Tuesday, December 23, 2014

SWEET & SENSUAL Bundle is on sale for $0.99

ONLY $0.99 from December 23-29
(Digital List Price: $5.99 US)


SWEET & SENSUAL contains 6 complete romance novels by award-winning and international bestselling authors: Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Chris Redding, Kat Flannery, Melodie Campbell, Alison Bruce and Catherine Astolfo.

  1. LANCELOT’S LADY by Cherish D'Angelo/Cheryl Kaye Tardif – A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.
  2. BLONDE DEMOLITION by Chris Redding – Mallory Sage lives in a small, idyllic town where no one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows about her past life as an agent for Homeland Security. But a twisted serial killer has found her, as well as her former partner and lover, Trey McCrane. Now Mallory and Trey are on the run, and time is running out.
  3. CHASING CLOVERS by Kat Flannery – Mail-order bride, Livy Green, is desperate to escape the memories of her past. John Taylor will never love another woman again, but his children need a mother. As Livy's past catches up with her and suspicious accidents begin to happen on the ranch, she is tempted to tell John the truth. But will he send her back if she does?
  4. ROWENA THROUGH THE WALL by Melodie Campbell – When Rowena falls through her classroom wall and lands in an alternate world, she doesn't count on being kidnapped―not once, but twice―and the stakes get higher as the men get hotter.  Unwanted husbands keep piling up, but that doesn't stop her from falling for the wrong brother. Good thing she can go back through the wall. Or can she?
  5. UNDER A TEXAS STAR by Alison Bruce – When Marly Landers is fooled by con man Charlie Meese, she's determined to bring him to justice―even if it means dressing up as a boy and setting off across the plains to find him. Texas Ranger Jase Strachan is also after Meese. Under the Texas stars, Marly and Jase are drawn together, yet fate plots to tear them apart.
  6. SWEET KAROLINE by Catherine Astolfo – Anne Williams says she killed her best friend, Karoline. But did she? Or is there more to Karoline's mysterious death than meets the eye? Anne embarks on a compelling journey to discover her past and exposes an unusual history, horrific crimes and appalling betrayals.
With a list price total of nearly $24.00 US and over 340 reviews on Amazon.com, SWEET & SENSUAL is a value-packed romance bundle of complete novels that takes you from romantic suspense to historical romance to fantasy romance all set in captivating worlds that will leave you wanting more.


Limited time offer!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

DEADLY DOZEN bundle is on SALE!

ONLY $1.99 from December 6-12 
(Digital List Price: $7.99 US)

US readersUK readers
  • Top 100 Best Seller in Anthologies, Collections & Anthologies, and Ghosts
The DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle contains 12 complete mystery/thriller novels by award-winning and international bestselling authors: Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Catherine Astolfo, Alison Bruce, Melodie Campbell/Cynthia St-Pierre, Gloria Ferris, Donna Galanti, Kat Flannery, Jesse Giles Christiansen, Rosemary McCracken, Susan J. McLeod, C. S. Lakin and Linda Merlino.

1. THE BRIDGEMAN by Catherine Astolfo
2. DEADLY LEGACY by Alison Bruce
3. A PURSE TO DIE FOR by Melodie Campbell & Cynthia St-Pierre
4. CHEAT THE HANGMAN by Gloria Ferris
5. A HUMAN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti
6. LAKOTA HONOR by Kat Flannery
7. PELICAN BAY by Jesse Giles Christiansen
8. SAFE HARBOR by Rosemary McCracken
9. SOUL AND SHADOW by Susan J. McLeod
10. INNOCENT LITTLE CRIMES by C. S. Lakin
11. ROOM OF TEARS by Linda Merlino
12. DIVINE INTERVENTION by Cheryl Kaye Tardif


With an individual list price total of more than $45.00 and over 640 reviews collectively on Amazon.com, the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle is a value-packed, rollercoaster thrill ride that takes you from amateur sleuth to detective to paranormal to ancient mysteries set in intriguing worlds and so much more.

US readers 

UK readers

25 Days of Christmas Paperback Sale


Click pic above to go to book list.

25 Days of Christmas Event 2014

This Christmas, great things come in fours

Join Imajin Books and our authors for our annual event, which includes a Kindle Fire Giveaway (Dec 1-25), Paperback Sale (Dec 1-7) & an eBook Sale (Dec 24-Jan 7th).

*  Kindle Fire HD Giveaway - Dec 1-25 - Enter via our Facebook page.

*  Paperback Sale - Dec 1-7 - Check out our paperbacks HERE.

*  eBook Sale - Dec 24 - Jan 7 - Check out our ebooks HERE

 * Special eBook Bundle Sale: DEADLY DOZEN (Dec 6-12); SWEET & SENSUAL (Dec 23-29)

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Pre-Order BLOOD CURSE by Kat Flannery

Pre-order for only $2.99 until Oct 1, 2014

Available for pre-orders, BLOOD CURSE, Book 2 in the Branded Trilogy by Kat Flannery

“Upon mine death for the blood ye have shed,
Every daughter born to ye shall die before it draws breath,
to which ye will know pain and worse,
I cast unto ye mine blood curse.”
~ Vadoma


Four years after the Blood Curse, Pril of the Peddlers vows to protect her child against the evil men who hunt her. With her clan unaware of the branded girl among them, Pril has to keep the identity of her daughter a secret. When her child is kidnapped, she is forced to ask Merchant runner, Kade Walker, for his help.

Kade Walker needs to find the gypsy child. Blackmailed and pushed beyond his own moral code, he is determined to do whatever it takes. When he comes across the Peddler clan, he is sure the girl is there, however all hope is lost when the gypsies capture him. Time is running out—until Pril makes him an offer he cannot refuse.

Amidst greed, lust, revenge and love, Pril will need to trust Kade. But as the evil nears and doubt creeps in, will she discover that the enemy has been standing next to her all along?

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-77223-002-4 (Kindle ebook); $4.99 US; October 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-77223-003-1 (Trade paperback); $15.99 US; October 1, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

“BLOOD CURSE by Kat Flannery sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. I fell in love with Pril, Kade and the relationship that blooms between them. While there are sparks between them, Ms. Flannery weaves her tale without having a sex scene. In a market where sex scenes are a dime a dozen it is refreshing to read a perfect blend of romance and intrigue without having sex forced on you. Without giving any spoilers you will see the lengths Pril will go through to keep her daughter safe from the men of the Monroe family. They believe the way to break the curse sworn on them by Pril’s sister, Vadoma, is to kill her child, Tsura. The very thought of this would turn anyone’s heart ice cold, unless of course you were the head of the Monroe family yourself. If you are a lover of Gypsies and all things magical this book will engage you heart and soul. I highly recommend reading BLOOD CURSE. For if you do, you will be enthralled, entertained but never disappointed.” —Sandra Bischoff, author of BEYOND TIME

“Engrossing, enchanting, and suspenseful. BLOOD CURSE (Book 2 in the Branded Trilogy) is the perfect blend of paranormal, history and romance. The prequel is as impossible to put down as its predecessor, LAKOTA HONOR. Flannery deftly weaves a tight plot filled with mystery, emotional detail and heart-thumping action.” —Kim Cresswell, award-winning author of REFLECTION

“Ms. Flannery has crafted a taut story deeply embedded with gypsy lore, along with the fanatical fear of witches that permeated the time period. Pril and Kade's love grows slowly, and surprising betrayals and revelations will keep the pages turning. Tragedy and unwavering perseverance fill this wonderful tale to a surprise ending. A richly-woven tale of early America and gypsy lore.” —Kristy McCaffrey, author of INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS

Available at:

Amazon

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Pre-order Special: CAPTAIN SHELBY by Jesse Giles Christiansen

Pre-order for only $2.99 until Sep 7, 2014


The Captain Shelby Trilogy - Book 2

There are places even the sea cannot go…

In coastal Denmark, a young man named Nereus builds a longship and leaves at age eighteen to discover a new, enigmatic land. Faced with unimaginable obstacles, he crosses the North Atlantic, only to be captured by the Skraelings, the Inuit indigenous people who seek revenge on all settlers because of a "Great Red Man" who murdered many of their family members.

A few years later, Nereus is hired by a group of Irish settlers who are fleeing the tyranny of King Henry VIII, and he takes them across the North Atlantic to the Newfound Land. A fierce battle ensues against the sea, the Little Ice Age, and the vicious Skraelings.

When Nereus falls in love with Laura Hodges, fiancĂ©e to the group’s leader, William Brockelby, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous love triangle…until the formidable mystery surrounding Captain Nereus H. Shelby is finally revealed.

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-77223-001-7 (Kindle ebook); $4.99 US; September 7, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-77223-004-8 (Trade paperback); $14.99 US; September 14, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

“With haunting prose, CAPTAIN SHELBY is a unique foray into the magical yet poignantly human history of the old fisherman from Pelican Bay. This prequel will not only deeply satisfy Christiansen’s previous readers, but will leave them so tantalized by the story lines, they will think the events actually happened—a demonstration of skill surely to launch this author into the big leagues.” —William R. Forstchen, New York Times bestselling author of One Second After

“CAPTAIN SHELBY is written in the style of a classic novel which should stand the test of time. It is the finest in adventures/literary fiction genre seen by the best writers in the business. Christiansen tells this beautifully written novel with precision, making his storytelling that of an American master at the top of his form.” —Cathy Scott, award-winning author of The Millionaire's Wife

“This is a novel with lots of different layers. On one level it's an enthralling historical romp but on another it seeks to forge a whole new myth around the early history of Canada with big characters and more than a hint of the supernatural. In its ambition and scope it reminded me of Mordecai Richler's classic of Canadian literature Solomon Gursky Was Here.” —Chris Hill, author of Song of the Sea God

“CAPTAIN SHELBY is a story full of adventure, mystery, intrigue and love. Christiansen states he was inspired by Hemingway. The inspiration has given birth because this narrative is masterful. Hemingway would be very pleased with this author’s work.” —Lori Caswell, Top 1000 Amazon reviewer

Available at:

Amazon

Pre-order Special A HIDDEN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti

Pre-order for only $2.99 until Aug 28, 2014


Book 2 in The Element Trilogy

Evil lurks within…

When Caleb Madroc is used against his will as part of his father’s plan to breed a secret alien community and infiltrate society with their unique powers, he vows to save his oppressed people and the two children kept from him.

Seven years later, Laura and Ben Fieldstone’s son is abducted, and they are forced to trust a madman’s son who puts his life on the line to save them all. The enemy’s desire to own them—or destroy them—leads to a survival showdown.

Laura and Ben must risk everything to defeat a new nemesis that wants to rule the world with their son, and Caleb may be their only hope—if he survives. But must he sacrifice what he most desires to do so?

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-927792-90-2 (Kindle ebook); $5.99 US; August 28, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-927792-94-0 (Trade paperback); $16.99 US; August 28, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

"Chilling and dark, Donna Galanti’s A Hidden Element is a twisty journey into another world, where fathers and sons fight the ultimate battle, and ghostly strangers manipulate those left behind on Earth. Don’t miss it." —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of When Shadows Fall

"A Hidden Element is a fascinating look at the bleak and graphic world of the Elyon Destroyers, a humanoid race with special powers and a strong drive to endure and procreate at all costs, and other Elyons who struggle to stop them and save humanity. It is also a haunting story about just how far parents will go to protect, or destroy, their children in the name of love." —Rebecca Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of The World Beneath

"Donna Galanti's A Hidden Element expertly mixes genres, combining sci-fi with mystery, thriller and romance. The result is a pulse-pounding read that will keep you up long past your bedtime, turning pages as fast as you can. If you love suspense, do yourself a favor and make Donna Galanti’s Element series your next read." —Allan Leverone, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Final Vector

"A darkly fresh take on the paranormal genre." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Red Church

"An intoxicating blend of sci-fi and suspense! Donna Galanti brings together all my favorite elements—psi-powers, aliens hiding among us, sex as a weapon and secret rebellions that could change worlds. A Hidden Element is an edge-of-your-seat read that had me holding my breath and crossing my fingers…at least until I had to turn the next page!" —John Everson, Bram Stoker award-winning author of Siren

"A compelling page turner! A Hidden Element is an evocative mirror on humanity as seen through the eyes, hearts, and desires of a dying alien race. Bone-chilling suspense with a tantalizing palpable menace readers will devour." —Jordan Dane, bestselling author of the Sweet Justice series

"Donna Galanti’s A Hidden Element masterfully depicts the most powerful battle of all: great love against great evil, with an unearthly twist. The book wraps its confident storytelling around you on page one and rivets your attention to the heart-racing ending. A triumph of craft and characterization, A Hidden Element drips suspense from every compelling word. A gripping, emotionally involving, and unsettling read—highly recommended!" —Dakota Banks, award-winning author of the Mortal Path series

"Donna Galanti's new novel, A Hidden Element, is a wonder of a book. I loved it through and through. Galanti has a gift, especially for dialogue that sweeps the reader away into the land of Story. I'd call this one of the most magical books I've read in ages. It's human, it's got heart, and it's told by a true storyteller who cares about her characters so that we care too. I couldn't put it down—and that's the best we can ever say about a work of fiction. Galanti has a winner here." —Billie Sue Mosiman, author of Banished

Available at:

Amazon

New Release: METATRON: The Mystical Blade by Laurence St. John

Book 2 in the Metatron Series


One ruthless demon faces one relentless teenager…

Thirteen-year-old Tyler Thompson is on the verge of becoming a superhero, but he must prove himself so he can earn the remainder of his superpowers and fulfill his destiny.

When his grandfather, Benjamin, is held prisoner at AREA 51, where the eternal powers are presumed to be hidden, Tyler attempts to penetrate the base’s heavy security. However, Dr. Mason Payne, the evil scientist who killed Tyler's father, has insidious plans of his own.

Hunted by an unknown entity, Tyler races against the clock to retrieve the superpowers, rescue his family and help the others who are depending on him. And when all hope seems lost, help comes in a power he didn’t know he possessed—a mysterious weapon known as The Mystical Blade. 

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-927792-95-7 (Kindle ebook); $3.99 US; August 20, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-927792-99-5 (Trade paperback); $10.99 US; August 20, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

“St. John has done it again with The Mystical Blade; another novel 13 year olds of any age will really enjoy!” —Piers Anthony, New York Times bestselling fantasy author of the Xanth series

“St. John's stories are full of warm characters that shine like the sun and deliver the sense of urgency and leadership that is lacking in our youth today. The Mystical Blade—a very necessary piece of literary fiction missing in our society.” — Braxton A. Cosby, award-winning author of Protostar

Available at:

Monday, July 28, 2014

New Release: A HUMAN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti

Book 1 in the Element Trilogy

Evil comes in many forms…

One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next.

Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite in her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents’ death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a madman, they unravel a frightening secret that binds them together.

But the killer’s desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts Laura and Ben’s emotional relationship and Laura’s pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to his, and she has two choices—redeem him or kill him.

Amazon and Createspace

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-927792-85-8 (Kindle ebook); $5.99 US; July 28, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-927792-89-6 (Trade paperback); $16.99 US; July 28, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

"A Human Element is an elegant and haunting first novel. Unrelenting, devious but full of heart. Highly recommended." —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Code Zero

"Be afraid. Be very afraid. And be utterly absorbed by this riveting debut that had me reading till the wee hours of the night. A thriller star is born. Don't miss A Human Element." —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of The Collector of Dying Breaths

"Lyrical and creepy, Donna Galanti’s A Human Element tugs on our heartstrings and plucks the gut-strings of horror. This debut thriller author is a true storyteller, highly reminiscent of Dean Koontz." —Dakota Banks, award-winning author ofDeliverance

"Donna Galanti has created a thriller with a huge, aching heart. Her main characters, Ben and Laura are conjured in delicious detail, as are their personal trials. Galanti’s rich and provocative thriller asks big questions. What makes us human, what makes us monstrous? Is there a love that can transcend the physical and emotional, to the supernatural? Galanti has given us an impressive debut. With her blending of romance, the coming of age quest, and the supernatural, she is a writer to watch, who will surely expand the diameters of the thriller genre." —Catherine Stine, author of Fireseed One

"Such a beautiful, yet haunting debut novel by Donna Galanti. A Human Element will crawl around in your cranium many days after you have finished the last page of the book." —Michael McCarty, author of Lost Girl of the Lake

"Moving and fun. Galanti does NOT disappoint." —Eric S. Brown, author of the Bigfoot War series

"A thrilling ride full of believable characters, a terrifying villain, an epic battle for survival, and a love worth killing for. The last third of the novel is a race to the finish, and I was glued to the pages, hoping the characters I’d grown to love would finally find the peace they deserved. A page-turner filled with fascinating twists and turns!" —Marie Lamba, author of Drawn

"A Human Element is a haunting look at what it means to be human. It's a suspenseful ride through life and love...and death, with a killer so evil you can't help but be afraid. An excellent read." —Janice Gable Bashman, author of Predator

"Chilling suspense. A dark and haunting novel. Enjoy the ride." —Kindle Book Review

"A fast-paced paranormal suspense thriller that will keep you engrossed as you turn the pages. The characters are realistic, their complex individual personalities and stories add a powerful and compelling depth to the story. It is a story that will have the reader pondering about supernatural powers and the evil forces of humanity, this suspenseful tale will stay with you long after you have read the last word." —Jersey Girl Book Reviews

"Twisted family and government cover-ups lead to vendettas that last a lifetime, change and growth as a person and righting the paths once taken in vain all come around to grab you as the climactic ending brings everything full circle. As the romance picks up and bonds are formed A Human Element brings everything it has into one massive emotional punch." —I Smell Sheep Book Blog

"Absolutely one of my favorite books in a long while. This book has it all, and Galanti is a master story teller. Galanti does a great job at not only telling a fantastic story, but really drawing us into the various plot lines and feeling for the characters as they each battle their own demons. The pace is perfect and natural as breathing. It kept me coming back to see what happened next. I’m a sucker for a tragic character and the evil antagonist is perfectly tragic. Definitely going on my Goodreads ‘Favorites’ Shelf!" —Tracy Riva Book Reviews

"Donna must have picked up on my weakness for Dean Koontz, because A Human Element echoes the bestselling author interms of creativity, the supernatural and overall dark allure. Add in a little paranormal romance and you've got one delicious literary paranormal mashup!" —Books for Paranormal & Mystical Minds

"This was a wonderful book and Ms. Galanti takes the reader through Laura and Ben's lives in detail. She has written about two wonderful characters both touched by tragedy and both seeking a way to put the past to rest. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is full of suspense and keeps you guessing until the end." —Paranormal Romance Reviews

Available at:

Amazon

Createspace

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Summer Sizzles Event, July 12-20, 2014 - eBook Sale, Contest & Giveaways, Facebook Party


Great things come in threes this July!

  • 'Share the Imajin Books Buzz' contest - share our events on Twitter and Facebook, and share your pics of our books on your ereaders or you holding one, and receive entries into a grand prize draw for a $100 Amazon/Kobo gift card! Other prizes include: a poster of "Sanctuary" by critically acclaimed artist David Miller, and three $20 Amazon or Kobo Books gift cards (winners' choice). Open to anyone 18+. Void where prohibited. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below from July 12-20.
  • Imajin Books eBook Sale – www.imajinbooks.com/sale – most ebooks will be priced at $0.99 or $1.99 from July 12-20 via Amazon & Smashwords. 
  • Facebook Party - for one day only, Thursday, July 17th, we'll be holding a Facebook Party online and giving away prizes (ebooks and gift cards from Amazon, Smashwords and Kobo.) Join us at: https://www.facebook.com/events/659449144144070. The party begins 2:00 PM EDT and goes until 8:00 PM EDT. Our authors will drop by when they can. Be sure to also like our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/imajinbooks.  

Monday, May 26, 2014

DREAM HOUSE: A Short Story - Enter at your own peril...

A chilling short story by international bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif.

Evil lurks in the shadows…

Christine and Ray Kingston are ecstatic to move into their “dream home,” a stately manor in Danvers, Massachusetts, but they have no idea that the house has a life of its own. As a disturbing history is revealed, their dream quickly turns into a heart-stopping nightmare.

Something has been waiting for them…

*DREAM HOUSE first appeared in SHADOW MASTERS: An Anthology from The Horror Zine, published by Imajin Books in May 2013.

Only $1.99 US!

Available at:
Amazon
Kobo Books

Monday, May 12, 2014

Advice from former book publicist Jane Heller

Reprinted with permission from The Fussy Librarian and Jane Heller...

Jane Heller worked in book publicity for years with a lot of big-time authors -- Erica Jong, Mary Higgins Clark, Judy Blume, and Danielle Steel – before she decided to write her first novel in 1994. Since then she’s gone on to write 12 other novels – several of them optioned for film and television – and two books of nonfiction.

So who better than to talk about how to get your novel or book noticed?

JEFFREY: When you were a book publicist, what was the most common misconception that authors had about publicity?

JANE: The most common misconception on the part of authors was, sad to say, that the publicity department would promote them with major campaigns -- authors tours, national television appearances, reviews in The New York Times Book Review.

Every author seemed to think we'd get them on the "Today" show, for example.

There was much more naiveté in those days, an assumption that every author would get the same marketing dollars and attention as the top-tiered, brand-name authors when, in fact, there was very little done for those whose books had smaller print runs.

Now, authors are more realistic in their expectations and that's led to a healthy trend of authors taking more control and publicizing their own books - from being active on Facebook and Twitter and their own blogs to arranging for signings at their local stores. Publicists do the best they can and it's important to view them as teammates, but they're overloaded and appreciate anything authors can do on their own.

JEFFREY: Were there certain genres of books that you found easier to publicize? And how much of a factor should that be in what a writer/novelist chooses to write about?

JANE: Nonfiction in general was much easier to publicize. Authors who were experts in the categories of how-to, self-help, autobiography, sports, politics, cooking, etc., were what the talk shows were looking for and it was a tougher sell to pitch producers on a novel.

That said, I worked with such novelists as Judy Blume, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steel, as well as authors of genre romances and mysteries, and it was a thrill to get them exposure for their books because it was so much more challenging. You really had to come up with dynamic ways to attract the interest of producers and reviewers.

Should authors take that into consideration when they're deciding what to write about? Not in my opinion. As I said above, the old rules no longer apply and the social media component equalizes the playing field. The trick to landing on a talk show or in a news story for an author of fiction is for the author to find a nonfiction "hook" in their story.

JEFFREY: A lot of authors view marketing like eating their broccoli or going to the dentist -- something to avoid. How do we convince them that it's a required part of being an author these days?

JANE: I had a very specific problem with doing my own marketing when I made the switch from book publicist to author for my first novel. For one thing, I thought I should stay out of the way of the publisher's publicist. I knew only too well that publishers often resent the interference of an author, especially a demanding one. And, because of my experience as a publicist, I didn't want anyone to think I was overstepping and trying to do their job for them. So I overcompensated by sitting back like a good girl and waiting to see what they'd come up with.

When it dawned on me that the budget for my novel was small and that, despite the publisher's good intentions and genuine enthusiasm for the book, the marketing resources weren't there, I said, "Jane, get over yourself and be as creative with your own book as you were with those by the bestselling authors you used to promote."

So I decided to have fun with my own publicity - a concept I recommend highly to those who view marketing like eating broccoli (which I love, by the way). When Larry King said of my novel in USA Today that it "reads like a summer breeze" and is a "good beach read," I decided to do the first-ever "beach book author tour."

I was living in Connecticut at the time and literally promoted my hardcover novel at beaches along the Connecticut shore that summer. I called local indie bookstores and asked them to sell books at various beaches and they did!

We didn't sell a lot of books, but the publicity for the beach tour was spectacular, landing me in countless newspapers and magazines and, ultimately, on the "Today" show. So I advise authors to try to think of their own marketing not as a chore but to let their creativity shine. No idea is too outlandish. Have fun. Try something different. And remember: the book is your baby. Nobody will love and care for it as much as you do.

JEFFREY: Is there an inexpensive (or free) promotion technique that most authors overlook?

JANE: Obviously, promoting a book on Twitter and Facebook is a free way to spread the word. But as with the example I gave, think out of the box. The beach book tour cost me nothing except a lot of sunscreen. Yes, I had to spend a lot of time reaching out to various stores and getting beach permits from town commissions, but it was so worth it.

If you were creative enough to come up with a book idea, the chances are good that you can come up with a cool idea for promoting the book. If it's a novel, find some nonfiction "hook" -- how you researched it, how it's provocative or controversial in some way or different from other books out there in its genre, how it's ripped from the headlines or based on a true story.

If it's nonfiction, go with the topic and make it timely somehow, tie it into what's in the news. And then start emailing editors at relevant publications, write op-ep pieces, get your story out there on blogs. None of this costs money, only time and brainpower.

JEFFREY: Even with your professional experience, did you find promotion tougher than you expected?

JANE: Yes! Everyone assumed that because I'd been a publicist for ten years, even rising to vice president, I would cruise into the role of my own publicist. Wrong. It's very different to promote other people than it is promoting yourself.

I was exquisitely self-conscious about selling myself in the beginning. When I got on the "Today" show, I should have been relaxed. I'd regularly escorted authors to the green room at NBC and prepped them before going on the air, telling them, "Just say the name of your book three times and smile!"

When it was my turn, I was a nervous wreck. My doctor gave me a prescription for Xanax and I took two before going on the air. When Katie Couric asked, "So Jane, how does it feel going from publicist to author?" I felt my eyes roll back in my head and I said -- no kidding -- "I don't know. I'm heavily sedated."

Clearly, the idea of selling myself made me cringe. But here's what made me cringe even more: seeing my book go without publicity. And so I got over my jitters and focused on the task at hand: spreading the word about my book. I've since been a guest on national television shows many times -- without Xanax.
* * *
You can learn more about Jane and her novels at her website.

Check out The Fussy Librarian for personalized book suggestions.

Thank you, Jeffrey and Jane, for allowing us to post this on our blog.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

World Book Night & Canada Book Day

On April 23, 2014, celebrate World Book Night and Canada Book Day with a great read from Imajin Books.

All our ebooks are currently priced at $4.99 or less, and are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and more.

Check out our authors and our books today, and experience the worlds of Imajin Books.

www.imajinbooks.com

Friday, April 18, 2014

An Interview with Our #3 Top Selling Author, Rosemary McCracken

Congratulations, Rosemary, on making it into our Top 3 sellers. As our #3 bestselling author, you have worked hard to get where you are, and you have the support of mystery fans worldwide. Your Pat Tierney Mystery series is off to a great start.

Tell us a bit about your books. What are they about?


Safe Harbor and Black Water are the first two books in my Pat Tierney mystery series. Pat is a fortysomething financial advisor, and her creation was inspired by my work as a journalist. For the past 15 or so years, I’ve written about personal finance. I interview financial advisors and investment managers. I attend their conferences. I know the issues they face and the concerns they have, and I admire their dedication. So when I was looking for a central character for my mystery series, Pat Tierney appeared full-blown in my mind. She cares about her clients. She’s a champion of small investors. She has sleepless nights when markets are down.

Why do you think your books have sold so well?

Safe Harbor got off to a roaring start when it was released on March 7, 2012. The e-book was offered free to readers for five days out of every 90 on Amazon’s KDP Select program. And I did everything I could to promote it. Check out the question below for some of the things I did.

Pat returned in Black Water the spring of 2013. She leaves her home base in Toronto, and heads out to Ontario lake country where an elderly man has been brutally murdered. Her daughter Tracy’s friend Jamie is a suspect in murder, and when Tracy asks her mother for help…well, Pat is a softie when it comes to her family.

The fact that the books are part of a series contributed to their success. When Black Water was released, e-book sales of Safe Harbor soared even though my promotion efforts at that time focused exclusively on Black Water. The synergy created in cross-marketing books in a series is a huge bonus, especially for newly published writers whose names are not yet synonymous with a good read.

But I believe the character of Pat Tierney is the major reason for the books’ success. Pat is a character every reader can relate to, an ordinary woman battling the forces of evil in her world. Because the financial industry in which she works revolves around money, it provides opportunities for those who are clever and greedy enough to challenge the system. Pat doesn’t want to see people taken by these bad apples. She has integrity, a strong set of ethics and the courage to stand up for what she believes is right. That’s probably why The Toronto Star has called her “a hugely attractive sleuth figure.”

“I can’t wait for the next Pat Tierney instalment,” one Amazon reviewer wrote about Safe Harbor. “I look forward to seeing what trouble Pat Tierney gets herself into next,” another added.

And they still want more of Pat and her world. “I hope there is a third book in the series,” a reader said in a review of Black Water, “because I would like to know what happens to some of the secondary characters…All the more reason to suspect a third book may be on the way.”

Absolutely right!

Even though you're published by a hybrid/traditional type publisher, you've taken on the role of book promoter. What are some of the ways you've promoted your books?

I’m a big believer in taking every opportunity that comes my way to promote my books – both digitally and in person. I spent considerable time writing them, so why wouldn’t I want to give my all to promote them? Most days, I post tweets on two small tweet teams. When I have a big promotion or some other major event, I’ll post on more teams and try to secure guest spots on other authors’ blogs. I may purchase a digital advertisement.

But I also get out and talk to people at libraries, book clubs, bookstores – wherever I can meet readers. I was at Bouchercon, the big U.S. mystery conference that was held in Albany, N.Y., last fall. And I’ll attend Bloody Words, its Canadian counterpart, in June. At some of the smaller events, I may only be able to introduce myself to a handful of readers, but those readers will spread the word.

Networking with other authors is also instrumental in book promotion. It is part and parcel of digital promotion – tweet teams and blog tours are built on the team concept. Authors today also banding together to take their books out to readers. I am fortunate that Toronto, where I live, is the home of dozens of crime fiction writers. Crime Writers of Canada organizes regular talks at public libraries for its members. I also belong to a crime fiction collective, The Mesdames of Mayhem, that recently published Thirteen, an anthology of members’ short stories. We regularly visit venues in southwestern Ontario to promote Thirteen and our own novels.

What advice would you give to writers who are considering Imajin Books for their works?

Check out Imajin Books’ submission page at http://www.imajinbooks.com/submissions/. Find out if your manuscript fits what Imajin is looking for. If it does, follow the submission guidelines to the letter.

It will be well worth your while if your manuscript is accepted. Imajin is a dynamic, independent publishing company that considers its writers an essential part of its team. Authors have input on their books’ titles, editing and cover images. Imajin markets its books online, and helps its authors to do the same.

Learn more about Rosemary:

Monday, April 14, 2014

New release: THE ELFLING PRINCESS by Cheryl Kaye Tardif, a charming, inspiring picture book for ages 4-8


Perfect for bedtime or classroom reading, THE ELFLING PRINCESS illustrated picture book explores themes of imagination and belief in oneself and is suitable for ages 4-8.

Once upon a time, in a world full of magic, there was a kingdom that only few humans had ever seen―the Elfling Kingdom.

Elflings are tiny creatures, the children of the world's first elves. They have pointed ears and hair that is a darker shade than their skin. Their bodies glow any color you can imagine. Elfling girls have silvery wings that shine like satin spider webs. Very few Elfling boys have wings, so they must fly on the backs of birds. But if they are small enough, their sisters will piggy-back them.

Have you ever seen an Elfling?

I know a golden-haired girl named Jessica, who met some Elflings while playing behind her house with her brother, Sebastien. This is her story.

Available at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Createspace
iTunes
Kobo Books
Smashwords

Saturday, March 29, 2014

An Interview with Our #2 Top Selling Author, Catherine Astolfo

Congratulations, Catherine, on being our #2 bestselling author. As one of our most prolific authors, we've watched you promote your books with creativity and excitement.

1. Tell us a bit about your books. What are they about?

Currently, I have five books published by Imajin Books. The first four are part of a series. The Emily Taylor Mysteries revolve around an unusual heroine - the principal of an elementary school. In her late forties, Emily Taylor becomes a reluctant sleuth through a variety of external events. Some of her decisions, however, are based on a fear of discovery, for she has a mysterious past that involves her husband. Readers do not find out the details of this past life until Book 4. My fifth book is a psychological suspense, a standalone, titled SWEET KAROLINE. This novel explores a dysfunctional relationship between two women and what happens when one of them dies violently.

2. Why do you think your books have sold so well?

I believe you must start with a good story. Readers must be caught by the characters, the plot, the setting - or, ideally, all three. After that, it’s good old fashioned hard work - marketing, promoting, networking.

3. Even though you're published by a hybrid/traditional type publisher, you've taken on the role of book promoter. What are some of the ways you've promoted your books?

For the most part, I use social media: Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, my blog, my website, as well as lots of online promotion sites, such as World Literary Cafe. I also network, through Crime Writers of Canada, local libraries, and bookstores to get my name out into the community.

4. What advice would you give to writers considering Imajin Books for their works?

Be prepared to work hard, build your Author Platform, and learn a LOT. Your rewards will be many.

Learn more about Catherine:

Catherine Astolfo's website
Catherine Astolfo on Facebook
Catherine Astolfo on Twitter

Sunday, March 16, 2014

An Interview with Our #1 Top Selling Author, Kat Flannery

Congratulations, Kat, on being our #1 bestselling author. We know you have worked very hard to get the word out about your books and to create your unique brand.

1. Tell us a bit about your books. What are they about?

I have two full-length novels and a novella out with Imajin Books and am currently working on my third full-length book. My first novel, CHASING CLOVERS is a historical western romance. A heartwarming mail order bride story of how love can heal all wounds. LAKOTA HONOR is a darker paranormal historical romance that deals with racism, discrimination and lust. HAZARDOUS UNIONS is a Civil War western romance and takes you on a trail of treason within the Confederate army.

2. Why do you think your books have sold so well?

When I signed on with Imajin Books back in 2011, I wasn’t naive to the fact that I would be responsible in marketing 90% of my work. Most authors make the mistake of expecting the publisher to do all of the marketing. It doesn’t work that way anymore. I researched the publishing industry for years before I even finished my first book. 

I wanted to be educated with the ins and outs of how publishers perceived authors and what they expected from them. Almost every publisher I looked into wanted the author to be responsible for more than half of his or her marketing. From the beginning I knew I wouldn’t be the kind of author that would let my book sell itself. I watched other authors. Cheryl Kaye Tardif was one of them. I mimicked what they were doing. I learned a lot the first year CHASING CLOVERS was out—what works and what doesn’t.

3. Even though you're published by a hybrid/traditional type publisher, you've taken on the role of book promoter. What are some of the ways you've promoted your books?

I watched or stalked certain authors. Cheryl Kaye Tardif was doing so well and she shared everything with me. It did help that she is the head of Imajin Books, but it didn’t change the fact that she worked very hard at promoting her work. I admired that and still do. I utilized every piece of information in her marketing book. 

I put myself out there. I talked to readers, reviewers and online book blogs. For the release of LAKOTA HONOR I was on 27 blogs in one week. I tweet every hour when I have a promo. I interact with my followers and friends. I blast updates on facebook and I use giveaways. On occasion I’ll pay for my advertising. There are some great book sites I’ll market on and the cost is very little. I’ve used BookBub and although expensive, I found it well worth my time and money.

4. What advice would you give to writers considering Imajin Books for their works?

The first thing I tell any aspiring author is to get their work professionally edited. There are two reasons for this; you’ve spent countless hours to write a book you want it to be the best it can be and the only way to do that is to have it edited. The other reason is you’ll have a better chance at getting a contract if your manuscript is clean and concise.

Another point I’d suggest is to be flexible. A publisher, whether it be Imajin Books or any other has their own way of doing things. Be accommodating. They know the industry. They know what sells. Yes, you need to trust them. However, the trust goes both ways the publisher has to trust that you’ll hold up your end of the contract as well. Publishing books is expensive and a publisher is taking just as big a chance on you as you them.

Do not let your ego get the best of you. All publishers know one another, as do editors. If you come across as demanding and difficult to work with you won’t publish with them again, and could potentially ruin any chance of publishing with someone else.

Imajin Books is like my second home and if you’re lucky enough to sign with them you won’t find a better publisher. I’ve met some great authors here and an amazing mentor in Cheryl Kaye Tardif. I wouldn’t be the author I am today if it wasn’t for them.

Learn more about Kat:

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Dos and Don'ts for Submitting A Manuscript to Imajin Books

As we approach our manuscript submission time (open March 15), we thought we'd share some important reminders and tips for authors planning to submit their works to us (or any publisher, for that matter).

So here are some Dos and Don'ts...

DO:

  1. …remember we read manuscripts every year, and yours must stand out and hook us immediately, so grab us with the very first sentence!
  2. …hire an editor BEFORE you submit your work to a publisher; there's too much competition not to submit your best work possible.
  3. …edit your work multiple times until you believe it's polished and ready. Then edit once more.
  4. …be sure you understand Chicago Manual of Style grammar rules—subscribe or buy the book. Refresh your memory on grammar skills often. Be sure you're using dialogue tags and beats correctly.
  5. …run your work through a spell check AFTER setting the language (US is most common, but if you're from UK and your book is set in UK, set the language to British English.)
  6. …read our guidelines, and give us what we ask for, including the genres we're looking for.
  7. …get to know the publisher, Cheryl Tardif, on Facebook and Twitter, and follow/Friend Imajin Books and Cheryl Kaye Tardif (author).
  8. …present yourself as a professional writer on your Facebook page—because we WILL check it. Same with Twitter.
  9. …include links in your first correspondence to your FB, Twitter, website and blog.
  10. …be patient, and give us at least 6 weeks to review your submission. We have a process that includes two beta readers, and this takes time. If you don't hear from us by then, feel free to email us.
DON'T:

  1. …send us anything BEFORE we're open for submissions. This includes agents. Thank you.
  2. …send us manuscripts outside of the ones we're looking for, which are listed on our submission page.
  3. …send us an unedited manuscript with poorly constructed sentences and dialog, and don't blame inadequate spelling skills on "dyslexia." The publisher at Imajin Books is dyslexic, and she knows the difference between that and poor spelling.
  4. …pitch your book to us as "perfect for anyone any age." Know WHO your target audience is and why they will read it.
  5. …send us a manuscript without a well-written 3-paragraph synopsis that reads like back cover text. Hint: READ back covers of other books in your genre, and fashion your paragraphs after them. Hint 2: Present tense!
  6. …present an unprofessional image online anywhere.
  7. …send us multiple emails pushing your book. If you've submitted it already, be patient.
  8. …expect huge 6-figure advances from us. We're a small, independent publishing company and we don't do large advances.
  9. …expect any publisher, including us, to do ALL the marketing for your book. A publisher can position your title for distribution, but authors sell books, and that's part of your responsibility. That's how you establish your brand. So be prepared to work hard and invest in your brand. It'll pay off in the end.
  10. …give up. If we turn down your book, it means it wasn't right for us. That doesn't mean it might not be right for another publishing company. If we give you any unsolicited tips or suggestions, which we might do on occasion, learn from them as they most likely will improve your work.
  11. ...tell us you aren't interested in a contract unless we accept your ready-made cover (or one you paid for) or edits by only your editor/friend/mother/aunt/teacher. And don't tell us you'll only reveal your novel plot/synopsis if we make a deal right now (on a book we haven't even read yet). This tells us you're an amateur and/or don't understand the publishing business.
  12. ...be rude or demanding to a publisher, and don't burn bridges. Not only is this unprofessional, it'll bite you in the ass. Publishers usually know other publishers, and word gets around like a bad virus if there's a nasty writer on the loose.
While the Don'ts may seem harsh, please remember why we bothered to post them here. We're looking for professional authors who conduct themselves as such and treat others with respect. Believe me, if you could see some of the emails we get--and some of the questions we're asked--you'd understand why there are Don'ts.

Focus on the Dos! :-)

You can read our submission guidelines at http://www.imajinbooks.com/submissions.

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