goodreads – Jean's Writing

How scammers can profit from your promotion

Published on August 21, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell23 Comments

Your generosity, that’s how.

Writing a book is not for the faint of heart.

Takes hours, of blood, sweat, and tears. Lots of tears. Why oh why would someone scam off of this hard-earned work? I just don’t get it.

Just when I thought I heard everything, along comes book scammers. Really? Seems every time you give away a book, there is someone ready to profit from your freebie.

Reading this post by Carrie Rubin explains a lot.

I’ve wondered where and how some of my books were showing up as “new-used” for sale by other people. Now I know.

A Most Reluctant Princess - Amazon

Read her post and tell me what you think.

Why I’ll Never Run Another Goodreads Giveaway Again … Probably … Maybe By Carrie Rubin

Have you given away any promotional copies of your book?

Will you consider it in the future?

Are copies of your books for sale by third parties?

What do you think about giveaways now?

I like to hear thoughts. Leave me a comment and let’s talk.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Want to know why you need to leave a review?

Published on March 17, 2017March 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Do you know why this is important?

I mean really important?

It helps a writer? Yes, of course. But there is more to it than that.

When we eat out, we leave the wait staff a tip. Even if the service is lousy, we leave a tip. Might be small, but we leave something behind. The staff worked hard to provide the meal, and our tip our acknowledgment. We may never return to that restaurant again, but that’s okay.

The same thing holds true for a book. The author works hard to produce a product for readers to enjoy. Some will enjoy the story more than others, but everyone should leave behind a tip (review.) Short and sweet, or long and eloquent, leave a review it doesn’t matter.

Don’t know what to say? Here’s a tip: read what others have said and to get ideas, to prime your thoughts into your own words.

Don’t have time to write a wordy review? Click on the stars but leave behind that tip with a one or five star review.

Remember to let the author know you read their book. The best way to do that is to write a review. Leaving your footprints in the sands of Amazon and Goodreads is important.

What has kept you from leaving a review in the past?

Was it fear? Didn’t like the book? Didn’t know what to say?

Think you could leave a short review now?

Talk to me – I love comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Keep reading for more about reviews!

Book Reviews: Why They’re So Important to Authors

Why the Right Book Reviews are So Important for Authors

HOW IMPORTANT ARE BOOK REVIEWS?

Does your muse need extra coffee this morning?

Published on October 24, 2016October 23, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

Time to rise and shine, pour a second cup of joe and start writing.

I understand, from time to time, we all need a nudge of inspiration. So this is your Monday morning call to arms.

Don’t let this morning get you down. Jump start your week with a few words to motivate your muse.

quote-design-01

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How do you jump-start your writing process?

Are Mondays more difficult than other days?

Find your personal inspirational quote- links at the bottom.

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Brainy Quotes

DIY your own mug

The Quote Garden

Goodreads Quotes

If not, now you may need one in the future.

Published on July 1, 2016June 30, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

So get prepared for your —

Beta Readers.

Yes, you read that right. Plural, you’ll need more than one.

Why? Because beta readers are different from editors or critique partners. They are readers. But they are an invaluable tool for a writer.

That’s why I’m passing on a great post by Jo Robinson as well as a couple of other great posts on the subject. Check out the links below.

Although, a beta reader can and should point out glaring typos and comma splices, that’s not their primary purpose.

No, the primary purpose of a beta reader is to give you a reader’s perspective of your book, what they might see and think.

A beta reader reads like a consumer not an editor.

With that in mind, I’d like to add my two cents.

Make sure you are clear on what you expect from the beta reader. Make a list of questions you’d like answered, but don’t make it too long. You don’t want it to look like a college assignment. There are a few basics every writer wants to know, but maybe you are looking for a particular reaction. If so make sure you ask a question that would reflect it.

Here are a few questions to get you started.

Did the story hook you?
How far into the story before you were hooked? 1st paragraph, 1st page, 1st chapter?
How quickly were you anchored in the story? Or did you get lost in a maze?
Did you relate, understand the characters?
Which character stood out the most?
Could you envision the characters and settings?
Any discrepancies or inconsistencies of details? Descriptions, sequences, places, details? (House on wrong side of road, hair color changed along the way)
Does the story and writing style fit the genre or age group aimed?
Did you skip ahead through any parts? Where?
Did you savor any passages? Where? Why?

Have you ever used Beta Readers?

What was your experience?

Want more questions? Go to the bottom of this post for a link to 15 more.

I’d love to hear from you! Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

BETA READERS by JoRobinson

What the Heck is a Beta Reader? Do I Need One? by SHEILA M. GOOD

15 questions for your beta readers – and to focus your own revisions by Jodie Renner