i tested out which online book retailers seem to be the best when it come to buying a difficult to source book (print on demand) – so who stands up for the best price, delivery time and condition?
we looked at amazon, booktopia, koorong, angus and robertson, dymocks and barnes and noble (before deciding that last one would be too expensive considering all the OTHER copies also bought).
as you can see from the table above, we were looking at some pretty expensive and long delays for a print on demand indie published book – oh, did i forget to mention that i bought my own book for this?
not only am i proud of it, and that it partners sales with A21 – an organisation that fights to end human trafficking and slavery, but i could also control some of the factors. the companies above HAD to print on demand this book, because none of them carry stock. and some of the differences in how quickly (or not so much) i received the books was astounding!
prices varied, but with postage and the higher price tag (odd since on the back end, i list the book for $25.99 with a good wholesale discount) it was an expensive experiment.
while most of the books came in good condition, it was still a long wait for these copies, especially when some of them arrived only 2 weeks after delivery… instead of 7!!
So, who’s best to order from? well, it’s going to be up to preference and ease of ordering/use, plus what’s familiar. normally, i find amazon is cheapest, but this time around Koorong really came out on top (when you don’t factor in the direct from author… which if i do say so myself, was easy and cheap!).
Want to enjoy a good story, while also doing something to end human trafficking and slavery? pick up a copy of KIDNAPPED Entanglement on any of the platforms above, or direct from me (Aus postage only) at the link of the image below!
Alright guys, it’s writer talk time! There are different ways to get buzz for your book and writing, and one of the most interesting that I found when I was researching marketing my book KIDNAPPED Entanglement (you can get your copy HERE for just $10… sorry, shameless plug over) was to write a limited edition Prequel. So I did!
I had the story BEFORE the story that I decided to release as a little novella, which actually has a limited run print… but was it worth it? Did it even sell at all, and was the pressure to get it ready to go when I had the main book to also focus on a little too much? Well let me share!
Firstly, I had a lot of fun writing this little prequel. The joy of writing is something I treasure, and filling in some of the pieces that I felt weren’t necessary for the enjoyment of KIDNAPPED, but gave extra depth and insight into the events prior to the book, was fun!
How did my characters end up in the position where a kidnapping was arranged, and a ransom was discussed? What the HECK did Aaron Campbell get himself into that warranted such drastic measures? That’s what I wanted to explore, and I did!
Secondly, I wasn’t sure how it was going to sell. If it was going to sell at all, or if it was more likely that I would end up with fifty of these little books in my car boot. The answer is the latter – they pretty much ended up in my house ready for anyone who wanted one… but they didn’t.
It was a bit of a struggle to get my book any traction in the first place, and that meant the prequel was pretty much a non-starter. However, I’m still glad I did it. I still sell as part of a pack when I do author talks at libraries, and it is still something that I am very proud of.
When something is tried, but doesn’t succeed how you imagined, it is still a learning experience. It is still a chance to look at what you created and either grow and learn, or be proud of the accomplishment and just move on top the next.
It was a lot to write this story while also working on the publishing process of the main novel, and it did add a level of stress to the process. With all of that said, would I do it again? Yes. I am all about learning and growing as a creative person, and this was a big one.
My heart was in this story, and I wanted to share it even if nobody else wanted to read it. If you have a story in your heart, then share it anyway! Post it online for no money, or work towards getting it published. The main thing is to share it.. you’re the only one who can write what YOU want to – so get going!
It’s an all out Shouting Ground!!! What does that mean? Do you want to know more about my book without committing to buy/read it? You can now!
I’ve done a ‘dramatic reading’ of the whole first chapter just for you…
>>Check all about my book – KIDNAPPED Entanglement >>>here
Was Shouting Ground (or Chapter one for those of you counting), not enough?
If you want a chance to win a free paperback copy, head to the Christy Grace author page on Facebook, like the page, and comment with ‘I WANT IN’ on the Shouting Ground post!
I am giving 2 free copies of the book (and prequel), and I’d love to give it to you, so head over there…
If you want to read my book, head to the link >>>here for the KIDNAPPED Entanglement eBook, OR get the paperback direct from me for the cheapest price!
Don’t forget to check back every night this month for another video – there are some pretty fun things coming!
Jaz Lewis watches as a woman is being kidnapped, and decides that she can’t stand by any longer. As she goes to help, she gets pulled into the kidnapping of heiress Megan Campbell, and taken along. Now, the only chance at survival, is to escape.
When Aaron Campbell finds out that his wife has been taken, he searches to find answers. When the kidnappers give him 48 hours to hand over what they want, his only choice is to enlist the help of Detective Tony Lewis – Jaz’s father.
Enjoy the book trailer? Get all the info for when the book drops here>>> NEWSLETTER
My book is SO CLOSE to being released!
I can’t wait to finally share this story with the world. So, because I can’t wait – here’s a book trailer to let YOU know what the feel of the story will be about.
Kidnapped Entanglement a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you root for escapes, treasure hunting (sort of), and bonds to form.
If you want to get a copy to read and review, I’ll send you the book at a HUGE discount, just for letting the world know what you think! PLUS, with every copy sold, 10% is donated to A21 to help in the fight to END HUMAN SLAVERY!
If that’s you, send me through an email below:
cg.scarletpen@gmail.com
Otherwise, I’ll be updating on the final steps, the book launch, and more on all my socials so head to those as well.
Looking like a kidnapper (or worse) in the middle of the forest, and a pandemic… Yeah, that seems sensible!
I couldn’t help it though, because I’m on a deadline! So I’m sharing the behind the scenes with you! My latest Facebook Live took place when I was out doing ‘secret’ and special filming for my debut novel! Check out the video below and get that sneak peek:
With my book being released in about 2 months time (boy that came fast!) I’ve got some cool stuff coming up, so don’t miss a beat. Follow the CGSP Facebook page, Youtube and Twitter. I’ll hopefully post some more behind the scenes stuff as we get closer to the launch!
>>Get all the behind the scenes info on my book with my CGSP NEWSLETTER
I’ll also be posting on the CGSP site, so if you want to know about kidnappings, trafficking and justices, stay tuned!
There’s been a lot of talk about shutting down or banning TikTok in a few countries. Love or hate, believe the conspiracies or not, there’s just something fun about the app!
Like so many people around my age, I was against to start with!!!! I claimed that I would never do videos… ever! Then, (like everyone on TikTok) I got hooked! I started watching funny videos, then found myself making them. And guess what… It was really fun!
I stopped a while back, because I got really busy and didn’t have the time, but it was actually pretty enjoyable to be silly and film myself miming to classic move and tv quotes.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. I found that there were pros and cons in using TikTok. Specifically, as a writer…
Pros:
It’s a fun way to connect with all kinds of people
You can express yourself and your weirdness
I got to see what other people were up to
You can mime to your fav songs or quotes (I’m partial to the quotes)
I get a chance to create my own content too (not just the quote fest!)
You can show your personality in another way/avenue
Cons:
Sometimes, you don’t reach many people (unless you have millions of followers…)
It can be pretty time consuming
Some “trends” (the popular videos for you TikTok newbies) suck – they just aren’t fun
It can be hard to be found by the audience you want in the beginning
The content cant be played on any other format (like Youtube) due to copyright issues
Like it or loathe it, TikTok is going to be here for a while. When I get a bit more time on my hands, who knows? Maybe I’ll start doing them again!
If you want to check out MY TikTok account – my profile is @christygracesp or head to the link >>>here
Christy Grace Typewriter Logo - the best type of typing!
What would it be like to escape after several years? Enjoy this CGSP Short Story, and see what happens…
She stumbled over another tree root and braced herself for the fall. Miraculously she managed to stabilise herself, and only wobbled on her feet.
The walk seemed endless, and her hair kept swiping over her eyes. The dirty mane complimented her clothes and skin. After goodness knows how long in that dingy basement, with no windows, she knew she wasn’t at her best. There hadn’t been any sense of night or day, no radio or tv to pass the time and gather a general idea. She could have been missing for two days, or two years.
Finally, through the glint of the sun, the woman spotted what looked like a town in the distance. She pushed legs faster and started an awkward, tiring run. A rumbling behind her gave her pause, and she spun to face a strange looking car. The ones she’d remembered had looked different than this. She waved her arms above her head and the car slowed. When it reached the side of the road where she was still frantically waving, the window on the driver’s side whooshed down and a man’s face frowned at her.
“Are you okay?”
“Please, what date is it?” she croaked out. He gave her a puzzled look, then waved his hand in the air and the window whooshed back up. He squealed away from her, and she chased after the strange car until it zipped too far ahead of her. She cursed to herself as she doubled over and inhaled deep breaths.
When she’d recovered, the woman continued the walk towards the town ahead. What was that man’s problem? All she did was ask the date. Was that so crazy?
Finally reaching the outskirts of the town, she walked slowly past the unusual structures. They were all made of plaster on the outside; like inside walls. People were bustling across the street, and lights with three colours flicked on and off at various times. More of the unusual cars passed her, as she continued walking.
Stares from various people met her own gaze, but people were giving her a wide berth. Finally, someone began to approach her. The woman was dressed in slick black pants, and a tight-fitting white t-shirt, her black, curly hair falling down her back. Her makeup reminded the woman of Cleopatra, but she smiled anyway as the woman approached her.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“What’s the date? Where am I?”
The other woman frowned, then shook her head and helped her to a nearby bench.
“It’s 2023. You’re in Victoria.”
Returning the frown, she pushed her hair out of her face and shook her head. “It can’t be. It was just 2003.”
In front of her, the woman’s eyes went wide and she quickly glanced around her, motioning wildly as she spotted a man in a suit.
Instead of waiting, she stood and bolted away from the Cleopatra woman and the suited man. Rushing away, she bumped into people and ignored their shouts for her to watch where she was going.
This couldn’t be happening. Twenty years?
As she approached a small shop, she passed the window and froze. It was her own reflection. A strange woman stared back. No longer a sixteen-year-old, her face was older and more weathered. Her hair had grown much longer than she remembered, but she’d already guessed that. Her dirty, older appearance took her breath away.
Behind her, someone cleared his throat and she turned to face a man in a police uniform.
“Are you okay Ma’am?” he asked, his hand resting close to what looked like a strange gun.
She shook her head. “I just escaped. I was kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for a long time.”
The policeman clicked on his radio and asked for backup, before wrapping a hand around her shoulder and motioning her towards the strange looking police car behind them.
“Come on, we’ll get you sorted out.”
She breathed out a sigh of relief. Maybe he’d be able to take her home.
“What’s your name?” The policeman asked.
She shook her head. “It’s been so long since someone’s used it. I honestly don’t remember.”
I hope you enjoyed this little story! If you want more, I release something new every week!
People go missing every day. They are taken, used and abused, and don’t get their story told. If you suspect someone has been abducted – report it.
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