Compost--is that what I think it is?

The topic today is composting.

Sounds like a load of crap to me. But perhaps, if I look at it differently, composting could mean recycling. And I can relate to that.

I’ve just republished a couple of my middle-grade mysteries, MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED CAVES and MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MUSTANGS, on Amazon/Kindle and Smashwords. The first book in the series won a couple of awards, so when it went out of print, I thought the series would be worth running through the compost pile.

This is my first foray into the world of e-publishing and it’s a bit daunting. I’ve had to learn how to adapt the books into new formats and get them online, which hasn’t been easy for a computer loser like me. Determining a fair price was also challenge—less than the printed copy of the book, but enough to make a little money to pay for my book addiction.

There were other decisions to be made, too. Should I update the book, or leave it set during the time it was first published and call it “historical?” Do I rewrite the book to add boys for a broader audience, or just keep it girls, since the book is about a bunch of Girl Scouts who solve mysteries using their scouting skills? Should I hire someone to draw a new cover to give the book new life, or keep the original, which already captures the elements of mystery and adventure in the story?

Now that I have the books online, I’m looking forward to raking in the money like Amanda Hocking. The first day I sold one book. A week later I had doubled my sales. Hmmm. Looks good on paper, but I haven’t had any movie offers yet, like Amanda has. I was hoping to get Miley Cyrus to play the protagonist.

I’m currently working on the third book in the series, MYSTERY OF THE DISAPPEARING DOLPHINS. Since girls love animals, like dolphins and horses, I figured this new title should jump off the proverbial shelf. If I can triple my sales, I’ll write a few more books that appeal to girl scouts, like MYSTERY OF THE KNOTTY KNOTS, MYSTERY OF THE BAFFLING BADGES, and MYSTERY OF THE CRUMBLING COOKIES.

This e-publishing business may change everything for me--if only I can keep up. Meanwhile, I can’t wait to compost my next book.

Comments

[Mysti]

What *is* the e-equivalent to buying shelf space?

Thanks for testing the waters for us scaredy cats.

[Susan C Shea]

Impressive business plan, Penny. I read the NYT piece on Hocking (sigh) and she picked up steam after a slow start. May you have her good fortune!

[penny warner]

Hi Mysti,
Not sure yet but I don't plan to buy ads, etc.
We'll see -

[penny warner]

Susan, may we ALL have such luck!

[Ann]

Hooray! Just bought the Mystery of the Missing Mustangs. Add another to your total sold. :-)

[penny warner]

Ann, you sweetheart! It may be a little young for you, but I'll buy your next coffee....

[rita lakin]

Hmm 2 books already sold. Take that Amanda Hocking!
keep up the good work.
Rita

[penny warner]

Ha! I'll bet she's shaking in her boots...

[Priscilla]

Great posting. I have talked to several writers who would like to get their books into e-reader format but are scared to death of the process. You may get a lot of emails from this blog, Penny. Thank you!

[penny warner]

Hi Priscilla,
It was quite a learning curve, but now that my husband knows how to do it, he wants to do more!