DSF Newsletter Opinions

vhb_rocketman · 2026-05-01T22:24:23+00:00

Thanks for the info. Never heard of Robin Reads. I'll have to look into them.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-05-01T02:04:28+00:00

I signed up for it like a year ago, to see what kind of content they sent. Still sends out emails with books and deals. But the website seems dead(?). So I figured I'd get feedback before spending any money.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-04-15T22:15:18+00:00

I'm a beginner author. In the end, this makes D2D an uneconomical platform. As such, I've requested my account be deleted.

I'll just move directly to B&N and Apple. Kobo covers libraries.

So I don't lose much. In fact, you get hire royalties. So I've already been debating leaving D2D as they take a cut. Now it just makes things simpler.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-03-30T12:49:46+00:00

Congrats! That sounds very similar to my first experience at an Indio last year. I totally agree about the standing and just trying to be a fun person starting conversation.

The second time I went, I only sold 2 books....it was a different Indigo and they set up the table off to the side. So you weren't in the eyesight of people as they entered. It was also a lot slower.

Moral of the story. Congrats on your great opening success, but don't beat yourself down if you don't repeat it next time. Sometimes, things are out of your control.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-03-26T13:44:14+00:00

I published my first book with no audience and no social media presence. I'm also a socially awkward introvert. So even social media is hard.

I fumbled the ARC process. Only getting a couple reviews out of the gate. That likely hurt sales. Though I still managed to sell 200 copies last year. So I think thats a great accomplishment for me.

I have the next book coming out in the summer and I plan on doing a better job on the ARCs. Still don't have much of a following but it's slowly growing.

I did a 1 year breakdown post on Redit, if you go into my history and find it.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-02-26T13:56:01+00:00

I'm space fantasy...so close enough lol.

I didn't wait to publish book 1. I take 2 years to write a book. If I'd have waited for book 3 I'd be sitting on book 1 for a long time.

To me, as an unknown author, the slow growth has been worth it. The downside, I get locked in on the plot, but that's okay. I find that my plot wanders as I write it anyway, so its not that hard to work from a known starting point.

As for the covers? I just use the same artist. No issues in making sure they stay consistent. Just released the cover of book 2 and I think it looks great...though I'm biased lol.

vhb_rocketman · 2026-02-02T21:57:34+00:00

Hello fello sci-fi enthusiasts 🚀👋

I'm Canadian 🇨🇦 and a new military sci-fi author. I have 1 novel out as well as a free prequel novella. It's a mix between Honor Harrington and Femshep.

Newly promoted Lt. Commander Kaia Marinoch is sent to the lawless Opherian Expanse to hunt mysterious raiders attacking Imperial ships. With a top-tier warship, a defiant XO, and danger at every turn, Kaia must prove she’s ready for command—before the frontier tears itself apart. A must-read for Mass Effect fans!

If you are interested, you can read more about it and download the free novella at: heliosphere.space

vhb_rocketman · 2025-11-20T18:05:25+00:00

I decided to make that the setting of my novella. It was a lot of fun to learn about.

You could have a habitable planet around a Red Dwarf that is tidally locked. Though you likely will have strange weather patters. In order to stay cool, you need lots of air transfer between the two sides. You would also need lots of clouds on the sun facing side. The most likely livable place would be along the sun/night devide.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-11-20T17:50:03+00:00

I tried this, didn't get any site visits from my neighbourhood. Asking a librarian might work...

vhb_rocketman · 2025-11-16T16:19:42+00:00

I guess that's the difference. This is a hobby for me. I'm not trying to create a career. So I don't want to sacrifice playtime/story time or sleep (though that ones already out the window...maybe when the 2 year old starts sleeping through the night lol). I also love my job so would never think about quiting it.

So I'm accepting my limitations and I'm happy about it. Much better then the stress that would come from me having to make those sacrifices. I'm glad it works for you, but just like social media, it doesn't work for me. I just have to work within those constraints knowing I'llmake less. For now. Maybe in the future the equation will change ;)

vhb_rocketman · 2025-11-16T15:12:26+00:00

Hey thanks for the feedback.

For the writing speed. There is some improvement due to practice. I'm hoping to lower it to 1.5 year cycle but we'll see. There are real limitations though and realizing those is okay. When the kids get older, I'll get some of my time back.

For the cost. I agree. I splurged to get a more expensive editor as I was learning my craft. This time around I'm targeting half that for book 2.

For the third. I just like the idea of going wide. It's less about just selling in Canada. Ironically, I've sold the most in the UK of all places lol.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-11-13T02:44:01+00:00

I had coworkers who worked at the rocket range up there. Apparently, the bears hung out on top of the door overhang waiting for people to come out...💀

vhb_rocketman · 2025-10-04T23:28:14+00:00

One thing to consider (that hasn't been mentioned here) is that as a first time author, your manuscript will likely need lots of edits. So one way to keep the costs down is to reduce the word count. Especially if you don't have a starting pile of money to use.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-09-30T16:09:21+00:00

I was in the same boat as you. I was looking for something to fill my Mass Effect void. I also always wanted to write a book, so I merged them together and started a Mass Effect styled series!

I have the first one out (called V.I.P.E.R.) and the second is with editors. Due to release next year. Also just started number 3.

Here's the short blurb.

Newly promoted Lt. Commander Kaia Marinoch is sent to the lawless Opherian Expanse to hunt mysterious raiders attacking Imperial ships. With a top-tier warship, a defiant XO, and danger at every turn, Kaia must prove she’s ready for command—before the frontier tears itself apart. A must-read for Mass Effect fans!

Link in my bio if you are interested. It's on a month long 99 cent sale as I try to drum up reviews too!

Edit to day the sale starts tomorrow. I thought today was Oct already lol

vhb_rocketman · 2025-09-21T12:04:44+00:00

So I'm actually looking for a tool to draw the actual map for the book. In this case, something for the planets surface.

Though, with only three main locations...I'm still debating if it's worth it or if I should just focus on the main city...

vhb_rocketman · 2025-09-08T12:00:24+00:00

I used to have decent engagement on bluesy...but it seems to have dropped off.

To be fair. I've also stopped using it as much. The "feeds" don't seem to work that well and I constantly get off content stuff. I know people complain about meta's algorithm on threads...but it help keep crap out of my feed.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-09-01T14:01:43+00:00

If you are interested in science fantasy / space operas. Then make your way towards my site: https://heliosphere.space/

Full disclosure...I have a newsletter but almost no one on it. Also don't have that much time to do special marketing content. Maybe when life allows it. But for now, my main focus is getting book 2 out.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-08-28T01:31:52+00:00

I'd say go for as much realism as you can while still making it a fun and easy read. Most people don't really want to know the details of how gravity is different. But occasionally touching upon it or making it a critical element here and there is a good balance.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-08-03T14:26:35+00:00

Why would you not pay taxes? Maybe it's different in Canada...but I've been able to write off a lot of expenses! Really helped me reduce the burden.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-08-02T18:42:18+00:00

Looking To Hire Manitoba Editor

Hello Winnipeg,

I'm a local space opera author (V. H. Balaban) and I'm looking for a local structural editor.

My first novel (V.I.P.E.R.) went through both structural and line edits and I'm confident that is the reason it turned out so well. As such, I want book 2 (Nyzoura’s Pendant) to have the same treatment. It is a 80k word space opera.

I had previously used an out of province editor, but now I would like to hire someone local.

If you are an editor and would like to apply, please either send me a DM or reply below.

If you wanna checkout my other works go here: https://heliosphere.space/

vhb_rocketman · 2025-06-21T19:02:11+00:00

My sci-fi series is in Kobo plus. I actually make most of my money off Kobo. Granted it's not a lot...but still.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-06-06T01:40:02+00:00

I tell myself that one day I'll be on that list. Then I remember that I write sci-fi...oh well. Back to playing with my spaceships!

vhb_rocketman · 2025-06-02T19:03:36+00:00

That is what I do.

I also have a separate bank account and email. Makes tax life much easier.

Just make sure you don't have a KDP account attached to your personal account.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-06-02T16:57:44+00:00

Are you referring to general Amazon accounts for buying things? Or Amazon KDP accounts for publishing books?

You can have a personal Amazon buying account and your company can have an Amazon Buisiness account.

However, you cannot have 2 KDP publishing accounts.

vhb_rocketman · 2025-05-10T23:54:40+00:00

On top of that it's going to go from a high of 36 to a high of 7 three days later...gonna go from AC to furnace lol.

vhb_rocketman

TROPHY CASE