The great thing about social networks is I get to meet and interact with some of the most interesting people. KR Paul is one of those folks. I’m not even going to try relaying all her story and credentials. I am, however, going to reblog her post about how she got published, because it’s a prime example of how “The Hustle” can happen. Then I’m going to go recommend you check out her urban fantasy novel Pantheon.
[EDIT] Also, prime example of why sometimes you should just wait 24 hours to post something: KR had a follow up post on her 1st three months in publishing.
Speaking of urban fantasy and making one’s own luck, long time readers of this blog are familiar with the indomitable Cedar Sanderson and her Pixie Noir universe. In addition to having another book out, Cedar also delivers another great blog post about the cover art process. First go get her book. Then read about how she came to the cover featuring everyone’s favorite chicken hut.
Quick link to the other posts I’ve done about writing, if you’re interested.
I have read the current series of the Usurper. Good series, but sadly, it needs better proof reading before going to print. Spellcheck would not catch words as they were properly spelled, but the wrong one being used. Like “to” instead of “two” or “too”. A couple of times a sentence was not finished or a word was made plural when it should have been singular. Like “bastards” instead of “bastard”. Mentally I can adjust for some of this, but it takes away from a good series. I offer what I have said as constructive criticism. And while not perfect, I do volunteer as a proof reader if you need one for the next in the series. I want the next one to be the best it can be.
Richard–Thanks much for your kind words. I’m always happy to find more hands for the beta reading. As you can see, despite 2 editors who are worth every penny, an interior designer who is also an editor and accomplished author, multiple current beta readers, and myself, about 10 typos a book on average seem to be making it through the 1st or 2nd editions. Given each book is about 120-125,000 words, I can merely say “mea culpa” at a 1-10% miss rate.
I’d greatly appreciate a list of any miscues you find if you want to send a through the contact form. The great thing about being indie is, unlike when the trad pubs do it, I can get that fixed relatively easily. Again sorry for the distractions, and hopefully we’ll get things tightened up.