Incendiary is officially in the early stages of publishing. Eeeepppp! To say that I'm scared would really understate how I feel right now. I know that I should be used to this by now. It's my fourth book, right? Doesn't matter. There is more pressure now not to let you down. I've poured over it so many times trying to make it perfect. The problem is that I'm imperfect (and therein lies the rub, huh?). Now that it's underway, I can't really make any major changes to it. It is what it is--what will be will be. I've been listening to KILL YOUR HEROES by AWOLNATION like it's a mantra. "Never let your fear decide your fate..." In the coming days, I'm going to crank this up and dance around like a ridiculous fool until it all feels okay again. :) Thank you for being completely awesome and sticking with me through this. I feel really fortunate to have you! Okay, this is where we are right now in the publishing process. I initiated a new title on my dashboard at CreateSpace for Incendiary. I contacted my rep at CreateSpace and paid for the Total Design Freedom-Standard package, which is the Interior Formatting of the print book and a Unique Book Cover. I always opt for the free ISBN (International Standard Book Number). This is a number that acts sort of like a social security number for your book. Some writers purchase their own ISBNs because getting one free here immediately alerts everyone in the industry to the fact that this is Indie published. My thoughts have always been: it is what it is. My writing will speak for me, not my ISBN. You can purchase your own and then create your own "publishing company" to try to hide the fact that you're not traditionally published. I like to live out in the open (but that's me, I'm not knocking you if you have a different strategy).
So then I made all the mundane decisions that you have to think about when creating a book. I went with the 6" x 9" size book, black ink on cream paper (I like cream paper way better than white). I had to decide the BISAC code (Book Industry Standards And Communication--it's a category or generic code to help sellers and buyers browse easier and locate products in a search). The BISAC code for Incendiary is Fiction/ Romance/ Paranormal. I also purchased a LCCN ( Library of Congress Control Number) for Incendiary. This number is used by libraries to catalog and order books. Many authors choose not to worry about getting one of these. I think it makes my books legit, so I bought it. I have to wait a few days for it to be assigned. It's worth it to me. I don't think you can get one after you publish. I think you'd have to republish the book if you don't have it assigned up front. (At least, that's my understanding.) So I can't officially upload my manuscript until the LCCN is assigned. That will probably happen on Monday or Tuesday. Once it does, I'll send the manuscript along with the answer to the "Content Questionnaire." (Note: get this questionnaire up front and fill it out, then cut and paste your answers to it when you go to upload your manuscript. The form is time sensitive; it only gives you 30 minutes to fill it out, which I had to learn the hard way with my first novel.) For anyone interested, here are the questions: What is your book's tone, and how do you want readers to perceive your text? (For example, a light-hearted and easy-to-use guide to home finances, or a romantic fiction comparable to Nicholas Sparks, etc.) * Provide a brief summary of your book. (Fiction: list the main characters, plot, storyline and any quotes from the book that are particularly telling. Non-fiction: state your main objective, how you differ from others of your genre.) Describe your book's theme(s). What is your book's genre? * Describe your target audience by factors such as age group, interests, education, gender, etc. What inspired you to write the book? What distinguishes your book from others? * Describe any specific design ideas for the interior of your book. For example, "I would like my interior to look modern" or "I would like my interior to look like my manuscript." Do you plan to submit an index? If you would like to include one, we will request that you upload the paginated and completed index later on in the process. Describe any specific design ideas for the cover of your book. Are there particular color(s) or types of imagery that you would like to see on your cover? <----Riveting stuff, huh? Being an author/ publisher is so glamorous *wink* Okay, so once I upload the manuscript, they'll format the interior and then send me a PDF proof to approve. Once I go through that a couple of rounds and approve the PDF, they'll begin working on the cover. They'll give me 2 options for the cover, one based on my specifications, and then one based on their design aesthetic. (This is actually a good thing. I went with the designer's version for Intuition. True story.) After the cover is done, they'll send me the physical proof in the form of a paperback copy. Once I approve that, CreateSpace will have Amazon create a page for it on Amazon.com. Next, the Kindle conversion will be started (formatting the PDF to an ebook in a mobi file format). That takes 2-3 weeks to come out after the print book is up. So I'm hoping this somehow makes it by the end of November of 2012, but it could be December. Ugh, I know: SO SLOW. I will keep updating you every single step of the way. You'll know where we are at all times! Thank you for being so awesome!! I really can't wait for you to read it, even if I'm scared. :D
45 Comments
Jamie
9/9/2012 01:33:36
AAHHH, s o excited for you and to get my hands on it! It's going to be a long wait but will be worth it.
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 12:49:12
Thank you, Jamie! I can't wait to be able to talk about it with you!! I think that will be amazing! You're so wonderful to encourage me! Yay!!
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I really loved your books. AND more than that, i love that you've taken the time to share with us readers all that's been going on.
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9/9/2012 02:08:42
sorry... my tablet is acting up, All I'm trying to say is, (not that this matters ... but from a huge critic of -well, just about everything!!
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 12:53:18
April! You're a rockstar! Thank you for your awesome message. I especially liked the "from a huge critic of-well, just about everything." That made me love you! I'm very proud to have you as a reader and a friend. <3
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Chrissy Miller
9/9/2012 02:20:55
Amy, how exciting!!!!! I know that it is only natural to be nervous, but I know that we are going to love it!!
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 12:58:48
Chrissy, you're such a great friend! I love reading your messages! I hope that you'll LOVE it. Obsess away, it only makes me happier! Thank you for being so supportive!
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Carolanne
9/9/2012 03:14:54
I am so excited :D my halloween costume is inspired off your books :] I have this whole "angel of vengeance" theme going on in my head. I am thinking red angel wings, black contacts, etc. So I am stoked your book will be out soon!!! I will be holed up in my room until that baby is finished once it comes out lol.
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 13:05:15
I LOVE IT!! You're going to look so amazing on Halloween!! If you feel like sharing some pics, I'd love to see them. You can facebook me! I'm getting stoked for the release, too! *deep breath* It's just the waiting that's a killer. Thank you for being there for me. You're brilliant!
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Heather
9/9/2012 07:04:37
I'm so excited for you!!! and of course all of your fans who have been patiently waiting for incedairy, and of course the 5th book you decieded to bless us with. Please dont doubt your mad writing skills anyone who reads your books is hooked within the first page :) Your a wonderful writer and I personally cankt wait to lose myself in yet another epic book written by you.
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 13:11:49
Heather!! I'm so excited to have you as a reader! You're mad cool! With you reading it, I can't possibly lose. I feel so much better! Thank you for your super huge heart :D
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Michelle Nahale-a
9/9/2012 10:04:41
Well if you need an extra set of eyes for finding those minor typos,etc. I am willing to "sacrifice" some of my teaching time to help out, because that's just the kind of person I am. Hahaha. Seriously though. :)
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 13:17:52
Michelle! I should've found you earlier! You have epic teacher skills (the best kind)! I love how you would've "sacrificed" yourself for the cause. Awesome. :D Thank you for being a friend! I may twist your arm to help me out on the next one! Iniquity ;)
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Michelle Nahale-a
9/9/2012 13:40:21
ABSOLUTELY! And if we have to do a face to face meet I'm sure you can write off a trip to Hawaii as a business expense! Hahaha! Aloha!
Maddie
9/9/2012 10:09:52
Yay! Amy! I feel like a proud mama. It's not a to terrible wait, considering most people have to wait a whole year for the next book! I've been constantly rereading TPS...it's ridiculous, but it never gets old. I can seriously almost quote indebted now.<3
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 13:24:30
Maddie! First of all, can I just tell you how much I like that you say "TPS?" That cracks me up. I'll be referring to it that way from now on. (So much easier!) I love that you reread it! I'm waiting for someone to stump me on lines from TPS. I wonder if that will happen...it may be you who does it! That would be awesome. Thank you for being so lovely! I appreciate it :D
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9/9/2012 10:14:26
Oiay November is to far away. But I am beyond excited!!!
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 13:32:01
November is WAY too LONG! I know! I'm dying, too! I can't talk about it until it's out. It's harder every time to keep my yap shut. :D But, as Brennus says, I have to shut my gob. Thank you for being a bright light in my life! I am beyond excited to have you as a friend!
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Julie
9/9/2012 10:37:33
<gulp> Kill Your Heroes?? Is that a hint?
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Amy A. Bartol
9/9/2012 14:00:12
That is NOT a hint, LOL! I love that you SO get it, Julie. You're very intuitive. Thank you for your amazing insight and support. I'm really grateful to have you as a friend! <3
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Carla
9/9/2012 17:41:25
oh my! and here was I thinking it would be released this month... oh no! it's still soooo far away. =(
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Carla
9/9/2012 17:50:27
5th book? Oh this is amazing! uhuuuuuu!!!!! I just knew about it. I'm so excited! Thanks Amy, I wasn't ready to say goodbye. ;)
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 16:49:40
Thank you, Carla!! I'm getting so stoked to write the 5th one! I want to tell you about everything that happens in Incendiary just so I can explain Iniquity (book 5). But it's like fight club, I can't talk about it! UGH!! :D
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Stephanie
9/9/2012 20:41:09
If you are imperfect then you are definitely Perfectly imperfect!!! Your books are like magic. They suck us in this realm and make us feel this rollercoaster of emotions. And I LOVE IT! You have such a talent and I hope you NEVER stop writting!!!
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:04:19
Stephanie! You're going to make me cry! Thank you for being so sweet to me! November cannot come soon enough for me! I'm getting excited about the release of Incendiary, too! The shock is wearing off a little. I stalked the publisher today to see if they assigned the LCCN to it. They didn't, but I think it will be tomorrow. If it is, I'll upload my manuscript right away. I just want them to be working on it so you can read it soon, and then I can talk to you about it. LOL!
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Jasmin
9/9/2012 22:05:07
Amy, don't be scared! Incendiary is going to be amazing - I'm sure about this... :-) Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait....
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:06:49
I love that mantra, Jasmin! "Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait"...thank you, you're a wonderful person. <3
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Brooke
9/10/2012 09:33:11
Howdy!!! My stomach is turning in all kind of knots in crazed excitement!! I know the wait will be totally worth it. Never doubt that you have MANY fans who think you are the absolute BEST! Including me. Hehe. Keep dancing and know will be dancing as well. Not only are you a respectable author but an inspiration and make many smile by just being you!!!Keep doing what you love.
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:10:24
I'll have to keep writing, Brooke, because it's brought such lovely people into my life (you especially)! Thank you for your encouragement and support! I'm grateful! ;)
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Karen
9/10/2012 11:57:59
OMG!!!!!! I LOVE your books i cant wait for the 4th book. And even the 5th if their is going to be one. This series has put a new look at love. You have created something from your imagination and put it down on paper and have us all enjoy the wonderful melody of your writing keep it up.^_~ lov your fan.............
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:14:06
Karen! You should be a writer with your lovely prose! Thank you! It's hard for me to think of you as a fan. You feel like a friend. <3
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9/11/2012 12:16:55
I LOVE your series. Love the characters and I love that Evie is a strong character. From one smart allelic to another she is great. :) I just finished them for the 2nd time. I can't wait to read the next one. Keep them coming!
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:15:38
Andrea! Thank you, from one smart allelic to another ;) You rock!
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Danelle
9/11/2012 16:38:07
Amy, end of November is too far away. I cannot wait till it comes out and then we're going to have to wait for the next one. It's a great story and I'm glad I came across it. Thank you so much Amy for helping us soread our imaginations to these amazing places and characters. It really is a great read. Keep it up! xx
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Amy A. Bartol
9/11/2012 17:20:49
Danelle! I know, right? November reeks because it IS too far away! I wish I could make it faster. I have to watch every single thing I type. Someone asked me a question the other day and my answer gave a little something away! Ugh! Secrets! LOL Thank you for being a rockstar! <3 your enthusiasm!
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Danelle
9/11/2012 20:01:52
Oooooo.....what did you give away?? Hehe. You must be so careful as I can tell your just as excited as everyone else is so it must be cery difficult. It's very cute.
Audry
9/12/2012 12:07:28
I Can't wait! I'm POSITIVE it will be great!
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Shannon
9/12/2012 16:27:40
I am so excited and CANNOT wait to read Incendiary! I read the other three day and night until finished.....I couldn't break away!!!
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Tricia Marble
9/13/2012 05:43:52
Can't wait!!!!! It will be on either my Thanksgiving list... great thing to do while everyone else is shopping Black Friday... or it will be on my Christmas list! SO EXCITED! Love the series and you are an amazing author.
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Beth
9/15/2012 15:53:21
I absolutely LOVE your books!! Can't wait til November and THRILLED that a 5th one is on the horizon!! I am an avid reader and former English teacher. Keep up the great writing and don't be nervous! Your characters are so vivid and the voice of each can be heard so easily! Now. . .I just have to wait!!!
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Stephanie Richards
9/15/2012 17:07:59
Thank you so much for keeping us updated! I love Indie authors for this very reason, we get to feel connected to you and your work. How awesome is that?!!?
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Kaitlyn
9/16/2012 09:37:08
"I was telling you that I have waited for you to come to me for an eternity. You set me free and I would wait for you forever because there is nothing about you that I would change...you are perfect."
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Angela
9/17/2012 06:13:22
Amy, I have been reading your blog for a while now. I read your first three books, not once, not twice, but three times (OMG did I just tell you that I'm obsessed? Yes, I think I did.) Waiting, waiting for Incendiary. Can't tell you how much I look forward to your new book!!! I love ALL your characters even that bad boy Brennus. I am writing a book now and pray that my characters have that much breathe of life. BTW, I was team Russell or Brennus until I saw the Reed picture on the blog - hmmm Totally on board with Reed now ;) but will let Evie decide. Thank you for all the joy you bring to your fans!
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Sonia
9/19/2012 06:55:03
I hope it comes out soon because I literally cannot wait a moment longer. They are what help get me through many sleepless nights with my newborn daughter. So excited. Thank you so much for a series that keeps me on the edge of my seat as well as the edge of all of my fantasies.
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Christin Eubanks
9/20/2012 19:39:11
So excited to see the publishing ball rolling for Incendiary!! And you've chosen an extremely great band to dance around to in the meantime - love Awolnation. Now when I see them in October I'll be thinking of Brennus while looking at Aaron! Ha!
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AMY A. BARTOLI'm not a Pepper or the car I drive. Evie's Playlist on SpotifyReed's playlist on SpotifyRussell's Playlist on SpotifyBrennus' Playlist on SpotifyThe Fellas' Playlist on SpotifyZephyr's Playlist on SpotifyArchives
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