ON THE DESK
The end of the year.
It’s a time for winding down… but also for ramping up.
I’m always introspective come year end. Maybe it’s the chilly weather. Maybe it’s “resolution season” being right around the corner. Or maybe it’s simply because it’s the perfect time to look at the past year in review and assess what worked and what didn’t — what to leave and what to keep about my personal and professional lives.
Thinking about everything gets me so excited for the year ahead and what’s to come. There’s always the possibility to do more and do it better. And while I’m still figuring out all of what “more” and “better” looks like for 2023, I thought I might highlight a few of the plans that I’m laying, events upcoming, and decisions I've made so far. (In no particular order…)
MY SHOP
This is probably top of mind for me because I am already in the process of making the necessary changes to move my shop “in house.” Meaning, soon my shop will be hosted through my regular website and not on Etsy anymore.
There’s a few motivators for this shift.
The first is prices. This past year Etsy dramatically increased their fees. So bringing the shop onto my site will help prevent future price increases because of Etsy taking more of a cut.
Also, on Etsy, I am required to ship orders within ten weeks. This means that I can’t do longer preorders. However, when I move things onto my own website, I could have the preorder for signed copies of – for example – A Duet with the Siren Duke much, much earlier. Giving me the exact count of how many copies I need to order and then being able to ship them closer to, or even before, release.
Finally, I have some ideas for other things I want to offer direct through me in the long term. I can’t commit to anything right now, but I want to lay the groundwork for opportunities to give more to my readers. Not to mention, as Amazon continues to shut down author’s accounts for no good reason from time to time and that makes me super nervous. So I want a way that I could continue to sell books to my readers — a way entirely in my control — should the worst ever come to pass.
AUDIOBOOKS
I’ve mentioned this before, but I am very excited to say that my audiobooks should be up for pre-order alongside other formats for my 2023 releases. This means that the audiobooks will release at the same time as the physical and digital editions.
I’m so excited to offer this for my audiobook listeners and to have written ahead far enough that I’m in a position to offer this.
2023 RELEASES
Speaking of releases, here’s what I have coming in 2023…
February 24th — A Tournament of Crowns
The third book in my A Trial of Sorcerers series will be out on February 24th. The tournament is finally here and trust me it’s not one you want to miss. Eira’s action and adventure continue to level up throughout this series.
Many people have asked how many books A Trial of Sorcerers will be… my plan is that it will be 5 books. With the fifth releasing toward the end of 2024 or very early in 2025.
April (Actual Date TBD) — Vortex Chronicles Audio Omnibus
Yes, it’s finally coming! I’m releasing an audio omnibus editions for Vortex Chronicles. While all the audiobooks are out right now, this will be your opportunity to get the whole series in one bundle, for one low price (or one Audible credit) much like my Air Awakens and Loom bundles. I know how popular these bundles are with audio listeners. So I’m excited to offer this.
August 10th — A Duet with the Siren Duke
The fourth Married to Magic book will be out in August.
I hope.
No, no it will be out on this date. I vow it. But this book has fought with me the entire time. And even though I’m so far ahead, I’m still so deep in edits and rewriting and walking away and coming back and changing this and that and…and…and… BUT. A Duel with the Vampire Lord also fought with me and, honestly, I think it’s one of my strongest books to date. So hopefully A Duet with the Siren Duke will follow in its footsteps.
OTHER SURPRISES…
I can’t say too much right now, but I’m hoping to have some other surprises I can announce in 2023. Cross your fingers for me that it all works out ;)
MORE REGULAR GIVEAWAYS
One of my goals with getting a PA was to find more time to stay on top of all my goals and things I do for readers. This includes more regular giveaways.
My aim is to have at least one, if not 2-3 giveaways every month in different locations.
I am so grateful to all of my readers and hosting various giveaways, on different platforms, is one of the best ways I know how to express that gratitude. I'm happy any time I can send lucky winners free stuff.
I will be sending out a giveaway newsletter more regularly because of this. If you do or don’t want to be subscribed to that… now is the time to check your subscription preferences via the link at the bottom of this email (remember: you might have to click “view more” if the message is clipped in your email client to get to the very bottom).
WRITING AND PUB TIPS EXPANSION
Speaking of different newsletters… One newsletter I offer is a
writing and publishing tips email that I send once a month. I’ve really enjoyed talking about different elements of the industry and trying to share my knowledge over the past year. This, combined with my offering one-on-one
coaching, has allowed me to meet many fellow and aspiring authors.
Teaching and sharing knowledge has always been a passion of mine and I’m constantly on the lookout for how to do that better. So one thing I’m going to try to put together throughout 2023 is a guide that includes my tips and best practices for releasing a book independently. I’ve no idea what it will look like, how long it will be, how much it'll cost (though I do want to keep the cost relatively low), or when it will be out (so don’t hold your breath waiting for it)… but it IS something I want to do.
…
I think that’s the major stuff that’s on my desk looking ahead to 2023. As always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or feedback, you can hit reply and give me your thoughts. I love hearing from readers and love having additional perspectives on what I can do better.
