Prob get a simple website layout to start out with. Not more than 5 pages, really. It’s just the checkout page and the waiting list page that’s more “complicated”. The checkout should be an easy Paypal logo add. The real-time waiting list that might take a little more, but it’s just a +1 each entry in the coding, if u can find the coding sample to copy and paste. Or you can manually keep track of it and send them an email confirmation which states “You are number xxx in the queue.” that would eliminate the coding aspect.

You might be selling Paladin for cheap but remember Paladin is your first novel. Let that lay the groundwork for you. Then by the time you’re onto your second and third etc novel, you’re able to sell it more and play around with more promo stuff coz YOU’RE ROLLING IN MOOLAH!!! (Is that the right spelling?? I don’t know… the area of my brain that holds that info has a teeth mark in it…)

It would be a really good way to determine whether print is a good idea or not and gauge interest. Plus LOVE the idea of doing promos. Although I’m planning to sell Paladin for pretty cheap so I might have to do free giveaways or something.

Must figure out this website business…

In the meantime, to thank them for waiting, they can also check out your other stories on Wattpad to whet their appetites on your work.

Also, u could provide them with referral discounts for future purchases. That’ll keep ’em coming back. Heck u could also placate them with simple things like bookmarks, Paladin branded tea bags, even a little chocolate samples (betterworldbooks I *heart* you for those!) Other promos u could do (which I plan to do for mine) is if you have a fav charity, you could say with every purchase X% will go to that charity, to kinda promote it along even a similar topic character, like Paladin is gender bender stuff, so I don’t know, maybe education for girls charity or some women empowering charity stuff….

Just saying….

Let me wrap my head around how things work…. correct me if this dataflow diagram is wrong… unless you’re with the big publishers, u’d still have to promote yourself. So

1) u’re jumping through hoops hoping they’d pick up your story,
2) when they deem it ok to publish your stuff, u might have to warp it to fit the dimensions of their printing and the bookshelves,
3) after that’s done, U’RE the one who’s pushing it through the checkout, hopefully with a good presence on social media stuff;
4) AND you pay THEM for the honour of that….

I don’t know… is that cynical or is that just about right?

In light of all that, it’s just the same as if u’re self publishing, except u’re keeping all the earnings yourself and u don’t have to audition for Cirque du Soleil.

Superstar, ha! Maybe by my 10th book…

I’m really glad I found your blog, and definitely follow your instincts on what you think is best!