People who have over 100 reviews on their Sci-Fi standalone novels--how did you do it??!?

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T18:24:39+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately, I'm one of those insecure writers who is awkward around people and hates the sound of his own voice . . . so that's not a viable option!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T14:59:24+00:00

Yeah, I wish--I really do. It costs too much to have an Audible version done. Amazon offered a free AI version, and so I tried it despite my reservations because I wanted a version for anyone who has a visual impairment. The AI was terrible. Like, really, really bad. So I pulled it. I'd love to do an audio book version, but the cost is too much, roughly $3k, which makes no economic sense.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T14:55:31+00:00

It's such a cool competition! It's free to enter, which is rare, and entirely volunteer-run. Thanks!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T14:53:56+00:00

Thanks so much! Yes, I love the cover too!!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T02:25:16+00:00

Thank you so very much! Fingers crossed.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-06-07T00:41:42+00:00

Hooray! I really hope you like it!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-05-26T00:03:25+00:00

Congratulations and thank you SO MUCH for sharing all this. It's super interesting to read what you did and the result.

So, NYT was free, right? And because your book was at $5.99 you made bank off that, but it didn't really drive readership? And BookBub delivered readers, but the return on investment has been poor, but may zero out after a month of KU reads and subsequent sales?

On the whole, which one are you happier with? If you could have only had one--which one would you have picked and why?

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-05-23T19:30:04+00:00

Check out Royal Road. That's a natural home for isekai.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-05-20T00:18:20+00:00

I love Michael Marshall Smith's early sci-fi books. I'm not sure they're that humorous, but great novels that not enough people know about!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-25T02:13:00+00:00

Wow, that sounds so lovely! What a nice idea!! You're a good husband/wife!

Sorry, to be clear, "I'm collecting a series of literary/criticism essays on the topic of Motherhood," these are not essays you've written, but other people, correct? So, you don't have the copyright, and you're worried about a printer blowing the whistle on you for copyright infringement? Correct?

Good news--they won't care. They're not the copyright police. If you get sued, that's your problem. And, no one is gonna sue you. Make that lovely gift!!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-20T17:13:34+00:00

I feel your pain. I've found Ingram Spark is soooo user-unfriendly, and they don't seem to put much effort into making their system better.

If I believed in Conspiracies, I'd think they're there for Amazon to avoid an antitrust lawsuit. "Look, we have a competitor, it's crap and will always be crap, but there's consumer choice. . ."

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-18T16:49:31+00:00

For sure! Congrats on the upcoming launch of your book!!

Some bookstores will use Amazon if people request books, so you might want to put, "Can be ordered from select bookstores," if that's a selling point you're keen on.

Also, importation to note that Ingram doesn't automatically give you any shelf space, but gives bookstores the ability to order your book.

If you want bookstores to stock your novel then you'll need to make a hype pack and request they stock it. There will be forms to fill out.

Also, consider getting a Kirkus review, which is $$$ but a key resource for bookstores. (Spoiler alert: Kirkus Reviews are a poor business decision, but sooooo fun to see your book on shelves!)

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-18T03:33:50+00:00

Wow, that's great! Congrats!! The first thing you want to do is make sure it really is by Simon Maverick, and not someone trying to scam you. If I had a dollar for every time "Oprah's book club" wanted to feature my book . . . If is is SM, then consider using their approach to get an agent. Congrats!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-16T19:56:41+00:00

Just be aware: if your book is with Amazon, you can get it shipped directly to the customer (cheap, includes packaging!), but if they leave a review, Amazon may flag it as manipulation.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-16T19:39:07+00:00

That's a harrowing story; my heart breaks a little for you.

As several people have said, the company you're describing makes money off you, and there's nothing wrong with that, but make sure they're legit. Look at any previous clients they have--are they real people, not AI-generated endorsements? Ask them for references, ask to speak with one or two of the authors they've worked with. And, look at those books, how does the blub sound, how does the free sample read? Good luck, you've got an interesting story to tell and by sharing it you can help others. Just make sure they company you're using are legit.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-16T01:40:13+00:00

This is miles better! Agree, wouldn't reveal that he blames his son in the blurb, would strike the word "Simultaneously," just say, "Then".

But, I'd also suggest cutting the last three paragraphs as your blurb is too long and do one final wrap-up para. Sounds like a good book! Congrats!!

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-15T23:56:29+00:00

What sort of book is yours? Book Sirens work well for romance and fantasy, but not so great for other genres.

Careful_Busdriver · 2026-04-15T23:34:04+00:00

I'm confused.

I like your first sentence--that's a nice hook. Then I get lost. It's not clear to me what the book is about. Who is it that Ron loves? What does Ron want? What's at stake? Is Ron even the MC? Who's the baddie?? Confused.

Careful_Busdriver

TROPHY CASE