kristaphillips 
I asked on my Facebook author page yesterday if “likees” (I guess people call them fans, but it feels so presumptuous to refer to all my “fans” out there… ha!)
Anyway… I asked them if they preferred ebooks, hold-in-your-hand books, or a little of both. The response is as I’d thought it be: Super mixed!
I’m mulling around a few ideas for my next project. I’m finishing up the book I’ve been working on for WAY TOO LONG and getting into my agents hands this month… and then it’ll be time to start something different. YEAH! A new writing project is ALWAYS exciting!
And since even if I signed a publishing contract tomorrow, it’d probably be 2 years before it’d be published, I thought I’d dip my pinky toe into the whole ebook-only publishing idea.
I have some ideas for them swirling around in my head, but am doing a lot of praying and seeking guidance about it. My vision is for them to be not-full-length books, more like novella length, which would be a switch for me. Some have asked if they are going to be “Sandwich” related… and the answer is… maybe?
Others have asked if I’ll use it to tell Annabelle’s story… and again the answer is… maybe?
But make no mistake: I’m not getting out of the traditionally published business. My goal is still to publish full-length novels in print with a publisher. I have no aspirations to be my own publisher permanently. My life is crazy busy enough already!!
My request today is two-fold:
1.) Please pray for me on this new venture! That I don’t lose sight of what my goal has always been… to write the words God lays on my heart in story form, and to use my words for HIS glory. And that He would give me wisdom and guidance as I tip-toe down a new, uncharted territory. And honestly, if it’s even something I should pursue.
2.) I’d love to know your thoughts!! PRETTY PLEASE! YOU, my friends, are my readers, both here on my blog and (hopefully) for my books as well. I value your opinion!!!
Are you an ebook reader? Do you prefer books only? Do you read novellas or does that not appeal so much? If you aren’t a normal commenter, THAT IS OKAY! This is a good time to get your opinion in, and I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear it! No comments = sad Krista. (HA HA HA , just kidding… mostly…) But please, do share your thoughts, positive or constructive criticism. Even if you think it’s a horrible idea… all opinions are valid and that’s what I want to hear!
Also, you’re always free to email me your thoughts as well!
Many good thoughts and prayers as you venture forward! I like all formats for reading, and LOVE a good novella.
YEAH!!! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
I would love to see more books about the people in Sandwich. Novellas are fine with me as long as they are reasonably priced. There are some e-novellas that my sister purchased that were only five to six chapters long. They were overpriced in our opinions. She was quite disappointed and thought that the stories should have been a lot longer. A good length of a novella is ten chapters like they have in the Smitten books by Coble, Hunter, Hunt, and Billerbeck.
Sylvia… great thoughts. That helps a TON! The rule of thumb (I believe) is that a novella is around 20,000 words… a typical full length contemporary romance is 80-100k, so approximately 1/4th of a normal book. I tend to write shorter chapters, so my 20k word book probably would lean toward 10 or more chapters:-)
Curious, what, in your opinion, is an acceptable price for a novella? This varies greatly by author and there is a lot of data out there that I'm currently sifting through, but would love your thoughts!
And the Smitten books are fabulous examples!!! Love those 4 ladies:-)
For me: Both physical and ebook formats have my heart!I am a big fan of reading actual books. I think there is something to be said about the magic of curling up with a good, old fashioned, non-battery operated book. That said, I rarely ever get the opportunity because ebooks are so much more convenient! As a special needs momma (as well as mother of 4 boys), my hands are rarely empty. So, ebooks offer the world of reading that I would sorely be missing at this point.
I think you will do great at the Novella idea and can't wait to see what topics you use 🙂
I totally understand, as you know we are in the same boat, HA! Except mine are all girls:-) My hope is that the novella length will also appeal because it won't take quite so long to read the whole thing, yet will still have a full story. Ah, but we shall see:-)
personally, I prefer paper, BUT novella style? that would be good for ebooks and I would definitely snag my daughters kindle to read them 😉
LOL, you can totally blame your Kindle thievery on me:-)
I'm more of a paper book myself too. But, the novella idea intrigues me 'cause I could read that over a lunch or two at work and then the tablet idea is more logical 🙂
Jaime, my thoughts exactly!! Honestly, I'm not usually a novella reader that much myself… I prefer longer books and it's just what I normally gravitate toward. But I know there is a market out there for them… and my hope is to write something that would entice me to read it too, ha ha ha!
Krista, I've just done what you are planning to do. I self-published through Amazon's CreateSpace, and it turned out great. I posted links to my book on my blog this week if you'd like to see how it looks: http://inthecompostpile.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/an-issue-of-blood I work full time writing work-for-hire books for various Christian publishers. I self-published this book because it is for a niche market and I wanted control over its marketing and distribution. CreateSpace was very easy to use, and best of all it's free. If I can answer any of your questions, please message me through Facebook. Good luck with your new venture!
Blessings,
Jean
THANKS, Jean! Great notes and I'll absolutely look at all the info you provided. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
Krista, I've just posted about CreateSpace on my blog for writers. You might be interested. http://jeanfischer.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/10-steps-to-self-publishing-your-book-using-amazon-createspace/
Prayers of course!
I'm not a great lover of novellas myself but that's maybe because I've not read too many up till now. I love books that take days – if not weeks – to read 😉
I'm in love with Kindle at the moment. It's so easy to take with me when I have to wait in the many waiting rooms I have to frequent at the moment. And it's easier to hold than large books because of my hands. So e-books for me at the moment.
But when you decide to write a few novellas I'll be sure to read them! 🙂
awww, thanks, Riete!!! I really appreciate it!! I noted in another comment, I'm not normally a novella reader either just because I gravitate toward longer books and haven't read many either. But this might change that!
I mostly read e-books – both full-length and novellas. I still read print books, however, most of the print books I read are old – books that I've purchased over the years but never read. I have lots of those since I buy quicker than I can read.
If I sign up for a blog tour, occasionally, there is no e-book version available, so, I'll have to resort to reviewing a printed copy.
Understand! ebooks are SO SO SO convenient!! I read a LOT of them on my Kindle for trips and to read at the gym while on the treadmill:-) But for cuddled in my bed under the warm covers just to enjoy a book… I want my paper, not plastic:-) 🙂
krista, I am excited that the Lord has you on this new path. I am excited to see where he is going to take. I am not much of an e-book reader and I much prefer regular books. I dont have anything to really read an e-book on. I don't know what a novella is but if its a short story that sounds cool I would deff be up for that! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for you. any idea when your new book is going to drop?
Nope! Gotta finish up my full length one in the next month and get it to my agent, then buckling down to write my first novella if that's what I feel God is calling me to do when I get to it. So far, all points are pointing there!
A Novella is a "small" fiction book. Usually 1/4th to 1/3rd the size of a "normal" Christian novel. It has perhaps a simplier plot, but mostly just has less "subplots" and is faster paced.
And you can read ebooks on your computer, just an FYI! There is free kindle reader software you can download I believe. Personally, I wouldn't want to read a full book on the computer, but a novella I would perhaps do:-)