What I'm Working On: Hybrid Author Stuff and Rebranding by @KarynGerrard #SelfPublishing #Changes

One of my first jobs in the mid-eighties was as a Clerical Teacher-Aide at the school Mr. Gerrard taught at. I used an IBM Selectric II. God, I loved it. Even wanted to buy it from the school when we moved. I had interchangeable balls, *snort* I loved the sound of the keys clicking. Barely had to touch it and away it went, typing like a dream. I'd kill for a computer keyboard that worked the same way.

Besides aging myself, why am I tripping down memory lane? Because it's time, after 7 years published, to take stock. Assess goals. Since I spent all of last year writing to fulfill contracts, my indie/self-pubbed stuff suffered. I didn't promote them, never released anything except one re-issue. So I am stepping up my game on the other side of my hybrid writing.

I have uploaded new versions of The Spinster and Mr. Glover, The Governess and the Beast, and Timeless Heart. I have ordered a new cover for My Highlander Cover Model and giving that a new revision. I put both my time travels together as a series called: Heroes of Time Travel Anthology. Made the changes already at the vendors.

I've come to believe that since I have complete control of my indie books, I should keep them updated, not only concerning the front and back matter, but looking for any possible problems. My writing is constantly evolving, my voice should be consistent throughout. Hence the updates. I will be doing my contemporary Xmas story as well.

Also working on a short contemporary romance novella called My Wicked Soul. Here's a tip, never order a cover until you are absolutely sure what you are doing with a story or series. I bought this close to two years ago, thinking I would add it to a contemporary series I already had. Nope. Luckily, I have some photoshop skills and I was able to remove the series name under the title. Instead, I will be using this for a different standalone story. Also working on this. I am using parts from a story that has been returned to me.

So, what about the other side of my hybrid author stuff? You know, *Trad*.

I have no idea.

I have a couple of historicals to re-release and will do so at some point through my own publishing arm.

What about the Hornsby Brothers Series? (historical) Book 1 and 2 are with Kensington Publishing, and I am 2/3's of the way writing book 3. (I am able to release it myself) The cover for book 3 is bought, and the series is on hold for a while. But I will be finishing it, I promise. By the end of the year if all goes well.

We will see what happens. Meanwhile, in this downtime, I'm taking charge and cleaning up my backlist. I have one more book to ask for the rights back from Evernight Publishing, and pretty much all my earlier books (2011-2014) will be back in my hands.

In 2014, I shuddered at the thought of self-publishing. Since then, I have found my happy place. For now, at this particular place in time, hybrid author suits me right down to the ground.

Delay on Re-Releases for Several Books #SelfPublishing @KarynGerrard #TheGirlCantHelpit

Yikes. I got the rights back for this book Dec 2016, and I wanted to revise and re-release it in under six months under my KG Publishing. Not going to happen.

Obviously any contracted books I have with a publisher (Kensington) must come first. I have to pass in book 2 manuscript Sept 15th. Book 3 is due March 1 2018. I think it best I get these two books written and passed in before I turn my attention to any self-publishing releases.

As a result it has caused a real pile of rights reversed e-books on my back burner. My back list has shrunk by nearly half. But these books need work (in some cases A LOT of work) and I am not going to rush it. Click HERE to see a complete list of my books that are no longer available.

After the Copper and the Madam? I had hoped to revise Knight of Christmas (my one and only Ellora's Cave release) for Fall 2017. Again, not going to happen. I have pushed it to Fall 2018.

Though I did fix the cover so it is ready to go! EC said I could use the same cover if I removed their logo (gladly!) I added the Victorian Xmas street light. Not bad, eh? Yes, it is a historical, hence his cravat.

This is a sizzling erotic romance, and I will be dialling down the heat to sensual since I do not write erotic any longer. I want to expand it a bit as well.

Again, I refuse to rush it.

After that? I have one other cover art I bought, I was going to use it for my Wicked Men of Rockland series, but I have decided I will be revising and seeing if my agent can shop it around first.

(Note to self: do not buy cover art until revisions are done and you are completely sure of your plans)

So what to do with this cover I bought? First, I removed the 'Wicked Men of Rockland' logo under the title.

Now I can use this for a short novella. I received rights back to 'Rock the Wolfe' from Decadent last year.

It is around 17,000 words, a rock star contemporary and it needs revising, editing, and expansion. So this is the third self-pubbing release in the queue.

No idea on the release dates for any of this.

I refuse to stress myself out by spinning too many plates.



But stay tuned, as I plan to release them as soon as I can give them my full attention. :)

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE: Rock the Wolfe by Karyn Gerrard @KarynGerrard #SelfPubbing #Revisions

ROCK THE WOLFE by Karyn Gerrard

• File Size: 246 KB
• Print Length: 77 pages
• Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC (November 16, 2013)

he’s desperate for a break…

After a difficult year in the classroom, elementary school teacher Kerri Coleson is close to the breaking point. All she wants is a quiet summer to regroup and refresh. Vacationing alone at the old family homestead, she never expected to meet a burnt out rock star or discover that he might be the man of her dreams…

He’s desperate for her…

Following the bust-up of his group and the dissolution of his marriage, rock star Wolfe Phalen’s world has been turned upside down. Though intrigued by Kerri’s lush curves, nurturing personality, and sensual response to his touch, the last thing he wants is a romantic entanglement…

Kerri may rock Wolfe’s world, but will she rock his heart and soul?


Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, rubenesque

Heat level: 4
Word count – 17k

So a lot of the books I released with small digital e-pubs in 2013 are reverting to me fast and furious. Rock the Wolfe is down from some retailers and will come down soon at others. What will happen to this erotic romance, rock star short story?

Just to bring you up to speed, I no longer write erotic romance under this pen name. For now, this story will go on the back burner, it may become part of a small series (after extensive revisions) and will re-release under my second pen name with KG Publishing. (self-pubbing)

But that won't be for quite a while. There is a huge pile on my plate. More than I can handle. Many of these revisions will have to wait. But how nice to have these stories on the back burner for future use.

The next book to revert back to me is The Copper and the Madam on December 1st. When I get time to revise, I will be doing this one first before I look at Rock the Wolfe.

Onward!

COVER REVEAL: My Highlander Cover Model by @KarynGerrard #ComingSoon #Rerelease #Timetravel Hot Highlander!

My Highlander Cover Model

by Karyn Gerrard

KG Publishing

Time Travel/Fantasy/Contemporary

Approx 27500 words

Blurb: Skye Bancroft, assistant art director at a small New York publisher, is used to dealing with the occasional spoiled and egocentric model. After all, it’s part of her job description. But during a photoshoot, she didn’t count on one to become so delusional as to think himself a Highlander from 1814 Scotland. 

Cailin Thorburn is every woman’s dream: A warrior who is fierce, passionate, and protective. Rendered unconscious during battle, he awakens in another place, time, and seemingly in another man’s body. Could this all be a dream? Convincing the bonnie lass, Skye, that he is Cailin is a daunting task. 

Regardless of his strange time travel story and sexy Scottish burr, believing this extraordinary man is from another era becomes hard to deny. The attraction between them sizzles and Skye is left to wonder: Is Cailin truly a Highlander from the clan Macbeth, or just a Highlander cover model?

THE SCOOP: This was originally published by Decadent Publishing from April 2013 to April 2016. I now have the rights back. I can now say I never cared for the original cover much, But, time to move on, and I will be revising, re-editing etc and self-publishing this soon. (This cover done by Melody Simmons)

When? No idea. I am taking things slow and I am dealing right now with Mr. Gerrard's health, so that takes top priority. 

Meanwhile, so far, I have added about 5000 words. Also, I no longer write erotic as such, so am dialing back the heat a notch. Or two. And deepening the characterization and romance. 

When I do release it, it will be 99 cents and put in Kindle Unlimited for a time. So stay tuned!

So, what about the first book in this series, My Vampire Cover Model? Sorry, no plans at the moment. It needs too much work and I've kicked it down the queue. May not get to even look at it until later 2017. 

That's if I am even still doing this in 2017. *wink*

Next? The Governess and the Beast. I get the rights back May 1st. Cover on order with Cora Graphics so will reveal it soon.

Have a good weekend~

The Blind Cupid No Longer Available, The Spinster and Mr. Glover #ComingSoon @KarynGerrard #Historical

THE BLIND CUPID ~Historical/BDSM/Cougar  Short story for THE EDGE line

Decadent Publishing  release December 14 2012    APPROX 6967 words

This short story for Decadent's Publishing The Edge line, has been reverted to me as per the contract I signed with this publisher. As of Oct 2014, I no longer submit to this publisher.

As of this writing, I checked and it seems to be down everywhere but Barnes and Noble, but I know that vendor takes a while.

This short story spawned the series 'The Blind Cupid" with The Governess and the Beast and The Copper and the Madam as books 2 and 3.

This hot erotic story (needed for The Edge line) has been toned down (heat wise), expanded, revised, and doubled in size and is now around 15,000 words. It is still a short story, so that means the romance progresses quickly. I've been working on it for months, and it will now be released as THE SPINSTER AND MR.GLOVER. Cover art done by Cora Graphics.

A few changes, my hero, Desmond, now has blond hair, I will change it in the other books when I get the rights back next year.

I submitted it for pre-order, the release date will be December 7th on Amazon with other vendors following whenever they upload.

Here is the Blurb: His male beauty moved her. His vulnerability touched her. His past horrified her...

Anne Sommer, a spinster firmly on the shelf, does the unthinkable. She hires a man from the Blind Cupid brothel for a night of scandalous pleasure. Anne wants the sensual memories to keep her company in the lonely years ahead. However, she did not expect the young man to move her in ways she never imagined.

Desmond Glover gives sexual gratification—for a price. An orphan whose childhood was mired in scandal and poverty, Desmond has learned to close off his emotions with regard to his occupation. He did not count on a lonely spinster to awaken his hidden passion.

Not only do the years separate them, but so do their social standing. Can Anne and Desmond cross such a chasm and find mutual desire—or love?

This short story was previously published with a different title. Revised, re-edited, and more than 7500 words added. Heat Level: Very sensual

This is book one of the Blind Cupid series. Book two is The Governess and the Beast. Book three is The Copper and the Madam.

NOTE: You will see listings at Amazon for second-hand print copies of the Blind Cupid Collection, (anthology) This is why I am not a fan of POD (Print on Demand) even when you get the rights back, a print copy is always out there somewhere *sigh* 

COVER REVEAL: Timeless Heart by @KarynGerrard #Rerelease #ComingSoon #TimeTravel #RegencyHero

TIMELESS HEART

Regency/Contemporary Time Travel

approx 28,000 words

(re-release with 6000 words added)

Unofficial Blurb:

 Suffering from burnout, elementary school teacher Sandra Cranston is on leave and trying to eliminate stress from her life. That plan is blown when she discovers an abandoned carriage deep in the woods. Inside is a man, Jerrod Ross, who fuels all of her wicked Regency dreams and fantasies. Take him home? Sure, why not?

Jerrod Ross has been ripped from the only world he has ever known—1821 Cornwall, England. A mine owner with many responsibilities, all he wants to do is return to his time. But his growing attraction for the lovely lady who found him makes staying in the future a temptation he finds hard to resist.

Torn between duty and desire, past and future, the hardest thing Sandra and Jerrod will do is admit their feelings. Or say—goodbye.

Coming late spring/early summer from KG Publishing

This was the very first manuscript. It was accepted and offered a contract by a publisher (Evernight Publishing) in less than 24 hours after submitting. The story was released in Spring 2011. I was granted the rights back in Jan 2015 and have been working on it the last several weeks, editing, revising, and adding more than 6000 words so far. 

Also, this will be my first self-pubbed effort that is a re-release. I will certainly make sure I mark it as such in the blurb. I hope to release it late spring/early summer. I am not rushing. Taking my time and doing a thorough spiff and shine on it. Since this was my first, and it sold well and became an Amazon bestseller, it holds a special place in my heart.

From a marketing point of view, I should set release dates, but I really can't with my personal life in flux due to hubby's health. I can only take things one day at a time and that also takes in my writing/editing/releases. Take it as it comes, its all I can do.

Isn't the cover glorious? Done by Cora Graphics. The model is Kieran from Period Images. He fits my hero Jerrod Ross to a tee. ~Cheers!

Karyn Gerrard Bio: 

Karyn lives in a small town in the western corner of Ontario, Canada. She whiles away her spare time writing and reading romance while drinking copious amounts of Earl Grey tea. Tortured heroes are a must. A multi-published author with a few bestsellers under her belt, Karyn loves to write historicals, particularly in the Victorian era.  She also writes contemporaries.

As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise she assumes everything is golden.

Karyn’s been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement keeps her moving forward.

                          Karyn's Site/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Tsu

Welcome to KG Publishing coming in 2015! #SelfPub #Hybrid @KarynGerrard #NewDirection

Its been building for a long time as I've become increasingly frustrated in my publishing life, so after much internal debate, I've decided that going forward, most or all short stories and novellas will be self-published under my own banner. (I'll get a better one, later)

I have a few completed manuscripts (historical novellas) so will pub them myself.  In light of this, I am no longer with Evernight Pub or Decadent Pub or Ellora's Cave. While I am grateful for the contracts, especially from Evernight, as they offered me my very first one, this is a decision I make for me.

But since I rarely write anything short anymore anyway, this self-pub thing will be secondary, and used mostly for books I get the rights back on. In 2015, I will be eligible to receive back a few books, and after re-writes and edits, I will re-release them at very reasonable prices.(50% of what the publisher charged)

Anything new (over 40,000 words) will go to the couple of publishers I still have ties to. (Crimson Romance and Kensington Publishing) and maybe I will find one other.

This is a complete 180 from where I was even eighteen months ago, and I'm not going to go into the myriad reasons behind it. Some are personal. I'm not a person who needs to have my hands on all the control switches, I was happy to hand that over to publishers. But things have changed so much in the publishing world at large and for me personally, I feel I should have control of the pricing, and to a lesser extent, the editing, just to name two reasons. Believe me, there are more.

If someone like me, who really had no interest or desire to self-publish and is now considering doing it in whatever capacity, it really should give publishers pause. There are many more like me who will go hybrid, or cut the ties and go full-indie. Publishers, things are changing.

I am taking my time. Also will not be setting any firm publications dates for any self-pubbed releases. It happens when it happens. I have no interest in self pubbing print books.

But look for The Baron and the Mistress in early 2015 sometime (historical, 28,000 words) Cover art already ordered!

So, going forward, I am a hybrid romance author. Cool.

Cheers~

So...I'm Considering Self-Publishing ~by Karyn Gerrard @KarynGerrard #Hybrid

I really thought I never would.

Why?

I am not one who has to be in control of every move I make in the e-book publishing world. I just as soon give that to someone else to do. I'd rather write. Yes, I know its a business, yadda, yadda...but I don't want to spend days on end trying to figure out how to format or searching for stock photos for a cover.
So, that means I would have to sub-contract this stuff out. And that can get expensive. So I thought, initially, I would stick with e-publishers.

Yeah. Well, I have been burned twice already by e-pubs, and to me, that is two times too many. Also, the marketplace has changed so much since I started in the spring of 2011, it doesn't even resemble the same landscape.

E-books have flatlined. There is a major glut of e-books. The price points have been brought so low that what some publishers charge is beyond what an e-book consumer is willing to pay. Thanks to book bundles and self-publishers bringing down the price, there isn't much room anymore for any higher price points. But let's face it, some e-pubs are charging too much. 2.99 for 8000 words? Yikes. 9.99 for a historical romance e-book when I can order the paperback for 6.99? Right.

So, is self-pubbing for me? Not as the main outlet for my ebooks, no. But I will become a Hybrid author in the new year. I am no longer submitting short stories to publishers. In fact, I will hardly be writing any at all, but if and when I do, I will release it myself. I know it is no guarantee of high sales, I have heard from more than one writer that self-pubbing isn't exactly hitting the motherlode.

I am in no hurry, I will take the steps slow. Do the research and due diligence. The majority of what I will be self-pubbing will be books returned to me because the contract is up. And I will be getting them back.
I am also cutting back on submissions since I am now writing at 40,000 words and higher for the most part.
I also refuse to be stressed out over this business. It started as a hobby. It still is in a few ways, because I luckily do not need the money from royalties to live on, so I don't feel compelled to write more than I do or sweat about sales, categories, reviews, promo, Amazon deals etc. Maybe that is not the most business savvy path to take, but it works for me. Keeps me sane.

The way things are going, I don't know how some of the e-pubs will be able to stay in business. Will more be bought up by bigger e-pubs or New York publishers the way Lyrical Press was bought by Kensington Publishing? Its a real possibility. Makes smart business sense.

I have a couple of publishers I submit certain books to, and as long as that relationship remains mutually respectful, I will continue to submit to them. Self-pubbing will be secondary, and you can bet I won't be doing it myself. No thanks.
Sub-contracting here I come.

Any suggestions or recommendations welcome.