With apology to Robert Frost, The Cover Not Taken
I have been blessed, in the eight months since starting blogging, to have made some absolutely wonderful friends from around the globe. The support I’ve received, especially for my forthcoming book, has been heartwarming. At times, I suspect that some of the book’s wonderful volunteer test readers are even more excited about it than I am.
I’ve received a little good news about the book from my FriesenPress.com account manager, and I thought I would pass it along. Be warned, though. There is a bit of a spoiler alert for those who want to wait to see the actual cover. The Mirror, Book One – Welcome to the Evil Sisterhood now has its place reserved at the FriesenPress online bookstore.
The book—hard cover, paperback, and various e-book formats—should be available for sale at the FP online bookstore by the end of the month. We hope to have the books stocked with the major online sellers (e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters Indigo, iBooks/iTunes store) around the end of June. Since my package with FP includes book cancellation insurance, there is a chance that I can actually get the book into real bricks-and-mortar stores, too. This is part of the marketing challenge that I must rise to.
My next task is to develop a formal marketing plan. Thankfully, my package with FriesenPress.com includes working with a marketing expert to develop this plan, reviewing / editing of my book’s press release, 3 hours of marketing coaching (which includes 1 year of an individual .com website, managed with something called weebly), etc.
I have to place an order soon for the amount of books that I want for marketing purposes. I wish I could afford to buy all the test readers a thank you hard cover copy, but right now I have to marshall my copies for reviewers and other direct marketing activities (ebooks are a different matter). Maybe if sales do really well, we can revisit this, or perhaps do complimentary copies of The Mirror, Book Two – Harbinger of a Dark Age, when it comes out. What I can do now, however, is make a bulk order for Book One and pass along my author’s discount.
We can do the private book signing thing with this, but under a ladies and gentlemen’s agreement of confidentiality, if it’s my real name. Michael M. McConaughey or navigator1965?—no problem. The hard cover would be about $20, and the paperback would be about $10, plus shipping.
Let me know if anyone is interested: themirrorbooks@gmail.com. If things are a little tight at the moment, let me know, too, as I might end up with a spare book, when everything is said and done.
I know who my friends are. Thanks for all the support.
Started the manuscript 1st draft in August 2012. I’d been thinking about the project and structure for at least two years before that.
P.S. For those you’ve seen the actual cover, which do you prefer? The one I didn’t choose (above) or the one I did?
The Mirror 
Yay!!!
I liked both the covers Nav.
The synopsis is crisp and neat and intriguing.
Cool.
Congratulations 🙂
Thanks, KG. Appreciate the support. One return email heading your way!
Both covers look great Nav. Neat project – it must feel really good to finally see it about to be offered to the public. Congratulations!
Paul! So wonderful to have you here. Thanks for the feedback on the covers. Yes, it is a great feeling to be so close after such a long haul. I’m now wondering if this soon-to-be public scandal that my book will expose might not be serendipitously timed to coincide with the upcoming Ontario election.
Might make for some very interesting media questions. Long live freedom of the press.
that’s awesome 🙂 I like the cover you show above. And please save a copy for me. I am really interested in reading your book. I think you should use Navigator1965
Hi, TRG. Hard cover or paperback? Doesn’t matter—just let me know in an email.
I can do Navigator1965, no problem. Cheers.
You know I’m going to need a few copies. Forget the shipping though – I’ll see you at the parade! 😀
Since your are Director of Marketing – Somewhere, we’ll certainly have to get a few copies to you.
Parade? When I am drawn and quartered? };-)>
Yep, that’s the parade! Only we’re going to time it so that we promenade up Wellington Street the day BEFORE the book release … and just hope no one followed you home. 😉
…wait, Director of Marketing now? I’ve graduated from Chief Cook and Bottle Washer! Go me!
You’re meteoric career progression is the stuff of legend.
Yes. I’m like a rocket.
Just like me… boom on the launch pad.
I have a feeling you’ll reach orbit by the time you go boom, my dear.
Good thing I’m behaving, at present. Otherwise, I’d be in danger of a libation-induced Elton John “Rocket Man” karaoke incident.
At least it would have been spandex-free, in E.J.’s case.
I’ll provide the heart-shaped sparkly glasses. 😉
No fair. You know me far too well, clearly.
Ha!
We are so happy for you my friend! What an exciting time for you!! We look forward to a great read & know that we’ll be one of your biggest fans. And although we’ve told you before we’ll tell you again. That cover rocks!!! 😉 ❤ Sharing now!
Thank you so much, ladies. It is exciting. Which cover? The one on my post (which I didn’t choose), or the one at the FriesenPress online bookstore (which I did choose)?
I found your kind tweet–no small accomplishment from someone who’s natural tendency is to regress to Analogue Man. Thanks so much for your kind support, ladies.
I like the cover you chose. And I’m happy to pay full price for a signed, hard cover version!
Thank you, Susan. The full price version should only be a few more dollars. I am discounting off MSRP a fair bit at the FP online store.
I’m with you on the cover. The symbolism is just too good. The distorted, sinister mirror is so apropos. It almost seduces you.
I like the cover you chose bestest. 😀
Interesting point about the elections….. the mob gathers in anticipation.
I may have missed it – forgive me if so: Will they be up on Amazon?
Apparently weebly is a good site. Do you know how to work it or will the friessen press dudes help you there? (ho hum 😉 )
All go now I reckon 😉
Hi, Belinda. With your artist’s eye, yours is a reassuring opinion on the cover. Yes, it will be on Amazon. I don’t know what the shipping will be.
FriesenPress will set me up on weebly, teach me to use it, and pay the first year’s fees. The gent said that he can hook this blog to it, too.
I don’t know if our former Premier Dalton McGuinty made the news in the U.K., but his recently ended reign was a disaster. Doubled the provincial debt, added at least hundreds of dollars per to the average family’s electricity bill, wasted a billion+ dollars to not loose the last election! had it covered up, etc.
His Liberals still govern. It was his Minister Matilda Rhype-Bloomers who may have directed the cover up in my case. The thought that The Mirror will be coming out during upcoming election campaign makes me wonder if all the delays weren’t meant to be, to serve a higher purpose.
If so, I won’t even be able to muster crocodile tears.
It may have made the news, I however do not tend to make the news slot. 😛 (very bad of me I know)
So you are trying to tell me about timing and delays happening for a reason right? 😉 yeaaaah….
Tell you what – that will be so darn funny! AND EPIC above and beyond ALL epics. ~ It is like a suspense/drama/thriller all at once watching it all unfold.
Heres holding thumbs and fingers and toes and …of course hands…for it to turn out the way we hope and anticipate. What a turning point THAT will be. JUST so we are clear on this though:
Signed sealed delivered as soon as the world settles down 😉 tee hee.
I like the cover you chose, thought it was clever how the back of the jacket mirrored the front. Full steam ahead! Can’t wait to see your book in print!
Well, all I have to say is way to go, Nav. It hasn’t even been a full year, and just look…you’re an honest to goodness author! I will certainly take a paperback version with a signature (your choice). Can’t wait to read all the revisions that must’ve gone into your finished work. 😀
Thank you, T. (didn’t it used to be TS?) Funny, but I was speaking to my mother on the phone, yesterday, and she mentioned how much she likes saying, “My son, the author,” when talking to other people.
Yes, I suppose I am.
One paperback, on order. Cheers!
hmmm, let’s see….there are all the publicity rounds you will have to make, i.e. morning shows, late night television, celebrity broadcast and radio (Howard Stern)…yes, you will definitely need a publicity and road manager. 😉
An email is waiting for you…..I most definitely want the hardback.
🙂 to dale (my real name)
Hi, Dale. One signed hard copy reserved, with your name on it. Thanks so much for your support.
I can’t be publicly identified! Other than blogging book tours and print interviews as Michael M. / navigator1965, I don’t think I can do the normal publicity rounds.
Maybe this will lend an air of mystery to the book and will compensate for my staying in the shadows. Wouldn’t it be nice if the thing went viral? I then wouldn’t have to worry about the marketing. I could just focus on the sequel.
❤
Whoops, you’re right. It may be like that book by the French author entitled “The Story of O.” She did not reveal her identity for 40 years. But her book sold like hotcakes because of its risque content….after all it was the fifties.
You could be “that guy” behind the screen with your voice distorted, if you had to. But yes, I hope it goes viral. I could say, “I knew you when.” 😉
You’ll know me then, too. That’s if the minor miracle happens. Here’s to hoping that wishes do come true.
};-)>
Fantastic news! Congratulations, Nav!
I prefer your design. I like the mirror image on the front.
Email coming your way to reserve a signed hard copy at full price. You won’t make money giving your books away, my friend. 😉
Thank you, Carrie-Anne. One’s reserved, with your name on it.
Appreciate your kind sentiment on the pricing. However, the purpose of The Mirror isn’t to make me wealthy. It’s to fundamentally change society, for the better. If I drag myself out of divorce debt in the process, that’s a bonus.
From what I understand about book marketing, the big challenge for any new author is just to get people to read her or his book and to thus establish that critical mass base of support. This is why I’m grateful to you and the others who’ve read the manuscript or galley proof. The book wouldn’t go anywhere without you ladies and gents, and your support.
Yes, I understand where you’re coming from.
You have to get people buzzing about your book, and in order to do that, people have to read it.
I’m really looking forward to watching your book explode in popularity once the buzz gets out there.
If you don’t stop, you’ll get me excited, Carrie-Anne. I’m trying to keep and even keel.
It would be so nice to have the book sell itself.
Oops. Forgot to says thank you for the feedback on the cover choice. The one I didn’t choose is striking in a professional way, but I just love the symbolism of the one I did choose. I think the visual symbolism actually ties the entire work up rather nicely and presents it as a coherent whole to a reader’s psyche.
Gads! That sounded as if I almost know what I am talking about.
I agree with you on this one. It is still quite attention grabbing, which is good!
It is indeed. Everything that I’ve read suggests that great cover design is essential for sales success, especially in bricks-and-mortar stores. If that cover entices people to pick the book up and read the back cover, I think some of those people will take the plunge and get it.
I like both covers but the clean lines of the one you rejected get that second look from me lol This is wonderful news for you. I hope all is onward and upward my friend.
Thanks, Sue. You are a sweetheart, and I cannot find fault with your preference for The Cover Not Taken.
Off to advance Total World Domination 2014. TTFN, cheerio, and all that. A villain’s work is never done.
Enjoy your day then! 😉
};-)>
You are so organised! This book is not going to be a shy wallflower!
It only appears as if I am organized, Susan. The FriesenPress package, although not cheap, does offer a fair bit in terms of support and benefits. They take care of all the production, getting the book into the online distribution channels, and giving you a good background and head start on the marketing, which is your responsibility as a self-published author.
No, shy wallflower is one thing that this book is not. Interestingly, it will be coming out during our Ontario provincial election. I wonder if that will give it traction?
Sounds like good timing then. Give it a push. 🙂
Maybe even a great big kick in the arse. (Ooooops. Was that my outside voice?)
That’s what some issues need to get traction and big enough publicity for people to sIt up and realign their thinking. Go for it!!
You sound like an SAS Warrant Officer. “Yes, ma’am!”
Yayyy! Congratulations.
So you’re advancing the cause of total world domination? Can I be a minion? I always wanted to be a minion. 🙂
That’s made me laugh. Errr.. I mean, lol. Thank you.
The Total World Domination 2014 was a gag that I had started with SuzJones (Sue) at her place.
I must confess to having a soft spot for family movies. Love Gru and Despicable Me. Minions are a riot.
Congratulations my good man! May God bless this project, because millions of unhappy people are in desperate need of your insight.
Thank you, dear Madam K.Q., both for the kind words and the even kinder blessing. Hopefully, some good will come of the book.
Coincidentally, the book will (hopefully) come out in the midst of an Ontario provincial election campaign. While it may be a faint hope, it would be nice if the book became an election issue.
One never knows what God intends. It may be the very reason He motivated you to write the book.
I suppose you’re right. In retrospect, it’s been a series of delays that “coincidentally” brought the book and the campaign period into alignment.
One never knows.
Nope.
Great cover. Congratulations, I know you put your life into this literally. I am still struggling with the title, but I know I am in the minority here and want to be completely supportive. Good luck with all of this!
Thank you, Beth. This expression of support means a great deal to me.
Regarding the subtitle, I give you my word that I will always seek to support genuine rights and reasonable equality. I’ve met too many wonderful women here on WordPress who self-identify with feminism to not respect them. My goal is not to fundamentally change such delightful women (society, perhaps), nor is it to change anyone who supports genuinely noble causes.
Ultimately, my quest is epistemological, even though the book is written for the everyday reader. If we indeed live in “The Culture of Narcissism” as per Christopher Lasch, and I maintain that we do, then there must be significant degree of self-deception within society.
I hope to penetrate this in an way in that results in genuine respect for women and men, and with an underlying intellectual rigour worthy of perceptive minds such as yours.
I submit that there is, indeed, an evil sisterhood, and that women like you are not part of it. All I ask is that my arguments be considered on their own merit, and nothing else.
❤
Exciting! I have a slight preference for the cover not taken, but the creepy mirror thing is excellent. It’s really a tie.
I was just imagining you on a book tour wearing one of those fake nose/eyebrow glasses and wig. Hmmm.
I’ve been thinking about ways you can tap into social media. I bet an author FB page can disguise your name. People use pseudonyms all the time. Twitter, too.
More on this…
I think that you’re right about the two covers, Winifred. I couldn’t go wrong. It was a question of how I wanted to go right. The brilliant symbolism of the creepy mirror won out over the striking colour of the cover not taken.
Giving me a Groucho Marx make-over? “From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it.”
Standing by for social media enlightenment. Thanks for support, which is much appreciated.
If you’re looking for a balanced book review, I’d be happy to read your book and review it in exchange for a free copy. It sounds quite intriguing. In any event, I wish you the best. 🙂
Kate, Thanks for your kind offer. I’d be happy to immediately fire you a complimentary .pdf galley proof, with no strings attached. themirrorbooks@gmail.com if interested, only reviews I ever hope to see are honest and balanced ones.
Were you looking for a physical copy? Let me see what my marketing guru comes up with for a marketing plan, and I’ll get back to you. As a legal assistant, you’re going to especially love this book, I think. It gets into the dirty reality of child protection and family law.
An pdf would be great. 🙂 I’ll send you my email address at the email you’ve listed above. 🙂
Should be in your inbox, Kate. Hope you enjoy it.
Many thanks! I shall begin reading tomorrow. 🙂
Enjoy!
Congratulations! Well written and well deserved. Regards, JBC
Hi, JBC. Thank you. The book actually came out in online stores yesterday. Caught me completely by surprise.
That’s the best way. JBC 😎
Wow that’s great! Are you walking on air?
Yes. A little taken aback, too. I have no marketing plan, yet. Also, a couple of places didn’t upload the cover image, so that has to be fixed, too.
Still, this thrilled Mom on Mothers’ Day. Apparently she’s been dying for the day when she could say, “My son, the author…”
Mothers. Have to love them. I certainly do.
Sweet about mom. Very nice.
You’re out ahead of me as far as marketing goes. I have some G+ suggestions. Coming soon.
Thanks, Winifred. Always ready for some advice.
It’s a busy period for me, with a major second career change happening in early June.