Fishy Business: How to be a Mermaid

I thought I'd start a new thread, since my first one was all about the planning and seeing what people thought. I'm almost finished my book and I've been doing lots of editing and re-writes now. I've been approached by several publishers but I'm still leaning toward self publishing to keep the cost low and have more control over formats. I'm hoping to have the book available in hard and soft cover, e-book, and we're looking into doing a cool audiobook version too haha! My tentative launch date is Spring 2013. I'll be done before then, but I want to give myself enough time for finishing touches.

I've had a panel of well known mers, and established writers, and editors helping me out along the way giving me great feedback. Carolyn Turgeon is also going to be writing a forward in for me. I've been working my butt off to make sure this is as COMPREHENSIVE as possible. It includes things not found online anywhere, huge expansion on things that are "common knowledge", stuff I've invented and haven't shared publicly, a large resource section for reference, along with personal biographical stories :) We take a look in depth at all the stuff you need to get in order before you go pro, how to go pro, and how to make the most of things once you're pro. I give loads of info on types of gigs and how to get them, dealing with the media, money management, professional development, and how to make money outside of just gigs. I give detailed tutorials on how to deal with common issues and some personal anecdotes.

I'm hoping the book will appeal to people who want to become a pro mer or develop their persona and business, along with people who are simply interested in the whole world and maybe learning a bit about me. A lot of what I've compiled can apply to other professional work and performing as well. I know not everyone on mernetwork may feel this is the book for them, and that's okay :) But even some well known and established mermaids are really stoaked for it, so I'm hoping once it gets out and people get to review it some of you on the fence may be more interested ;) Either way, I know many of you are already established and wont be buying- I just hope you help me celebrate :)

I plan on doing some fun giveaways and video things to go along with the release, I've got some media lined up too. Oh yes, and after input from my fanpage I finally decided on a name...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...02130677_n.jpg


Really excited :) Even if it doesn't sell like crazy, this whole process has been so amazing and really helped me fine-tune myself and realize how much I've got to offer. <3

Yay!! I'm so excited!!

Woo! I'll definitely have to buy it. =D

Congratulations Raina!

Excited!! I definitely want to buy it! :)

I cant wait for the release! I will certainly buy it!

So wonderful!

Sounds awesome! I'll have to buy this as well. :)

Looking forward to it.

What a clever name for the book :) Well done looks like it will be an interesting read

This is fantastic! I will be buying it! :D

I'm so happy for you!!!And so excited too!!!I'll buy it for sure! :D
I can't wait!

Love it! I'm super excited for you, and I hope the audiobook comes into fruition. Would you be the one reading it? I'd buy it (I love your Canadian accent, lol).

Autographed editions? Fin print, tail print?

I'm not sure about the logistics behind autographed ones. I want to sell using a company that is print on demand, instead of print a whole wack. Easier for my wallet, for everyone else, and the environment. I will probably purchase a few myself, sign them, then sell them- though I'll lose a bit of money from the extra SH back and forth etc.

you could possibly take preorders, and charge a bit more for them since after all, these will be autographed, and buy a few extra to autograph and sell as well.(maybe the company you want to print with has any specials on printing/buying in bulk?)

Be sure to include an ebook version. My book has sold five times the copies in ebook as it has hard copy.

You might want to check out the website http://www.thecreativepenn.com/ - essentially Alveric is correct. If you self publish then using Amazon etc is the best way to go. If you send me a PM I can forward the links to a recent 'self publishing' workshop I attended, Lots of good tips on how to generate the initial marketing buzz; and the use of constructive keywords to keep the book in the top 10 (for your genre) for a while. E.g. try to get cross linked. For example Joanna's books are listed in Religious Fiction but don't have religious overtones. However it allows her to cross market her output it has higher rankings than on Adventure / Thriller.

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Be sure to include an ebook version. My book has sold five times the copies in ebook as it has hard copy.

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Yes I expect that, and honestly I prefer it. :)

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You might want to check out the website http://www.thecreativepenn.com/ - essentially Alveric is correct. If you self publish then using Amazon etc is the best way to go. If you send me a PM I can forward the links to a recent 'self publishing' workshop I attended, Lots of good tips on how to generate the initial marketing buzz; and the use of constructive keywords to keep the book in the top 10 (for your genre) for a while. E.g. try to get cross linked. For example Joanna's books are listed in Religious Fiction but don't have religious overtones. However it allows her to cross market her output it has higher rankings than on Adventure / Thriller.

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Thanks, I'm not toooo concerned about staying on top etc. I recognize that this is a very specific and small market. I don't expect to sell loads and loads and make a bunch of money :p I've had some publishers approach me, but like I said I think going the way I have planned will work the best for the most people :)

I have a feeling that once you've published it, we are going to have many new members. Haha good luck with the finishing touches! Hope everything turns out well :)