A Slice of Orange

I find it fascinating to learn where other authors write. I know friends who prefer coffee shops, the library, or even the beach, and I’ll admit, I tend to be more productive when I leave the house…no laundry to do, or dishes to put away. But I’m kind of a homebody, so I prefer to write at home.

When the weather is nice, I’ve been known to write on the patio, or our rooftop deck, when we lived in a townhouse overlooking the harbor and ocean a few years back. I’ve had a desk in the bedroom when the boys lived at home, and at times a little office of my own.

For years, I’ve dreamed of a home library. A place for all my books. A place to close the door and immerse myself in the pages of a new story…one I’m reading, or writing. In homes where I had an office, I also had a couple of bookshelves. I’d longingly refer to it as ‘my library’. 

Some of you know, Hunky Hubby and I recently moved to Arizona, and I finally have a real library. It’s not finished. My new dream is to make the closet into a reading nook stuffed with pillows, and a more book storage, because of course, I have MORE BOOKS! But I’m happy with it as is. 

One bookcase houses autographed books. They’re not all unpacked yet, but every book on the shelf is signed by the author.

The next bookcase holds vintage books, and my own books.

Then more novels, again, not all are unpacked, followed by a full bookcase of cookbooks. That’s right. Just cookbooks. For years, I wrote a food column for The Antelope Valley Press, and then Quick ‘n Easy Cooking magazine. This is a small number of the cookbooks I’ve collected over the years. Next to the cookbooks you’ll find reference books, then my desk.

The picture over the desk represents two of the main characters in the 1920’s book that I’m writing. In fact, I’m going for a vintage feel in the room. (I don’t actually use the vintage typewriter, but I love the way it looks.)

So, when you can’t find me, I’ll be, hiding in the library with a good book, or writing. I’d love to hear where you like to read…or write.

This year I took the leap and made my first hard cover special edition books.

I have been wanting to create some special edition books since attending Steamy Lit Con last year and talking to readers. Creating special edition books have become a trend in the past few years. I will admit I was a little apprehensive about creating one, but then I spent a little time with some readers and my mind was changed.

Here’s a little information I had the privilege of getting. If it’s a book a reader likes, they will buy it in all available formats. So that means if it’s available in ebook, audio, paperback, hardcover and special edition, they will but it. The reason for so many copies is really simple.

• book – easy access
• Audio – listen while doing tasks
• Paperback – backup when digital readers are not available or charged
• Hardcover – collectible
• Special Edition – display only

The reasoning for all of these versions makes a lot of sense.

I was also shocked to discover the large price tag attached to hardcovers and special editions didn’t dissuade them from purchasing. I have to admit, when I go to book stores, I gravitate to hardcover books and special editions. I didn’t realize how much I had in common with my readers when it came to stocking my library.

So what did I do? Eager to dip my toe in the water, I took two series and created what I call series compilations. Thank God for Vellum. I was able to create these books in less than a week with this tool. The most time consuming part of this project was creating the covers, a small clean up and coming up with a title. Although these compilations are series in their entirety, I figured a different title would be an attention grabber. I also made sure the covers didn’t resemble the original books.

I had two series which were eligible for this project…A Southern Gentleman and Generational Curse. A Southern Gentleman became Southern Comfort. Generational Curse became Just One Kiss. The titles represent elements in the stories. These books have images or florals as the covers. They are also larger than my standard print books. I also created paper and hardcover versions. I love how the books came out.

So who did I use to help me create these books…Book Vault and Barnes and Noble Press. Side note: These books will only be available on my website or at book signings.

My initial order was with Barnes and Noble Press because I could get clean proofs without the ugly bar that KDP uses. The other reason, B/N Press’s print quality is better. But then I heard about Book Vault. OMG! This is my new first choice when it comes to print books. I love the quality, the features and production tracking. They also offer support. There was an issue with one of my files and I was able to book a video call to get help.

I reached out to some other vendors with similar print options, but the minimums are huge even to get a proof. Book Vault offers three plans based on how may books you will be printing plus the print setup fee. However, do a little research and you might be able to secure a free setup code…that’s what I did.

Book Vault also offers select color pages. This is a game changer. I’m going to do another version of my special editions, but those will have a few color pages. Unlike B/N Press when you include a few color pages, the entire book is considered full color. Book Vault only upcharges on the color pages, not the entire book. Rumor has it they might be offering sprayed edges. Once that happens, I’ll do another version of these special editions giving readers another option.

So how did my books do at the conference? All of the hardcovers sold out and I had to take orders. YEAH!

What am I charging for these books? Southern Comfort $18.00 paper back and $32.00 for hardcover…Just One Kiss $28.00 paperback and $42.00 for hardcover

Will I do more of these special editions? YES Will I do hardcovers of my other books? YES

I hope you take the leap and create a special edition and a hardcover. I think you’ll be surprised at the reader response.