PSWA

I heard about the Public Safety Writers Association conference in Las Vegas through other Oak Tree Press authors. Lots of them were going to the conference, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to network with them and meet my Editor, Billie Johnson, and Sunny Frazier, the Acquisitions Editor who signed me.

Only 4 ½ hours drive from our summer place. Take in a show. Yeah. That was the plan. Attend. Talk and stalk. You know--normal conference behavior.

OMG!

Who knew I would learn so much? Well, I guess my fellow authors did, but at this stage of my life, after dozens and dozens of conferences, I didn’t expect much.

The PSWA may be the best-kept secret in the writing of mysteries. I had never heard of it. Shame on me. The better known organizations/conferences like Boucheron, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Left Coast Crime, and so on attract large crowds of various flavors of mystery and thriller writers.

Not so PSWA. This small, intimate conference was packed with information and expertise. Almost all the presenters have backgrounds in law enforcement and public safety fields. Oh, and they write books, too!

Seriously. I sat next to Pete Klismet one day. He had been on a panel and had moderated another one. He was with the FBI for 25 years and was in the first group of psychological profilers trained. Yeah, he writes books, too.

Guy Painter, who was on a Homeland Security panel, does airport security, so I hit him up for help with my paranormal book’s airport security bid problem. He gave me his personal e-mail for future questions.

Sue Vondrak is an Illinois CSI who had me clinging on with fingernails during her fabulous DNA presentation. She also helped with the accuracy of a plot point for an upcoming culinary mystery book. Oh, did I mention she writes books, too?

Joe Haggerty presented jaw-dropping information about prostitution and the prosecution thereof based on his years dealing with the streets in D.C. He was more than generous on more than one occasion to help me with my Streetwalker series questions. He has a great book about a pimp.

Oh, and there were so many more. Thanks to all the unnamed from whom I learned as well!

Additionally, PSWA hosts a listserv so if you have a question like “Where could an ordinary person buy a body bag?” or “What is an undetectable poison during a normal tox screen?”, pose it and people will jump in to help. Wow! Just, wow!

The goal of all these sessions and informal conversations was to help me and other authors portray public safety workers and procedures accurately. Membership is the best $55 you’ll spend if you are writing mysteries or thrillers. Check it out at http://policewriter.com/wordpress/

Worried

It’s that time of book again--I am awaiting edits for my first culinary mystery in the “Dinner is Served” series, Mission Impastable. This is my first go-round with Oak Tree Press’s editing process, so I don’t know quite what to expect.

Sure, I have some idea about sentence-level stuff because of my recent editing experience with Streetwalker (under Angelica French, Sizzler Editions, July, 2013).

I am certain that I didn’t magically construct better sentences in Mission Impastable. I’m sure my editor, Billie Johnson, will find that I overused “as”, “was”, “had”, and my other bête noirs! She’ll make me change my passive stance to active, drop dialogue tags, keep a consistent point of view, and lots more.

But--here’s the fear--will she call me on the “fatal flaw”?

Do you know on page 5 whodunnit? Do the clues logically lead to the conclusion? Are the red herrings smelly enough without taking over the story? And do the characters come across as real, genuine, gee-I’d-like-to-know-them people?

And how about that backstory intrusion?

What will I have to correct of a substantive nature? Am I up to the challenge? Will the fraud that is me be revealed to the world? I tremble more every day that passes.

Getting Down to Business--Part III

Still with me? I know this is a long series and long posts within the series, but the whole process deserves the time it takes for you to do it right. If you’re just finding this post, go back to Part I and get the background on the series.

Today I am sharing my Financial Plan and Production Schedule/Writing Plans. This is where I hold myself accountable for money and time in this business. I’ll let the sections speak for themselves.

I have to admit to blue-skying this section. I don’t know how much money it will take to launch these two books I’ve contracted, let alone what income to expect or outgo will occur. So, this is a first stab. But in December, when I review my plan and re-write for 2014, I will be much better prepared to fill this part in.

5. Financial Plan

In the absence of immediate income, I am allocating $2000 from personal funds as seed money for editing, website production, conference attendance, memberships, promotions, etc.

{NEED TO COMPLETE AS DATA BECOME AVALIABLE}

Look at sales totals per book, per month, per year, digital and print, in this section

Identify sales totals in percentages of total income, digital and print.

Observations of 2013 sales:

{To be completed in January, 2014}

Income:

Total books sold:

Total: $income by book and by total

Expenses:
Total: $expenses by book and by total

         Editing for Mission Impastable ($274)

Postcards with recipes for Mission Impastable (~$200)

         Book Launch for Mission Impastable (~$100)

         Postcards with top ten good sex tips for Streetwalker (~$200)

         Book Launch for Streetwalker (~$150)

Expected profit of each title and for total

Other Business expenses:
Arizona LLC fee ($45); conventions; memberships (~$300); classes; website upgrades/maintenance (~$180); business cards; business supplies; new sites for different titles/series ($100)

Now THIS was fun! I love beginnings, and to imagine dozens of beginnings was a joy. I write first drafts pretty quickly, so even though this is an aggressive writing schedule, I don’t think it is overly so. I guess we’ll see when it’s review time in late December.

6. Production Schedule and Writing Plans

This business plan, lists every book already written that has potential commercial value as well as those planned for writing, and the schedule needed to produce them. [This plan is not yet completed.]

Production Schedule 2013

Querying for Land’s End, Lucinda; if accepted, adjust production schedule to include them

Streetwalker

Send to Sizzler Editions editor: Jan. 3

First round edits, return on Jan. 16, 2013

Received second round edits on May 21, 2013

Developmental edits, return on May 22, 2013

Release: June/July?

Mission Impastable

Send to Oak Tree Press Editor: March 25

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx

Release: August

“Scarlett in the Hood” (20K words)

First draft: March 1 - April 15

Edit/revision: April 15 - April 30

Send to Sizzler Editions editor: May 1

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx

Release: xxx

Prequels for Streetwalker and Mission Impastable (10,000 words each-40 pages)

First Draft: May 1 - May 31

Edit/revision: June 1- June 5

Post on website, blogs

Release: June 30

The Quick and the Dedd

Edit/revision: June 1-August1
Send to Developmental editor: August 1-August 31
Send to editor: September 1

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx

Release: xxx, 2014

Prime Rib and Punishment: (book 2 in “Dinner is Served” series):

First draft: June 1-August1
Edit/revision: August 1-August 31
Send to Developmental editor: September 1

Send to editor: October 15
Return from editor: xxx

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx
Release: Month, 2014

Hot Dishes (play)

First Draft: June 1-June 30

Edits/revision: July 1-30

Query community theater groups

Sex for Sale (book 2 in “Sex Sells” series):

First draft: July 1-September 1
Edit/revision: September 1-September 31
Send to Developmental editor: October 1

Send to editor: November 15
Return from editor: xxx

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx
Release: Month, 2014

Walk-in to My Life (paranormal) 2013-2014

First Draft: October 1-October 31; December 1-December 31

Edit/Revision: January 1-January 31

Send to Developmental editor: February 1

Begin queries: March 15

Return from editor:  xxx

First round edits, return on xxx

Developmental edits, return on xxx

Release: xxx

November--National Novel Writing Month

Work on a new book--untitled, topic unknown--likely related to one of two series

so it will be ready for a 2014 release

Production Schedule 2014

Peas Porridge Pot--book 3 in the “Dinner is Served” series

Sex Sells--book 3 and final book in “Sex Sells” series

Death Goes On--book 2 in “Quick and Dedd” series, paranormal romance

Light My Fire--possible series; paranormal; djinn

Intermediate grades series: Ghost Club Stories

Voynich Document/aliens/ancient peoples--sci fi/fantasy

Senior Years’ Spring Break-play

Production Schedule 2015

Cooks in the Can--book 4 in “Dinner is Served” series

Healing Woman--historical fiction

Back to the Future--paranormal, time travel

It’s a Dog’s Life--chick lit

The Dycoven Witches series--paranormal, witchcraft

Intermediate grades series: Ghost Club Stories

Production Schedule 2016
The Taming of the Stew--book 5 in “Dinner is Served” series

The Red Brick Road--intermediate grades fantasy (OZ connection)

Time Keeps on Slippin’ into the Future--women’s fiction

Torn Between Two Lovers--romance

Against All Odds--romance

Scientist erasing memories--sci fi

Books to schedule:

Mummified Babies

End of world/Dystopia series

A Perfect Life--women’s fiction

Love between the Pages--chick lit

Teach Me, Professor--erotic romance/women’s fiction

Long Ago and Far Away--paranormal, women’s fiction

Getting Down to Business--Part II

When I developed my business plan for Writer’s Ink, I modified a template from the three excellent blog posts by Denise Grover Swank (www.thewritersguidetopublishing) Since she is an indie author, not all she said/wrote/did fit me, but the basic guidelines still held. Thank you, Denise!

This series is going to share parts of what I put together in my nascent plan. One thing I know about business plans is they need to be nimble so you can adjust as the market changes. I know that at the end of the year 2013, I will find I exceeded some goals, met others, and some just plain didn’t happen. That’s okay; I’m still learning how to do this. And maybe you are, too.

What’s written in these posts are not meant to be business advice. Goodness knows I am not qualified to do that. But the posts are an honest sharing of where I am now in my career and where I see myself going.

2013 Business Plan for Writer’s Ink

[This is all the first page says. The second page lists the table of contents for the plan. Pages 3 and beyond are the business plan specifics.]

2013 Business Plan for Writer’s Ink, LLC

[UNDER CONSTRUCTION--not yet filed]

Table of Contents

1. Description of Writer’s Ink
2. Ownership of Writer’s Ink and Location of Business
3. Products
4. Pricing Strategy
5. Financial Plan
6. Production Schedule and Writing Plans
7. Targeted Audiences
8. Marketing and Promoting Plan
9. Web Plan
10. Long-Term Goals
11. Summary

1. Description of Writer’s Ink

[In this section, I conceptualized my business components and a general statement of financial considerations.]

The purpose of Writer’s Ink is to spearhead the publishing and merchandising of the written creations of Sharon Arthur Moore, Angelica French, and River Glynn. Most creations are novels although some will include novellas, short stories, and plays. Genres at this time include culinary mysteries, erotic romance, paranormal, paranormal romance, historical fiction, women’s fiction, and plays. All or most creations will be available to the public for sale via e-books and print for novels.

The creations may include a mix of traditionally published and indie published books as Sharon Arthur Moore’s oeuvre includes books that may not be of interest to traditional publishers.

As of January 1st, 2014, Writer’s Ink will provide Sharon Arthur Moore with minimum income of $200 per month, which will be increased when finances are available. All remaining funds will be left in a bank account until further action is deemed necessary. Sharon Arthur Moore may only take funds that are not allocated for future expenses for the year.

2. Ownership of Writer’s Ink and Location of Business

[This is pretty straightforward anticipation of the current status and future needs of Writer’s Ink.]

Writer’s Ink is a limited liability company, (LLC paperwork in process) operated and managed by Sharon Arthur Moore. Writer’s Ink currently has no employees. Consultants such as accountants and attorneys may be hired to offer professional expertise and services. Other professionals will be used to aid the preparation of the creative works of Sharon Arthur Moore, Angelica French, and River Glynn to be made available for sale through various outlets. Such professionals may include but are not limited to: Virtual Assistant, cover designers, developmental editors, copy editors, proof readers, and book formatters.

Writer’s Ink may need to contract professionals or agents to handle foreign rights or movie right sales or any other rights outside of the realm of expertise for Writer’s Ink. This option will be pursued if the need arises.

Writer’s Ink will be run and operated in designated offices on the residential premises of Sharon Arthur Moore. Writer’s Ink will provide Sharon Arthur Moore with a desk and laptop computer and a printer. Additional software and equipment will be provided if finances are sufficient and a need has been demonstrated.

This plan will be revised yearly to reflect changes in finances, production, new products, or direction.

3. Products

[Again, in this section I looked at what was already written and plans for future products. Notice I anticipated that down the line, I might be selling more than books.]

Products Offered by Writer’s Ink

Novels are offered in several eBook formats and print books. It is anticipated that more than 75% of all books sold are digital. Planned to offer for sale on the website: audiobooks, cooking gadgets, recipe cards, sex toys, lingerie, t-shirts, apron, food mixes via Wild Cinnamon

Currently available from Writer’s Ink:
Streetwalker, Angelica French (book one in the “Sex Sells” series) – Sizzler

Editions, an imprint of Renaissance E-Books, released xxx, 2013
Mission Impastable, Sharon Arthur Moore (book one in the “Dinner is Served”

series) -- Oak Tree Press, released xxx, 2013

“Scarlett in the Hood”, Angelica French (novella; one of a trilogy in an erotic

romance anthology) -- Sizzler Editions, an imprint of Renaissance E-Books, released xxx, 2013

Possible for 2014:
Prime Rib and Punishment, Sharon Arthur Moore (book 2 in the “Dinner is

Served” series) for Oak Tree Press

Sex for Sale, Angelica French (book 2 in the “Sex Sells” series) for Sizzler Editions

The Quick and the Dedd, River Glynn (a paranormal romance pitched to Oak

Tree Press)

Walk-in to My Life, River Glynn (a paranormal romance pitched to Oak Tree

 Press)

Lucinda, Angelica French (historical fiction romance need to pitch to Oak Tree

Press)

Possible Sales 2015 and beyond:

Peas Porridge Pot, Sharon Arthur Moore (book 3 in the “Dinner is Served”

series); Oak Tree Press

Cooks in the Can, Sharon Arthur Moore (book 4 in the “Dinner is Served”

series), Oak Tree Press

Sex Sells, Angelica French, (book 3 in the “Sex Sells” series); Sizzler Editions

Land’s End, Sharon Arthur Moore (anthology of beach short stories)

Time Keeps on Slippin’ into the Future, Sharon Arthur Moore (women’s fiction

about familial relationships)

Intermediate Grades books building on the Ghost Club from my childhood

Paranormal romance, River Glynn, with djinn in Wales

Time travel/historical fiction; era unknown

Voynich Document novel tying in aliens, ancient civilizations, unbroken code

4. Pricing Strategy

[My current reality is that I have nothing to do with pricing, but I have read a good bit on pricing strategies so that if/when I go the indie-publishing route, I will use the described strategy. I am all about keeping my options open.]

Digital:

At the beginning of January, 2013, Sharon Arthur Moore was an unknown debut author without publishing-house backing. With two traditional publishing contracts, the publishers set e-book and print prices. If and when Sharon Arthur Moore/Angelica French/River Glynn self-publishes, she will follow a pricing strategy based on analysis by Kindle books sold. Books priced in the $3-5 range generated the most sales. Books under $1 and books $5-10 generated equal numbers of sales, with the return to the author higher on the higher priced books. The strategy for Writer’s Ink is to provide prequels for the two series in two different genres at $0.99 to establish the authors, generate positive reviews, and prove to readers that Sharon Arthur Moore, Angelica French, and River Glynn provide entertaining, well-written stories. For self-published books, a price of $2.99 to $3.99, dependent of book length, will be listed.

Turbulence in the rapidly changing eBook world should also be taken into consideration. Pricing may be subject to change based on sales, current pricing trends and need to create upward movement in Amazon rankings. Books may be discounted or offered for free if it fits with marketing strategy and promotion.

Digital prices of current products (set by publisher):
Streetwalker, ???

“Scarlett in the Hood”, ???

Mission Impastable, ???

Proposed pricing for 2014
For indie books: $2.99 or $3.99 with prequels for a new series offered at $.99; adjust as needed by looking at the market prices for indie book

Print:

All indie-published print books will be created through Createspace unless it is determined another source is better. Pricing on print books is largely based on the number of pages in the book. Pricing is also dependant on making print books available for a wider distribution than just Amazon. Since a wider distribution is used, books must be priced so that the other outlets will be offered wholesale pricing.

That’s all for today’s post, but I will continue marching through my business plan and sharing what I using as my guidepost to successful publishing. Come on back and check me out next week.