Novelist Derek Armstrong Thrillers Mysteries Historicals

Book industry numbers are cold-sweat terrifying for publishers and authors alike. According to Nielsen Bookscan, 3,000 books are published per day in the United States alone (as reported on www.deadlyprose.com ). ForeWord can review at most a few thousand per year. Publishers report an average of 2,100 submissions per year, totaling 132 million submissions. Just under one percent are accepted for publication.

In the face of these staggering odds, is there any hope for authors and publishers?

The Majority of Books Sell Fewer than 99 Copies

Of the 1.2 million titles tracked by Bookscan in 2006, only 2.1% sold more than 5,000 books, 16.6% sold fewer than 1,000, and a terrifying 79.6% sold fewer than 99 copies. The 99 copies are no doubt the reason only one percent of authors’ submissions make it through the arduous publisher-review process.

This is all the stuff of wake-in-a-sweat nightmares: 63,000 publishers vie for readers with their wonderful author lists (according to Dan Poynter’s ParaPublishing.com).

The terror is no less for authors: only six conglomerate publishers publish fewer and fewer debut authors and less and less fiction. Then the real horror story commences as a book makes it into distribution. The bestseller dreams of authors and publishers are splashed with the cold water of real numbers.

Negative or Naïve?

Am I being negative or naïve? Perhaps both. The naïve part of the equation is my firm belief there are ways to break through these barriers to success. Kunati was founded with this goal in mind, and has proven it can work.

Heather Shaw touched on one important element of the success formula in her insightful Blog on book covers. When competing with 1.2 million titles, first impressions (impact) and credibility are vital. These are the twin functions of a cover.

What Works for Selling Books?

Websites, book videos and novel trailers, author critique groups, social marketing, author Blog tours, old-fashioned but still-important book signings, and publicity are the proven methods for marketing. I hope to focus on these in future Publisher Insider Blogs in a more how-to format.

Innovation begins with a study of what works. Read every Blog in the ForeWord archive and every article in the magazine. Visit the sites of successful publishers—the innovative publishers who lead with new ideas such as novel trailers, Blog touring, online publicity. (hint, hint, Kunati). Read every page on sites from innovative publishers.

Getting Noticed is the Primary Goal

My message is simple. With these horrifying numbers, being noticed is almost the only thing that matters—for both authors and publishers. Many authors are creative, even brilliant, yet if they can’t market their “author brand” no publisher is interested.

The publisher faces an epic battle analogous to a Tolkien quest to get attention in the marketplace. The publisher must build the authors’ brands, edit the manuscripts for the market, arrange distribution, obtain reviews from magazines (which choose from millions), then sell to wholesalers, retailers and finally readers.

The Retailer

How does a retailer choose which titles to carry? The average retailer chooses to stock a few thousand copies per year, far less than 1% of the titles available—similar in numbers to the reviews published annually by ForeWord. That’s not a coincidence.

Publisher and author success relies on buzz, which is a combination of review exposure, social networking, book cover designs, author activities such as Blogs and signings (the two types of touring, virtual and tangible). The last part of the equation is wonderful content.

Innovative Authors Look Beyond Good Prose... read the rest of the blog post here

Read Publisher Insider on ForeWord Magazine weekly here.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Steve Jobs, O.J. Simpson, Amazon, Kunati Books, Derek Armstrong ... What Do They Have in Common?

This week, a “close friend” of O.J. Simpson offered Kunati—a publisher focused on “controversial and provocative books”—a tell-all book project: “O.J. told me that I was the only man he was comfortable enough to talk openly with. Web of Controversy will remove the public facade of O.J. Simpson.” Nice friend. More O.J. controversy. Will it sell? Almost certainly.

Condemning Controversy?

Why are readers receptive to controversy? Judging from a report I received this week—the Library Open Access report “Tracking Challenges in Libraries: 2007 Results”—the opposite is true. Patrons are vocal in condemning anything notorious or contentious. It seems that some library patrons would bring back book-burning. So, why do Kunati’s provocative books sell so well? Why do controversial books such as The Da Vinci Code become bestsellers? How is it that publishers can turn controversy into bestsellers and provocation into opportunity when some readers seem vocally in favor of censorship?

Violence, Racism and Promoting Witchcraft

The easy answer seems to be the power of the silent majority—enlightened readers—voting for freedom and fun with their wallets. Librarians, publishers and booksellers continue to offer these books despite a vocal minority. Among the condemned titles from library patrons in the “Challenges” report were: Oliver Twist (for violence), Brer Rabbit and Tar Baby Girl (for racism), and—of course—Philip Pullman’s Golden Compass for religious viewpoints. I recall Harry Potter being on a previous list for “promoting witchcraft.” The list of 36 “patron condemned” books in the 2007 list included my favorite classics, making me wonder if this is indeed a 2007 report. Fortunately, the librarians—stewards of free thought—denied all requests to “burn” or remove books.

What’s so Controversial?

A quick analysis of this most entertaining report from librarians shows the most common reasons for requests to “pull” books off library shelves, in order of prominence, were: homosexuality, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit language, violence, offensive language. Thank goodness for librarians, otherwise all of my own novels would be burned:

* The Game: let’s see, explicit violence, offensive language—it is a thriller, after all
* The Last Troubadour: ah, religious viewpoint for its portrayal of the Cathars as heroes and the Inquisition as evil?
* MADicine: oh, probably everything on the no-no list.

I suppose I’d be in good company with nearly all of Kunati’s popular books—including a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a NY Times bestseller. Not to mention the rest of the “challenges” list: Exit to Eden, The Monkey King, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Rainbow Boys, Fly on the Wall, and the entire religion-based bestselling Left Behind series.

Steve Jobs says, “No One Reads Anymore.”

It seems that Apple’s Steve Jobs believes “people don’t read anymore.” The computer guru declared in his keynote at MacWorld 2007 that Amazon’s new e-ink reader was “dead on arrival” with a sweeping, and inaccurate, statistic: “It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore. Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year.” Good to know, Steve. I guess Job’s forty percent only read controversial books?

According to a landmark study of 10,800 Americans by Persona Corp in 2007: 30.6% “Can’t live without books”; 23.4% “LOVE books”; 20.9% “Read regularly”—totaling 74.9% of all Americans. I guess it depends on whether you make phone gadgets or publish books which survey you trust, although a quick look at actual book sales indicates Persona’s study is closer to the right number.

Book Sales Over 36 Billion Net in 2007http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Net revenues on book sales, according to The Book Standard, were up another billion dollars to $35.69 billion net sales in 2006 and another 1% up in 2007....

READ THE REST OF THE FEATURE HERE at ForeWord Magazine...

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Kunati Publishes a Pulitzer Prize-Winner and New York Times Bestselling Author in 2008

31 Authors - Pulitzer Prize-Winner - NY Times Bestselling Author - Sequels from Hit Authors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Kunati Books, "a publisher to watch" according to ALA's Booklist, promises a big year in 2008 with the addition of twenty-two titles, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a soon-to-be-a-motion-picture novel release.

"This year we're particularly excited to announce so many hot titles and authors," publisher Derek Armstrong said. "Pulitzer Prize winning NY Times bestseller John E. Mack joins our list with a commemorative illustrated edition of his Passport to the Cosmos. Joshua Corin is a most welcome addition, especially now that his amazing novel Nuclear Winter Wonderland is to be a major 2009 motion picture. Booksellers and reviewers really paid attention in 2007. But this year, Kunati's definitely the name to watch."

Spring 2008 has already seen strong advance orders for a critically-acclaimed list of unique fiction, including MADicine, the second Alban Bane thriller by satirical thriller novelist Derek Armstrong, and Hunting the King by Peter Clenott—already being favorably compared by reviewers to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

Libraries and chains have particularly responded to early buzz about Bathtub Admirals, a "true story" satirical novel of naval and political incompetence from retired US Navy Commander Jeff Huber. Returning from a great 2007 performance with Rabid, T K Kenyon's Callous is also hot on advance orders. Dan Ronco's UnHoly Domain has been compared by reviewers to Phillip K. Dick and earned praise from many bestselling authors.

Kunati's intelligent choices of unique voices has led to movie-option negotiations, development deals, a flurry of interest in translation rights, and:
· 31 authors
· Kunati's first Tarot deck/book set, a very unique set that combines Quantum physics and Tarot imagery in the Quantum Tarot

· Six acclaimed new thrillers, including MADicine, sequel to the 2007 hit The Game.
· Several non-fiction titles, including the much-anticipated Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness, by sitcom writer Wendy Aron
· Blogertize, a breakout "How-to Make Money" book on blogging with secrets of a twenty-year expert marketer
· The return of Armstrong's hugely popular historical-fantasy-tarot trilogy in The Last Quest, book two after last year's hit The Last Troubadour.
· An inspirational book of hope for those who have suffered sexual abuse, Courage in Patience, from Beth Fehlbaum
· Breakthrough fiction, including: The Master Planets from Donald Gallinger; A Decent Ransom, A Story of Kidnapping Gone Right from Ivana Hruba; a twice-dead crime-solver in the sensational Miracle Myx from Dave Diotalevi; a legal thriller ripped right from the headlines in Janeology by Karen Harrington; Heart of Diamonds from journalist Dave Donelson an international adventure set in the darkest Congo; and Belly of the Whale, a powerful and poignant story of a woman battling cancer who finds the will to live after confronting a murderer.

"We're fortunate to have so many fine authors to choose from," Armstrong explained. "Our authors-first philosophy led to over 8500 submissions last year. Our 2007 cloth editions were so popular, most of them are releasing in trade paper in fall of this year."

Kunati's many titles in 2007 are still selling well in cloth, including unique titles:

· Mothering Mother, the family caregiving masterpiece from Carol D. O'Dell, a popular guest on TV, with appearances on CNN and FOX TV
· The Game, Alban Bane's first thriller from Derek Armstrong, a critically acclaimed jab at reality TV
· Rabid, from T K Kenyon, described as "impressive" by Publishers Weekly and landing to strong sales and starred reviews
· Popular post-Civil War historical Women of Magdalene from Rosemary Poole-Carter
· The Last Troubadour, which caught the imagination of historical fans and Tarot fans alike
· Truth or Bare, a stylish character-driven crime thriller from Richard Cahill
· On Ice from beloved humorist Red Evans
· bang Bang: How Paula Sherman Took On the Gun Lobby and Changed America, a literary masterpiece by Lynn Hoffman
· Whale Song from Canadian Cheryl Kaye Tardif, "already a hit" according to Booklist
· Golf slapstick with Todd Sentell's Toonamint of Champions
· UK humor from Andy Tilley's sensational Recycling Jimmy
· A journey back to the hip sixties in Shadow of Innocence from Ric Wasley
· Young adult adventure in Art Tirrell's popular The Secret Ever Keeps.

About Kunati

Passport to the Cosmos cover

Kunati Books has been described as "a publisher to watch" from ALA's Booklist and "what a publisher looks like if the marketing department runs things" by Quill and Quire. With thirty-one authors, a Pulitzer Prize- winner, and movie deals for books, Kunati is a major force in independent publishing.

Kunati became an instant hit with its "authors-first approach." Founded by published authors, Kunati became an immediate focus for authors, with thousands of submissions per year. Careful selection led to critical acclaim for all published titles. Distributed internationally through Independent Publishers Group, Canadian Manda and other groups, and through all major wholesalers, Kunati quickly became popular with booksellers, and in particular the independents.

Kunati is also very loyal to its libarian friends.

Fresh, acclaimed fiction and non-fiction also makes Kunati a major target of movie-rights buyers. Nuclear Winter Wonderland, a Kunati title from Joshua Corin, is soon to be a major movie. Other titles are optioned or in negotiation.

About Kunati's Publisher

MADicine, an Alban Bane Thriller from Derek Armstrong

Best known for historical thrillers and mystery thrillers, Derek
Armstrong is also a screenwriter, publisher and well-known marketing
guru. His defining signature style was described by Booklist as
"brilliance in which Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in
genuinely innovative ways." Armstrong is the creator of Alban Bane,
featured in the Alban Bane thrillers The Game and MADicine, a character
affectionately compared by critics to House M.D., the TV character. He
is the author of the popular Song of Montségurhistorical trilogy, including The Last Troubadour and The Last Quest. He is also author of
two non-fiction titles: Blogertize-A Leading Expert Shows How Your Blog Can Be A Money-Making Machine and The Persona Principle: How to Succeed
in Business with Image-Marketing. Forthcoming in 2009 is a breakthrough
Harry Potter competitor: Magick Inc.

Derek Armstrong has won many awards for advertising copywriting internationally and wrote The Persona Principle (Simon & Schuster) with co-author Kam Wai Yu, now translated to five languages.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

New Science-Fiction Thriller by Dan Ronco from Kunati, compared to Philip K. Dick

NEWS RELEASE — Futuristic Thriller from Kunati Compared to Legendary SF Writer Phillip K. Dick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TORONTO – Unholy Domain, the new Kunati novel by Dan Ronco, has been compared to the works of legendary science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, author of Blade Runner and many other classics. In Unholy Domain, Ronco follows Dick’s investigations into the dark new worlds of the near future. New York Times bestselling author Piers Anthony calls Unholy Domain “a fast-action story ... sparkling with ideas.” Anthony praised Ronco’s previous novel, PeaceMaker, as “exciting, violent and thoughtful.”

Unholy Domain explores the age-old battle between scientific enlightenment and religious fundamentalism. Ronco takes readers into a shattered world where violent rival factions—the fanatical Church of God and the secret technological society known as The Domain— compete for supreme power. Caught in the middle is a young man who seeks to clear his father of blame for the greatest technological disaster the world has ever endured.

“The comparison to Phillip K. Dick and the praise by an author of the stature of Piers Anthony are extremely gratifying, but not surprising,” said Kunati publisher Derek Armstrong. “Dan Ronco’s writing teems with stimulating ideas about the future of the world and the human race. His storytelling is outstanding. He looks into the human heart and finds both the dark and the transcendent.”

Unholy Domain will release to extensive publicity in April of 2008 from Kunati Books, called a “new publisher to watch” by Booklist.

Kuanti seeks out provocative and controversial fiction, as well as non-fiction that inspires and enlightens. The spring 2008 season includes a satire of the US military by a retired Navy Commander, two new medical thrillers, an inspiring story of a woman battling cancer and terrorized by a murderer, a literary crime novel that boasts the most unique protagonist to come along in years, and a novel that explores the personality of a woman who murdered her toddler son.

For PRESS INFORMATION — press @kunati.com Derek Armstrong, Publisher, Kunati Books

Monday, January 14, 2008

Author of hilarious and heart-warming On Ice Passed Away

Our dear friend and Kunati Author Red Evans passed away. We will miss him. His humor and words live on in his wonderful novel ON ICE.

Red Evans, author of On Ice, passed away this Sunday morning on January 13, 2008.

Thank you to everyone who wrote kind words to Red and his family during his illness.

The crowning of his long and productive life in radio, television, and public relations was becoming a published author. With a shout of "Ah Scooby Do," his lead in as the DJ “Rockin’ Redhead,” he entered the Pearly Gates conjuring up thoughts for his first heavenly novel.

Red saw humor and sparkling life in everything, evident in his writing. He never lost his humor. He joked, "now my cancer has cancer."

A now-famous scene in On Ice portrays, the Not-Forgotten Funeral Home. We will certainly NOT forget (copyright Red Evans)—

Excerpt from On Ice —

The Not Forgotten Funeral Home employee stood spellbound by the huge man with eagle feathers flickering in the afternoon breeze. Felton followed him up the stairs with his pork pie hat over his heart. At the top, he called across to me in the lawn area, “After Whistler gets his run, Eldy, you come on in. We’ll be with Mr. Tweedleman. You can’t miss him. He’s been dead since he was born.”

Felton waved the hat at the employee who was still standing by the Studebaker, mouth wide open, not knowing whether to crap or go blind. “Well come on, man. What are you standing there for? Ichthius Tweedleman’s got a lot to do to make old Tyrane here acceptable to the Gatekeeper. Close your mouth so the flies don’t get in, and come on!”

We had bought a leash for Whistler at a K-Mart, since it didn’t seem like a good idea to go to another Wal-Mart. They might have an all-store-bulletin out for a man and a greased boy who was attacked by mad pedalfiles. The leash was in a plastic case, and you pulled it out like a metal tape rule. It was real long and gave old Whistler a lot of room to roam. I tied it off on the branch of a bush and walked back to the plantation house.

The funeral home wasn’t anything like Harold’s Funeral Chapel, Vinyl Siding and Windows Company in Jupiter Bluff. Apparently, all the Not Forgotten Funeral Home did was bury folks. They didn’t display stuff like Harold’s does. At Harold’s, there were miniature model windows on stands outside of the chapel with prices on ‘em written neat and kind of solemn, so no one would be offended. People could slide the different windows up and down to see how smooth they worked. The day before the services, when folks visited the casket, quiet conversations were often drowned out by the scrape of windows going up and down. That probably took people’s minds off the death of a dear one, ya know.

Harold’s also covered the walls in the chapel with various types of siding, so between bereavements, one could think about redoing the house with the insurance money.

The Not Forgotten Funeral Home was like a tomb, not like at Harold’s where there was a pegboard wall of window accessories, such as locks, sashes, and frame selections. Men gathered around the display to talk about their own windows, comparing locks, panes, and window frames. It was all kind of homey.

The inside of this funeral home was graveyard silent except for an antique grandfather clock I passed in the hall that bonged at my ear, making me almost wet my pants. The place had a funny smell that I couldn’t pin down. It was like sour peaches and popcorn is the best I could think of. The carpet felt like thick mowed grass, and on the walls were huge pictures of fields and forests.

I came to a glass-fronted door that read: “Ichthius Tweedleman, III” behind which I could hear voices, including Felton’s distinctive scratchy one that arrested everybody in our living room. I could also hear that rumble from the Indian’s big chest. When I opened the door and walked in, I knew right away that we had stepped in chicken poop that I could almost feel ooze between my toes.

Red will be missed. His words and humor touched everyone. They will live forever in our memories and his writings.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

"An adventure for spiritual grownups that educates as much as it delights."

"SKILLFULLY WRITTEN FOR SPIRITUAL GROWNUPS

If I didn't know better, I'd say that Derek Armstrong wrote his novel, The Last Troubadour – Song of Montségur, purely for my own amusement and pleasure. With wit, wisdom (and more than an occasional wink) he has written a novel that panders to nearly every one of my cultural, spiritual, and historical prejudices. Set in thirteen century France – that hotbed heroes, heroines, and heresy – it's a wide-screen Technicolor adventure worthy of a full Errol Flynn treatment… an adventure for spiritual grownups that educates as much as it delights. I can't wait for the next in the series."

Lon Milo DuQuette – Author of Accidental Christ ISBN-13: 978-0978959203
Review of The Last Troubadour

Novelist Derek Armstrong Thrillers Mysteries Historicals

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Various Links of Interest in Publishing, Blogging, Marketing

Hot Links!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Reality Check for Publishers and Hope for Authors