Editor Love

I know many of you are independent authors like me, and I must say--the self-publishing world is a cruel place. We all lack the resources and funds to successfully create and market our books. We write with our hearts and we are no marketing experts. But in order to survive in the self-publishing world we need to transform from artists to sales gurus.
When I decided to write my first novella I had no idea about the obstacles I was to face. I just wanted to write, to type word after word, and to pour my heart out onto those pages. I did my research into KDP, downloaded a formatting guidance, and started with Fighting the Impossible. After many months juggling between writing and my full-time job, I was finally ready to hit the "Publish" button. But I had made a crucial mistake. I published my book without working with a professional editor. I had ignored the fact that there could be no successful business without an initial investment. I haven't created the best product, and no amount of advertising could have changed that.
What was worst--my mistake had branded me to the point where a reviewer declined my newest book because of the editing mistakes in my previous one. Luckily for me I had came to my senses after a couple of eyes-opening reviews and started the search of the perfect editor. I had almost no budget, but I was willing to beg.

It's funny how I don't remember the day I stumbled upon Courtney Umphress, and my life as a writer changed dramatically. I know one for sure--that was my lucky day. I just love critic; I'm open to new horizons and knowledge. The process wasn't painful, and the day I got my edited manuscript, colored all in red, was the first day of my future writing carrier. Actually, writing this post I am thinking about her. She would probably have a field day reading, correcting and rewording my ramblings. Courtney, I hope I haven't disappointed you.
Over an year had past since that day, and now we had finished working over Madness or Love. The beauty of it--I have found not only the perfect editor for my style, but a friend that had supported me through my insecurities and doubts. That's my way to show my love for you--the bow goes to you! Now I have much more time for reading and writing my upcoming novel Let Your Heart Believe (Be With Me Book 2).

If you're reading this post and you're an author searching for an editor--your quest ends here. Look no more! You can contact Courtney Umphress HERE and like her on Facebook.

ONE DAY UNTIL THE COVER REVEAL

The cover is almost in front of your eyes, but . . . You'll have to wait just one more day to see my creation. I know it sounds like bragging, but I am really proud of my work. I have been designing the covers for all my books and I hope you'll agree I did well. The elusive cover of MADNESS OR LOVE is just twenty-four hours away.

 

KEEP CALM

and read

MADNESS OR LOVE

 

Until then you can enjoy a tiny excerpt!

Love you all!

 

"She went to work that day without suspecting that her life would change inevitably. She felt the strange aura with the first steps she made into the spacious lobby. It was quiet, too quiet for a hotel in central London at 8:00 p.m. Two of her colleagues at the front desk whispered lively.

 Stacy noticed her first and impatiently waved her hand. “You won’t believe it,” she said in a hushed voice. Her eyes burned, and her cheeks flushed. “We’ll have a VIP guest. He should arrive before midnight. Imagine!”

“Who is he?” Victoria interrupted impatiently. The only thought on her mind was the immense pressure and expectations that a “very important person” would bring to the staff. And besides, she never understood the hysteria surrounding the rich and famous. In her mind, they were all just humans.

“Ian Young,” came Stacy’s squeaky answer.

“Who?” Victoria lifted her brows questioningly.

Her colleague looked dumbfounded. “You don’t know who he is!” Her tone raised a notch. She looked at her as if Victoria just killed someone, or at least stole her favorite curling iron.

Victoria’s amused smile turned into a frown while she wondered how anyone could be so shallow. Stacy would never win any kind of “bright mind” award, true, but to Victoria, her life was only Friday night parties, boys, and celebrity gossip. She waited patiently but wasn’t prepared for the answer.

“Born 1986, New Orleans, one sister. He started his career as a model at sixteen; first movie—Broken Stars—wasn’t a success. He’s most known for his lead in Lost Souls. One of Hollywood’s rising stars. Extremely good-looking, no, gorgeous, amazing blue eyes, dark hair, single . . .”

COVER REVEAL 4 DAYS AWAY

I've promised you a tease, and you'll get one every day until October 17th.

 

Would you like to join me on Friday? Drop me a line at selina.bodur@gmail.com and take part in the

 

COVER REVEAL of MADNESS OR LOVE.

 

Thank you!

 

 

PRE ORDER NOW

 



Blogging 1. 01

My first post and I feel like dinosaur. Some of you had become real pros in blogging and I am starting just now. But writing ramblings on a paper (my laptop screen) was always easier than talking to people face to face. Maybe that's a writer's fate or I do need to visit a psychiatrist. Whatever the case you're stuck with me ;) . I will try to update you regularly on my ever-changing moods, my progress in writing, and the million book ideas that just need all the time in the world. (Sigh). So stay tuned, subscribe, and never miss a mental breakdown. I'm kidding! Or not :)
Whenever you feel the need to chat, please leave a comment, and I will answer and blabber all you want. One condition though: Be polite!



I am a sunny person; don't turn me into Mr. Hyde.



Image by Victor Habbick at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Ok, I admit, that picture is not quite right. She looks more like The Wicked Witch of the West, hahahah, but you get the meaning.
I'll write to you soon!