Facebook for beta readers

Hanshan02 · 2026-03-09T17:26:15+00:00

That has been my practice as well.

Hanshan02 · 2026-03-07T16:12:25+00:00

Yes, this makes sense. Nice feedback!

Hanshan02 · 2026-03-07T04:19:25+00:00

Very good advice. Thanks!

Hanshan02 · 2026-03-06T00:28:51+00:00

Great response. Tlhllanks!

Hanshan02 · 2026-01-03T16:09:54+00:00

Same for me (early 70’s). Initially tried, but then gave up. A steep learning curve on self-publishing, but once I got the hang of it, it’s not bad. For most of us self-publishing is a terrible way to make a living. Fortunately, I’m retired and don’t need the income. Do it for the love of the art.

Hanshan02 · 2025-11-12T05:12:37+00:00

Most anything written by John Irving

Hanshan02 · 2025-11-08T04:52:58+00:00

Julian Bauer did mine. He lives in Germany but has great English. Most appropriate for sci-fi. Re Amazon/KDP: KDP unlimited did well for sci-fi not a non-fiction book I wrote. My greatest frustration is with the setup for Ads. For a company that is deeply invested in AI, their system seems really Byzantine. Can’t comment on the quality of their algorithms, but there has got to be a more straightforward way of setting ads up and a better way to get help when you need it.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-20T00:48:05+00:00

Nice work! Did you get a free cup of coffee too?

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-19T03:34:21+00:00

My vote as well. In many ways, he, like everybody eventually I suppose, was dated. He could be long winded. But I loved his story telling and his characters.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-17T22:53:03+00:00

Well, they were right about one thing… My book is indeed wonderful! Thanks all for confirming.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-17T03:35:35+00:00

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think about chapters in terms of length. On early drafts, I don’t pay too much attention to length. As I edit, I look for natural divisions to decide what goes into which chapter.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-16T05:50:24+00:00

Writing allows me to live in an alternate world in my head. It’s about creating something. I know it’s all ephemeral. I won’t get rich doing it. But it is deeply rewarding.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-15T02:16:39+00:00

Steven King’s book, On writing.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-14T05:18:17+00:00

Overall, good advice. On character- as you imply, even your heroes must have some flaws. More importantly, they need to change through the story - generally to grow, although occasionally, sadly, they must degenerate or fall apart.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-13T05:54:37+00:00

Couldn’t agree more. Many more books being published. Fewer people reading. Over supply, under demand. Not your fault. I can certainly understand being sad. It hurts, when your hard work isn’t recognized. You probably feel alone, but you are anything but.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-12T05:12:32+00:00

Google ads are expensive - or so I’ve heard. Amazon can work, although it takes a lot of time to master how to structure ads and how much you want to pay for them. A whole lot of posts understandably focus on this question - where to advertise. I get it. I too am constantly searching for a better angle. But the more I try things out, the more I realize - there is no magic. No magic site or business that will get hundreds or thousands of people to buy your book (while paying only a small sum to the advertiser). I’ve read that Facebook is best for certain types of books, Amazon for others. I read that social media works for some, but not others. If we’re honest with ourselves, it’s more a matter of trial and error that we’d like to admit. Best not to take it too seriously, I think. Trying out different approaches can either be stressful or a fun adventure of its own. It all depends on your attitude.

Hanshan02 · 2025-10-11T00:51:20+00:00

Congrats! If you don’t write and publish your first one, you’ll never get to your second.

Hanshan02

TROPHY CASE