Here it is, Fiendlings. The new cover for the Closet Treats ebook and podcast. The great Starla Huchton got this together for me. I'm pretty happy with it. She's also going to be doing an alternate cover Tattoo in the near future before I saddle her with the final cover of the Garaaga's Children: Ancients Volume. 

Hope you like. And if you don't? Tough. You probably already bought the damned thing.

Cheers.

Yup, it's begun.  As of today, I have already sent three query letters or full novel submissions.  Now we get to wait and see how long it takes for the rejection cycle to begin.

I've been asked why the hell I'm interested in getting published by a publishing company when I can obviously make more money and have more control over my work if I handle it myself.  In other words, why do I need a publisher?

This is a very good question.  The answer goes something like this.

1. I can't afford a professional editor.  A good publishing company, one I want to publish my books with, has an editorial staff that should be able to help in polishing the manuscript.  While there are freelancers available for this chore, they typically cost cash that I simply don't have.  I want to put out the best possible product and that requires some professional help.
2. Layout.  I need help with laying out the book properly. While I may put Tattoo and the Fiends collection out as a book via Createspace or some other POD service, Closet Treats deserves a chance to be professionally edited and packaged.  Again, I can't afford a professional artist or professional layout services.  I know plenty of people capable of the artwork and layout, but again, I believe Closet Treats deserves the best.
3. Price.  I hope that my books will be priced at a fair amount for fiendlings to purchase.  Although I'm still looking at the cost of a POD like Createspace, POD books are typically much more expensive than books in the bookstore.
4. Distribution.  Createspace claims to work through certain book distributors that will get your novel into bookstores.  Although I believe bookstores are a dying model, Barnes and Noble and other brick and mortar stores stil provide a significant presence for authors.  In addition to having your book on the shelves, it makes it much easier for a self-funded signing tour or other such PR efforts.
5. Bona Fides.  I believe we will ultimately bypass the publishing gate-keepers.  Those who consider new media as nothing more than a vanity distribution mechanism for authors who aren't good enough to "make it" in the traditional markets are foolish at best, myopic at worst.  Have no doubt-- the market is changing and changing quickly.  But until this happens, having an actual "respected" publishing company at your back is the only way to qualify for certain awards or reaching the NYT.

These are the main reasons I have for pursuing relations with a publisher for Closet Treats rather than doing it myself.  But rest assured, if I don't find a publisher in the future, Closet Treats will definitely be destined for a different route.  Stay tuned.  Maybe I'll have some good luck.  And I hope that if it happens, you fiendlings will be ready with your wallets open, and smiles on your fanged faces.

Cheers.

I challenged you Fiendlings on Sunday night via twitter and facebook to purchase 30 copies of the Tattoo e-book.  If you succeeded, I would release episode 17 early.  Like Tuesday early.  Well, you failed.  But you know what?  Your tried so damned hard that I had to get this out.  So enjoy the epilogue.

Here it is.  Episode 16.  I spoil you fiendlings with these early releases.  Enjoy.  Leave comments in the q&a.  DO EET! 

Please go to Amazon.com and/or Smashwords.com and get your ebook copy of Tattoo for $.99. That's right, 99 cents! Or you can also rate and review and help me find new listeners/readers.

I have written a story for Scott Sigler's "The Crypt" collection.  If you haven't heard "The Crypt" yet, you better go and listen before my story airs in May.

Thank you, James Durham for doing the bump. Go check out his fantastic podiobook FETIDUS.

Discover David J Williams' final book in the Autumn Rain trilogy.

 I think I said this before, hell think I included it in episode 14 podcast, but I have submitted query letters to two publishers.  Both were sort of solicited, meaning I was invited to submit my work.  One of them is with an editor I've had many conversations with and whom I respect.  Neither of us was sure whether or not Closet Treats was right for her company, but we both decided to give it a go.

Turns out, CT doesn't quite fit.  I received the kindest, most helpful "rejection" letter of my life.  Exactly what was needed, I think, to try and get over the shitty experience I had back in '95.  Back in the saddle again.  I'm going to ride this bronco for a couple of months.  If no one wants my damned book after that, then it'll be time to pull a Scott Sigler and just DO IT.

The world didn't end.  I'm not swirling in deep depression.  I am, in fact, rather happy.  Strange, but true.  Why?  Because I got great advice and managed to establish a relationship with someone in the biz.  That is the best sort of experience I could have realistically hoped for.  And I'm damned glad I took the chance and did it.

 Yes, because I am made of awesome, I'm early again!  Download episode 13 and get ready for one hell of a ride!

"The Warehouse"

I am putting out the Fiends short story collection on smashwords.com FOR FREE!  Please do me a favor, download them, read them, and rate them. When they come out on amazon.com, b&n.com, and the iTunes store, I'll need you to do the same.   Leave obnoxious comments.  Whatever.  BE HONEST.  These are the gateway drug stories to get money for Tattoo.  So when Tattoo goes up, it'll be on sale for $.99.  I hope you will be willing to help get me going.

I have written a story for Scott Sigler's "The Crypt" collection.  If you haven't heard "The Crypt" yet, you better go and listen before my story airs in May.

On May 5th, go to Seth Harwood's site and pre-order your copy of Seth Harwood's awesome novel "Young Junius."  It's going to be made of awesome.  DO EET!

Thank you Thomas Reed for doing the bump.  Check out his work!

Shadowpublications.com is hosted by CompleteComputing.com.  Visit http://completecomputing.com/sp to get a customized quote for hosting.

Because I love you, my wonderful fiendlings, here is the next episode.

I have written a story for Scott Sigler's "The Crypt" collection. If you haven't heard "The Crypt" yet, you better go and listen before my story airs in May.

The Crypt: http://www.scottsigler.com/taxonomy/reverse/71

Promos included in this episode:

• Seth Harwood: http://sethharwood.com 

That's right, my Fiendlings.  Here's episode 10 chock full of fiendy goodness.

This episode includes promos for Seth Harwood's Young Junius.  May 5th is Cinco De Harwood, the day you have a chance to get your little paws on a special order custom copy of the book.  Check it out, fiendlings.

Also, last week I screwed the pooch and forgot to give props to Vertigo Radio Live and their fantastic insanity.  Please check out their show.  It's hilarious, irreverant, and fun for your little gray cells.

Last but not least, your fellow fiendling David Sobkowiak is putting out his first podcast novel with co-creator Laura Frechette.  Go check it out on Monday!

Once again, my wonderful fiendlings, I am early. Way fucking early. So quit your bitching and enjoy Episode 08.

Remember to pre-order Scott Sigler's "The Starter" on Aprii 1st.

 A brief essay on publishing and why it led me to stop writing...

Promo at the end of the episode for Scott Sigler's "The Starter."  Visit http://scottsigler.com and get ready to pre-order your copy April 1st!

Written and performed by Paul Elard Cooley.

Music by Nine Inch Nails from their album:  The Slip.  Please visit their site at http://nin.com

This presentation is copyright 2010 by Paul Elard Cooley.

Visit shadowpublications.com for more free stories as well as my rant casts.

Contact me at:

 

    * Email: stories@shadowpublications.com

    * twitter: http://twitter.com/paul_e_cooley

    * facebook: http://facebook.com/paul.e.cooley

Download NOW!

Closet Treats will be released on Podiobooks.com this Friday.  So if you want to get the book without the intro babble, this is the place to go.  I'm going to try like hell to keep the two in synch, although it may take a day or two for the latest episode to show up there.  But tell your fellow fiendlings:  Closet Treats  is the FOR REALEST!

Cheers.

Real quick update on what's going and the schedule for the book.  Also, a plea for Fiendling action.

Download Now

My fiendlings.  Today is Day 2 of "The Valentine's Day Massacre" Weekend.  Brought to you by: me and my sick and twisted brain.  Today I offer up the premiere episode of my new podiobook novel, Closet Treats.  Hope you enjoy it.  Episode 2 drops tomorrow.

Download Now

Written and performed by Paul Elard Cooley featuring original music written and performed by Andrew Richardson.
You can find Mr. Richardson's podcasts and music at: http://www.fabkebab.com
This presentation is copyright 2010 by Paul Elard Cooley.
Visit shadowpublications.com for more free stories as well as my rant casts.
Contact me at:

• Email: stories@shadowpublications.com
• twitter: http://twitter.com/paul_e_cooley
• facebook: http://facebook.com/paul.e.cooley

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.