything AND be able to stay together once everything settles down?

A (belated) Release Day Blast / Spreading the Word: CRASHED OUT by Tessa Bailey, HIS TO TAKE by Katee Robert, & SAY YOU'RE MINE by Diane Alberts

Today I'm showing off Tessa Bailey's "Crashed Out," Katee Robert's "His To Take," & Diane Alberts' "Say You're Mine!!"





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"Crashed Out"
[Made in Jersey Series, Book 1] by Tessa Bailey
Author's Book Description :

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation...

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She's the fuel for every song he's ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this "kid" turned into every inch the man she's always needed...

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey...until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or rather storms-into Jasmine's life. Sarge's return shouldn't affect her this way. He's her best friend's much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) | Amazon (Paperback) | Entangled Publishing

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Hello Shoulders! Meet Jersey-born rock star Sarge Purcell in this snippet from CRASHED OUT - out now! ***Poor...
Posted by Tessa Bailey on Monday, December 7, 2015

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About the Author :

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Find Tessa Bailey :

• Tessa Bailey - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Amazon Acct

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"His To Take"
[Out of Uniform Series, Book 3.5] by Katee Robert
Author's Book Description :

Truth or dare...

Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can't have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent--something neither of them wants. But now that they're both back in town and she's right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he's never been able to resist, he's questioning everything.

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin's sure she's got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren's dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there's no way either of them can win…

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) | Amazon (Paperback) | Entangled Publishing

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Posted by Katee Robert on Friday, September 25, 2015

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About the Author :

Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Wrong Bed, Right Guy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

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Find Katee Robert :

• Katee Robert - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Amazon Acct

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"Say You’re Mine"
[Shillings Agency Series, Book 5] by Diane Alberts (aka Jen McLaughlin)
Author's Book Description :

She’s a challenge he can’t afford to lose…

Navy SEAL Steven Thomas has only ever been able to count on three things: waking up in the morning, going to sleep sometime during the night, and Lauren Brixton. She’s been his best friend since grade school, and what they have is the only relationship he’s managed not to ruin.

Until one drunken night puts that all in jeopardy.

Lauren’s watched Steven flit from one-night stand to one-night stand, seemingly not interested in something more. So when the long-ignored attraction between the two of them blows up in their faces, she does the only thing she can—she pretends she doesn’t want him. But all’s fair in love and war, and Steven’s not about to lose the only person in his life who matters…

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) | Amazon (Paperback) | Entangled Publishing

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

RSVP for my event at @BittenbyBooks & get 25 entries toward a $25 gift card right NOW! https://t.co/4vqaqbPncK pic.twitter.com/M6mceGjvjJ

— Jen McLaughlin (@DianeAlberts) December 8, 2015

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About the Author :

Diane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin Random House. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author or their Character(s) : July 2012 | December 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Try Me | Captivated By You

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Try Me | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | The Boys of Brazen Military Bash

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Find Diane Alberts :

• Diane Alberts - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Amazon Acct

This was put together by myself (From Me to You ... Video, Photography & Book Reviews) please contact me if you'd like your own promo post.

Idolizing In: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 2 | #BookReview @JRWard1

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Mass Market Paperback
Print Length: 441 Pages | Publication Date: March 7, 2006
Publisher: Penguin Random House : Berkley : Signet
ISBN-10: 0451218043 | Language: English | Main Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance, Action & Adventure Romance
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Page After Page Bookstore

"Lover Eternal" [Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 2] by J. R. Ward

Author's Book Description : A warrior with inner demons falls for a woman who could save his soul in this seductive novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Within the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Rhage is the warrior vampire with the strongest appetites. He’s the deadliest fighter, the most voracious lover, the quickest to act on his impulses. He’s also been cursed with two hundred years of hell. Possessed by a beast, he lives in fear of the times when his inner dragon comes out and he’s a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce has unwittingly found herself in the vampire world, and under Rhage’s protection. With her own life-threatening curse to bear, she’s not looking for love. Besides, she’s stopped believing in saving grace and miracles long ago. But when Rhage’s intense sexual attraction turns into emotional bonding, he knows he must have her for his mate. As their enemies close in, Mary finds herself praying for something she fears she’ll never have: life eternal with the one she loves.

My Book Review : THIS NOVEL WAS A REREAD :: Then (January 2011): Never officially rated it the first time I read this novel but I know I LOVED it! | Now (August 2017): 5 out of 5 stars! Continuing right where “Dark Lover” ended, we now follow Rhage. Watch as Rhage deals with fighting the lessers, protecting the civilians and those he cares for from the Society and himself, all while finding his mate. Yet will he be able to handle the repercussions that come with finding the woman who was meant for him?

Guest Post :: Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Jenna Bennett | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 30th) I'm hosting guest posts from authors who were interested in helping out! So, here is a post by Jenna Bennett, author of "Tall, Dark, and Divine" & "Fortune's Hero," about what it's like to be a self-published author!!

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Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Once upon a time, in the dark ages of 2006, when I’d just written THE END on the last page of my first completed manuscript and had to decide what to do with it, there was really only one option open to me: Query, find an agent, and if you’re lucky, sell it to a publisher.

If you’re unlucky, write another and repeat the process.

At that point, self-publishing was for the people who hadn’t been able to snag the attention of an agent and/or an editor.

If you were good enough, the wisdom went, you’d get a traditional publishing contract. If you weren’t... well, only people who weren’t good enough, self-published.

By 2011, when I got the rights to that first book back, the publishing landscape had changed. Self-publishing was no longer only for the rejected, the down at heel. It was the ‘in’ thing. Everyone was doing it, and people were getting filthy rich, which made more people want to do it. Suddenly, self-pub had gone from being the anti-Christ to the second coming.

So I gave it a try. I had a book that had been published, where the publisher had returned the rights to me after declining to publish the rest of the series. I had three books written and edited, one book written but not edited, and another halfway done. Over the course of six or eight months that year, I published all of them.

And sat back and waited for the money to start rolling in.

And waited.

And waited some more.

Believe it or not, the money didn’t roll in. It trickled, though. Slowly. Three years later, I still haven’t sold a million copies of my books, although I’ve published more of them since. And I’m making a living, which is a big deal to many writers.

Turns out, self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers. It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It isn’t a miracle cure or a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s just another aspect of the publishing game. And the things that work in traditional publishing, tend to work in self-publishing as well, now that things have settled down into a more steady groove.

The more books you have available, the more money you’ll make.

Put out a professional product, and people will buy it.

Cream does rise to the top.

I’m a hybrid author these days. I do some traditional publishing and some self-publishing. There’s more self-pub, but only because it’s faster to get the books out when I can do it myself. There’s no one else’s production time to take into account. When you publish with a publishing house, there’s the editor’s time, and the copy-editor’s time, and the proof-reader’s time, and the cover designer’s time, and the sales team’s time to consider in addition to your own. When you’re all of those, you’re doing all the work, but you control the timing. So for every trad book I put out, I manage two, maybe even three, self-published books.

Not because they’re of inferior quality, though. Coming from a traditional publishing background is a real bonus in the self-publishing game. When you’ve been through the process a few times, and you see just how much goes into a publisher’s putting out a professional and polished product, and how many eyes are on that manuscript before it’s deemed polished enough, you realize just how much work you have to do to put out a comparable product on your own.

And that’s what you have to do. Because if self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers, then your self-published book is going to have to compete in the same marketplace as the traditionally published books from Random Penguin, and Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, and Harlequin. And while you may feel that the traditionally published books out there are not up to the snuff they ought to be, they’re usually professionally edited, copy-edited, proof-read and packaged. However you may feel about the writing or the story, the product – with a very few exceptions – is a professional one.

So while signing with a publisher will get you an editor who works with you on story structure and characterization and sometimes grammar, and a copy-editor who checks all your facts and figures and makes sure you’re not messing up your history, and a proof-reader who makes sure (after you do) that you haven’t left any errors, and a cover artist, and a cover designer, and an interior designer and formatter, all of whom make sure your book looks as lovely as it can possibly look, not to mention a sales and/or marketing department whose job it is to get your book into the public eye, where it can be seen and bought – because nobody can buy it if they don’t know it’s there... when you’re self-publishing, you have to do all those things yourself, or hire someone to do them for you.

It isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you don’t get off on the control, it’s probably not for you.

If your heart doesn’t beat a little faster at the thought of being the master of your own fate, you’re probably better off with a publisher.

And if you just want to write, and you don’t want to deal with the cover design, or the marketing, or the whole career-building bit, do yourself a favor and go the traditional route.

You’ll be happier, trust me.

It isn’t for everyone.

And that’s fine. Not being a self-publisher doesn’t make you a failure, any more than not being able to sell a book to traditional publishing ten years ago made you a failure. It made you not a good fit. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Because if self-pub is just another way of getting product to market, it’s not better or worse than any other way of getting product to market.

It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It’s a direction you can choose to take your career, if you think it’s something you’ll enjoy. Or it’s a direction you can choose to ignore, if you think you won’t. Trad publishing isn’t going anywhere, in spite of what the first wave of self-publishers claimed five years ago. 70% of all books sold in the U.S. every year are still print books, and getting print books into stores is something you still can’t do on your own. Whether seeing your book on the self at Barnes & Noble or your local indie bookstore is important to you, is something only you can answer for yourself.

There’s good and bad in every aspect of publishing. There’s even a little bit of ugly once in a while. And we all have to choose for ourselves what our priorities are, and where we fit in the scheme of things.

It’s a great time to be a writer. The opportunities are practically endless. And that’s a very good thing!

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About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jenna Bennett (Jennie Bentley) writes the Do It Yourself home renovation mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime and the Cutthroat Business mysteries for her own gratification. She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace. For more information. please visit her website, www.jennabennett.com.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Mysteries and More - November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine | Fortune's Hero

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Tall, Dark, and Divine | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Blog Tour - Covet Promo Reveal Blast Materials‏

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Find Jenna Bennett :

• Jenna Bennett - Website/Blog
• Twitter #1
• Twitter #2
• Facebook Page
• Goodreads
• Amazon Author Page

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The Giveaways!! :

This giveaway ends December 7, 2013 at midnight.

[Click the book titles to find out info about them or to read my review about them]

• A Smashwords ebook copy of "Picture Perfect" by Ella Fox to two randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
• An Ebook copy--winner's choice from Jodi Redford's backlist to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Catching the Bad Guy" by Marie Astor to three randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
• "The North Poe" Christmas Boxed Cards from Jenna Bennett to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• Winner's Choice :: two books (total) from Kristine Cayne and/or Dana Delamar or 10% off any service from By Your Side Self-Publishing from Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Every Night Forever" by R. E. Butler to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Playing Games" by Jessica Clare to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Battlescars" by Sophie Monroe to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Drive Me Crazy" by Marquita Valentine to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Desire By Blood" by Melissa Schroeder to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• A Kindle ebook copy of "Darkness Awakened" by Katie Reus to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway