I’m pretty sure that every author longs for the day when they get to hold their own books in their hands. Most of us grew up as avid readers, scouring bookstores and libraries to enjoy books written by others. That love of the written word is what drives most of us to pen our own works. So the “Wow–I’m an author!” moment really clicks when you have your own book in-hand.
Because I self-published, my books were first released in electronic format. I can’t say that I intended to format them for paperback publication when I started this writing journey, but when the eBooks started selling well and my fans asked when the paperbacks would be available so they could own those, too, I consulted with my business manager (aka, The Hubby). And we decided to go for it.
I’m deliriously excited to announce that the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy is now available on Amazon.com and CreateSpace.com in paperback format! Look–aren’t they beautiful??
Holding the books in my hands was a moment to remember. I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire day. But I’ll confess that when I saw how big they were, I fretted about it. “They’re bigger than typical paperbacks,” I pointed out to hubby.
“That’s because they’re trade novels, not standard paperbacks,” he said. “They’re kind of a cross between hardcovers and paperbacks. If you made them any smaller, the page count would increase and they’d have to be priced much higher. You don’t want to do that to your readers.”
Did I mention that he’s a GREAT business manager?
What excites me the most about the launch of the paperback versions of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy is that this provides another revenue stream to contribute to my Raine Gives Back campaign. In October, I donated 5% of my book sales earnings to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thanks to your helpful suggestions, I’ve now lined up several causes to be the recipients of the Raine Gives Back funds in coming months.
Ciara Ballintyne, a wonderful writer and great all-around person, suggested that I donate to an organization that specializes in working with people in need of organ transplants. At Ciara’s great suggestion, my husband and I identified HelpHopeLive.org (www.helphopelive.org), formerly the National Transplant Assistance Fund. On behalf of Ciara and her family, we will donate 5% of November’s book sales to this amazing, life-saving cause. Thanks, Ciara!
This is such an exciting time. I never thought that there could be a greater feeling than holding my printed books in-hand…but there is no denying that the feeling was heightened by knowing that the books will help aid a good cause, too. So, I’ll once again thank my readers for your support. None of this would be possible without you!
Gorgeous! Congratulations!
Thanks, J.C.!
Outstanding! I’m going to look up the books now. Was the formatting difficult?
Thanks so much, Julia! Yes, actually, the paperback formatting was rather difficult. I’m fortunate that my hubby tackled that part to free me up for writing tasks. Even with his help, it took quite a bit of my time…but I’m so glad we did it! :D
So proud of you Raine!
Thanks so much, Kate! :) Can’t wait until the next Elements book is available…coming soon, eh?
Very awesome!
Many thanks, Anna! Appreciate you stopping by. :)
Congratulations! There is nothing like that feeling, is there? They look beautiful!
Thanks so much, Bethany! Yes, it’s definitely a moment to remember. :) I really appreciate you stopping by!
Oh my goodness! I am so excited for this. :) I just recently finished these three books on my kindle. I absolutely love them and can’t wait to buy the paperback version so I can always wander back to them when I’m feeling down. :)
Hey, thanks so much for checking out the books and taking the time to let me know you enjoyed them, Lisa! :)