This week heralds the return of my regular blogging posts.  And this year I have some exciting interviews lined  up.  that not only promote talented independently published Australian authors, but also  small press publishers, and independent publishing houses.

And from my own writing corner, I also have some exciting projects on the horizon.  All will be revealed in due course.

With that said,  I kick off 2012 with an interview with Clancy Tucker, author of Gunnedah Hero, an historic Australian adventure novel for children and young adults. Gunnedah Hero is published by Morris Publishing Australia (refer below for more information about Morris Publishing Australia and their publishing-submission details).

Clancy joins me today as part of his blog tour promoting Gunnedah Hero. This interview is courtesy of Morris Publishing Australia.

Without further ado, I’d like to  introduce you to Clancy Tucker.

Welcome Clancy.

Hi  Helen, thank you for hosting me on my blog tour.

My pleasure Clancy. To start, could you tell us a little about yourself and your writing journey.

What’s left to tell … let’s see …now that I write full time, I am a prolific writer. I have at least ten completed manuscripts and a file with over 400 story ideas. I’m sure I won’t live long enough to complete them all. As well as Gunnedah Hero, I have had ten short stories published, and articles published in Kid Magazine in the USA. I won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs – that was a buzz.

Who is your favourite author and why?

Difficult question. I still love the works of Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson and Henry Lawson, but Lord Jeffrey Archer would be my favourite modern writer. Lord Archer is an extraordinary storyteller. His works are entertaining, passionate and credible – page flippers.

Some writers have a preferred writing schedule.  Do you?

No! Get up and get into it. Most days, seven days a week, I spend 12 – 14 hours on my work.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

Yes, my study. I call it the ‘engine room’. I have always been inspired and motivated in that room. It is full of books and nostalgic souvenirs from my travels.

What is your greatest joy in writing?

Completing a novel is the greatest, but receiving a Highly Commended award in the National Literary Awards in 2007 was a buzz.

Do you have any tips for writers about the writing process or the path to publishing?

You must be passionate about writing. If you’re not, don’t bother. It’s one of the toughest gigs in town. Try to write every day. Accept rejection as part of the journey. Always write for your reader – not for yourself.

And when you succeed, slink into a private space, punch the air, and silently scream, ‘Yes! Love ya work!’

Tell us about Gunnedah Hero.

Gunnedah Hero is an historic adventure that is enjoyed by 9 to 90 year-olds.

The book parallels the story of two fourteen year old boys. One a present day student named Gunnie, the other his great-great-grandfather, Smokey. Gunnie’s grandfather left him a box containing a manuscript written by Smokey after his epic journey up the long paddock as a fourteen-year-old drover – during a harsh drought in 1910. At the back of the manuscript is an envelope. It’s NOT to be opened until Gunnie has read the entire story. On a visit to the family property, Gunnie discovers that it is again under threat – but from a different source. He must read the story and letter in an attempt to save it. I had so much fun writing this book that I’m planning a couple of follow up stories.

Where can we buy the book?

It’s available as a paperback from http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and http://clancytucker.com.au

eBook available from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/114638

and Google eBooks: http://books.google.com.au/ebooks?id=30aI67LULpQC&dq=Gunnedah%20Hero&as_brr=5&source=webstore_bookcard.

Thanks Clancy for sharing a little about your writing journey.  We wish you and Morris Publishing Australia every success with Gunnedah Hero.

****

But before you all disappear – competition giveaway details below.

COMPETITION – GIVE-AWAY:

As a part of this blog tour, Morris Publishing Australia and Clancy Tucker are giving three eBooks to readers of the blogs. Go to http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and use the form on the Contact Page.  Fill in your first name, email address, and put Blog Competition and your preferred eBook format in the message.  Morris Publishing and Clancy assure you  will love this heart-warming story. (Choose from ePub, PDF, Kindle)

The winners will be drawn on January 31st, 2012. All winners will be notified by email and their eBook will be attached.

WAIT! THERE’S MORE:

PAPERBACK PRICE SLASHED: From 14th to 31st January, the price of the Gunnedah Hero paperback will be slashed to $25. Go to the website http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and choose the Buy Now button under Discount copy text. The usual postage charge will apply.   

And, if  you have missed any of Clancy’s blog tour, please check out.

CLANCY TUCKER – GUNNEDAH HERO – BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

 January 14th http://www.kids-bookreview.com - Author Interview

January 15th http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com – Book Review

January 16th: http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com – Article – Writing Historical Fiction

January 17th: http://carolwarner.wordpress.com/ – Author Interview

January 18th: http://elaineoustonauthor.com/ – Review

January 19th: http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com - Review

January 20th: http://sherylgwyther.wordpress.com  - Author interview

January 22nd: https://www.facebook.com/aussiebookreviews - Review

January 23rd: http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog.html

January 24th: www.sherfordbear.co.uk – Review

 January 25th: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com – Author Interview

January 25th: http://content.boomerangbooks.com.au/kids-book-capers-blog/ – Author interview

January 26th: Grand finale - http://www.blogbud.com/clancytucker – What’s next for Clancy

Before we wind up, here is a little about Morris Publishing Australia.

ABOUT MORRIS PUBLISHING:

Morris Publishing Australia is a boutique publishing company created by Lou and Elaine Morris. With the future of traditional publishing in doubt, the cut backs to acceptance of new authors, and the growth of digital publishing, they felt it was timely to throw their hat into the ring and help other writers achieve their dream. Their author list is growing every day. 2012 will be a big year.

Publishing Opportunities:

Morris Publishing Australia are offering two opportunities for publication at present. The first is a competition to find the first five books to be published in paperback and eBook format, and the second is an eBook only submissions opportunity for authors who want to test the waters before they commit to full publishing.

Refer to the submissions page for details of both offers.  http://morrispublishingaustralia.com/

Don’t forget to follow Clancy’s interesting blog tour.

Have an inspirational week everyone.

Interview with Clancy Tucker. Interview courtesy of Morris Publishing Australia 2012.

Helen Ross writes supports talented independently published authors, small press publishers, and independent publishing houses.

Are you still on holidays and looking for some great books? Or looking for great reads that you probably won’t find in bookstores?

Then why not order from First Edition Book Sales and support talented independently published authors.  Special offer is available until January 15.

……

Get your Summer reading

Postage free

Save up to 25% on the year-round

Price of a single item.

Hurry!

Offer ends

January 15, 2012

NB: Free postage is available within Australia only.

Checkout the website now.

Great children ‘s books and audio books also available.

http://www.firsteditionbooks.com.au/bookshop/welcome.html

Also joins First Edition Sales on FaceBook

Wishing you all an enjoyable Christmas.

And keep safe over the holiday period.

See you all in the New Year.

xHelen  (AKA Miss Helen)

With only a few days to go before Christmas why not buy a book or two (or more) for your friends and family members?  Great gift idea!

So pop over to First Edition Books.  They are doing away with Postage for Christmas – the offer is open till 15 January 2012.

Please note: Free postage is available within Australia only.

First Edition Book Sales is dedicated to supporting Australian authors. First Edition Sales  handpicks unique, high quality independently published books you will never see in your local bookshop and brings them directly to you through book groups, your community and our online bookshop.

 And while you are there, why not stock up on some books for yourself.  Holiday time is a great time to put your feet up and catch up with some well earned reading time.  You’ve earned it.

It’s not too late.  Visit First Edition Sales online bookstore now!!

There are a number of categories to choose from including:

• New arrivals
• Fiction and Literacture
• Non-Fiction
• Young Adult
• Junior Fiction
• Children
• Poetry
• e-books
• Children’s audio books

Can’t decide?  Buy a gift voucher.

http://www.firsteditionbooks.com.au/bookshop/welcome.html

Also join First edition Sales on Facebook.

“Eureka!” I did it – I surpassed my goal of reaching 30  Picture book ideas in 30 days – probably more than 50.  Tara Lazar’s idea of creating November as PiBoldMo for children’s picture book writers was great fun.  No pressure to achieve 50,000 words in 30 days.  Rather, 30 ideas – whether that be a name of a character, a story idea, a story title, or  similar.

So now time for me to take Tara’s PiBoldMo pledge.

I do solemnly swear that I have faithfully executed
the PiBoIdMo 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge,
and will, to the best of my ability,
parlay my ideas into picture book manuscripts.

And I’m happy to say that there are definitely a couple of good ideas for me to work on.

All participants who ‘signed up’ to participate in PiBoldMo and who sign the pledge as directed on her blog post  Take the PiBoldMo 2011 Winners Pledge   are in the running to win some fabulous prizes.  To check these out please visit -

Direct link: http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/piboidmo-2011-prize-list/

However, if you don’t win (winners announced December 8th) and/or  you didn’t participate,  there are  some great PiBoldMo merchandise  available for purchase from the PiBoIdMo shop  As Tara states on her blog, these would make a great holiday purchase. And you would be contributing to two charitable causes.  More information at: http://www.cafepress.com/piboidmo

For each day during PiBoldMo a guest blogger shared pearls of wisdom.  Each blogger was a source of wonderful inspiration.  The variety in style and ways to awaken, rouse and inspire creativity and ideas was just fabulous.

So if you haven’t checked  these out I would highly recommend that you make a pot of tea or coffee, and spend time reading these posts -  each one offers pearls of wisdom for the children’s picture book writer.

For more information please visit Tara Lazar’s site at: http://taralazar.wordpress.com/

Here’s Tara’s lovely logo designed by Bonnie Adamson.

I just love the idea of the PiBoIdMo challenge  – to create 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days.  No manuscript, just ideas – could be a word, a character, a story line – whatever.  Perfect for the children’s book writer who wonders why novel writers should have all the fun with NaNoWriMo – this is what inspired Tara to start PiBoldMo.

At Day 14, I already have a number of ideas, and the creative juices are still flowing.

Even if you didn’t register,  I strongly suggest that you pay a daily visit  to Tara’s site during the month of November http://taralazar.wordpress.com.  Each day a guest blogger shares inspirational ideas.

The idea behind PiBoldMo is a lot like the inspiration behind NaNoWriMo – where you don’t actually have to wait for November to do it. You can use any month you like  that fits in with your life.  However, sometimes we work better when to a deadline (though doesn’t always suit some). But being involved with others at the same time can be very inspirational, generating the creativity.  As well, as being a lot of fun.

So the objective of PiBoldMo is, by  the end of the month, to have a folder of ideas that you can work on in the ensuing weeks/ months.   And being officially involved in PiBoldMo has a further bonus – Tara has organised  great prizes (but you had to register to be in the running).

Anyway, I’m off. Another idea has just catapulted into my head. Whoops, so has another – they have just collided.

Have an inspirational week.

Don’t forget to check out Tara’s site http://taralazar.wordpress.com

Helen

This week it is nice to have back the multi-talented, Adrian Plitzco.  (Apart from being a writer, Adrian Plitzco is an audio book producer and works as a producer and broadcaster at SBS Radio for the German language program. There he hosts the monthly children’s radio show).

I first chatted with Adrian last year – about his writing journey thus far and why he decided to self publish his first children’s audio book, Lancelot, the one-armed Kangaroo.

Adrian wrote his first adult fiction in German (Der harte Engel), and his first children’s novel, Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo (both in Geman and English).

Lancelot - The one armed Kangaroo was published in Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 2007 .  However, Adrian decided to self publish Lancelot, the one-armed Kangaroo in Australia as a children’s audio book.

Since then Adrian has been super busy.  Adrian is currently busy with promotion of his recent release of his second audio book, Pirate – The barking kookaburra, and Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo will be released as a paperback book next week.    Also Adrian has  produced and released a Christmas story by a fellow German writer as an audio book. (incidentally,  the audio book is in German!). Wow!

So let’s find out why Adrian decided to once again take the self publishing/independent publishing  path for the release of Pirate – the barking Kookaburra.

Adrian, it’s nice to have you back on my blog.

Thanks Helen for inviting me back.

So Adrian, why did you decide to self publish/publish independently your second children’s audio book?

The first run with my first audio book went really well and it encouraged me to stick with that concept. It was hard work but in the end I got more out of it than when I had a publisher.

Was this process easier or quicker second time around? If so, could you briefly explain how?

It was easier because everything was, from the first run, already set up. This time I could put in more effort to find new bookshops and suppliers which was easier again because of two reasons: a) I was much more confident to have a good product that actually sells and b) new businesses took me more serious since I had two titles at my hand.

Did you encounter any obstacles this time?  If so what were they?

The only obstacle I had was with the printer.

Is there anything you did differently this time?

I handled the marketing and selling with heaps more confidence. I actually found a way to look at the titles as products and not as an inseparable part of myself.

What was the press run of your CDs?

500

How are you marketing Pirate- the Barking Kookaburra? Are you doing anything differently this time around?

I am sending press releases to every relevant magazine and newspaper and doing follow ups. I approach local radio stations and do a bit of social media stuff (although I am not good at it and honestly it’s not really my cup of tea). I am also going to local book markets, not selling much there but it’s an opportunity for people to see your products.

Right now I am venturing the American market. Americans have a far greater love for audio books than Australians. I am starting all over again over there and compete with a massive amount of other audio books. Things are shaping up but as they are not set in concrete I won’t tell you more about them.

Pirate – the barking Kookaburra has just been released as a print book.  Could you briefly explain this process and why you decided to take this path?

One reason is that people kept asking if the audio book comes in print version as well. But the main reason is that having a title out in as many different versions as possible is that it does promote itself. It naturally has more exposure and appeals to more people with different reading/hearing habits. Both titles are now released as CDs, mp3 downloads, ebooks and paperback. (Haven’t tackled the app business yet).

As for the paperback printing, I used “createspace” for  Pirate – The barking Kookaburra. It’s a very easy process. For Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo  I went a level higher and used “Lightningsource”. It’s far more complex and involved but I will have a fantastic distribution network all over the world. All that’s left to me is the marketing.

By the way: Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo will be released as a paperback book next week!

Did you encounter any obstacles in releasing Pirate as a print book?

Apart from struggling with a clumsy word program, none whatsoever.

Since our last chat, have your writing goals changed with the release of Pirate as an audio and print book.

My writing goals are independent of how I release the titles. The story still has to be good in the first place. How or in what version it eventually will be published or released is just a packaging matter.

Have you any further words of advice?

Don’t be shy to sell yourself. And allow yourself plenty of time to achieve your goals. And probably most important: recognise every smallest achievement and see it as a step closer to your great goal.

To find out a little more about Pirate – The barking Kookaburra, please click on the following link:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/pirate-the-barking-kookaburra-by-adrian-plitzco/

And if you missed my interview with Adrian last year, please click on:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/interview-6-why-i-published-independently/

To find out more about Adrian:http://www.plitzco.com/first_1.html 

To Purchase:

To find out more about Adrian’s  latest publications, including purchase, please  go to:  http://www.bubenberg.com

And if you haven’t heard Lancelot – the one armed kangaroo or Pirate – The barking Kookaburra, make sure you do.  They are just both so delightful – full of wit and charm.  And they would make great presents for children. And with Christmas just around the corner, I need not say any more.

Thanks Adrian for sharing your independent publishing journey.  Wishing you every success.

Helen Ross interviews Adrian Plitzco  Copyright 7 November 2011.

Supporting Australia’s talented self published authors, small press publishing and independent publishers

On Monday I chatted with the talented Simon Haynes.   Simon self-published three adult/teen novels from 2001-2003, was trade-published (four novels) between 2004 and, and is currently in the middle of publicity for his latest self/indie published title, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.

If you missed Simon’s journey, please click on the direct link at:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/chatting-with-simon-haynes/

As promised, here is my review of Simon’s latest release:, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.  A fun read!

Book Review:

By Helen Ross

Hal Junior: The Secret Signal

Author Simon Haynes

Published by Bowman Press

RRP $16.95

ISBN: 978-1-877034-07-7

Hal Junior lives aboard a futuristic space station.  His mum is chief scientist, his dad cleans air filters and his best mate is Stephen ‘Stinky’ Binn.

As for Hal … he’s a bit of a trouble magnet. He means well, but his wild schemes and crazy plans never turn out as expected!  (taken from the book’s back cover).

Simon Haynes weaves humour, adventure, basic science principles, baddies, an interesting plot, enough twists and turns and a likable hero in Hal Junior to create an entertaining, page turning  children’s novel.  I was entertained all the way, and will even admit to some laugh out loud moments. I virtually read it in one sitting. I loved it.

The adventure traverses at a nice steady pace.  The humour is very appealing and a little quirky at times,  which will certainly amuse the book’s target market (upper primary age and beyond).

I loved the character of Hal Junior.  He is quite bright in his own way, and means well, but mayhem tends to follow him.  He certainly has a way of driving his ‘teacher’ and adults around him a little crazy. Yet you just can’t help falling in love with him. Hal’s best mate, ‘Stinky’ is also very likeable.  Furthermore, Simon  has a non-geeky, unobtrusive  way of embedding basic science principles into the novel. I’ll leave it up to Hal and Stinky to show you.

This novel will appeal not only to upper primary aged children but also teens and adults who like science fiction, and adventure with a mix of quirky humour. It is a great book to lure the reluctant reader into the world of science fiction and the magic of books.

A fun read!

Simon’s website address: 

http://www.spacejock.com.au

Simon’s  blog:

http://halspacejock.blogspot.com

Books can be bought from:

Hal Spacejock ebooks: http://www.spacejock.com.au/Hal1Shops.html

Hal Junior:http://www.spacejock.com.au/HalJuniorShops.html

You can find book reviews at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12364206-the-secret-signal

PLEASE NOTE:

Book Reviews:

Please note that I will no longer be accepting offers to review books.  I am just swamped with work and wish to pursue my own writing projects.   However, if I have promised to review a book I will still be doing so (hopefully in the near future).  But with that said, if I do come across a great book by a talented Aussie author (like Simon Haynes’ Hal Junior ), and I wish to scream the author’s talents to the Universe, then I will certainly ask the author’s permission to write such a review.

However, I will continue to interview talented independently published Australian writers.

All the best!

xHelen

I discovered this fabulous idea in a recent PIO (Pass It On) e-newsletter – where have I been hiding?

PiBoldMo was created in 2008 by Tara Lazar, a children’s book author.    Since then it has gone from strength to strength in terms of participants.  That’s great considering the first PiBoldMo was held by a party of one  -Tara.

The concept is to create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. You don’t have to write a manuscript. Tara has also organised a number of guest bloggers to keep participants inspired during this month.

Sign-up closes on November 3^rd, and you must be registered before then to qualify for prizes! Yes, there are prizes!

Time is running out to register.  So what are you waiting for? Click on the direct link for sign up:

http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/piboidmo-official-sign-up-starts-today-right-here-right-now/

Tara’s site at: http://taralazar.wordpress.com/about/

And would you believe that in a moment of madness (again at the eleventh hour)  I decided, after all, to sign up for this November’s NaNoWriMo? Madness, I say!  Pure madness!

All the best for the madness of November!

Have an inspirational month everyone!

Helen

I just love ‘discovering’  talented Australian authors.  The talent here  is endless.  However, I seem to be drawn to writers with a quirky sense of humour that not only beams through in their blogs, but also in their books.  Great for me as I love quirky!

One such author is Simon Haynes.   Simon  just happened to drop by my blog one day – saw the light on and popped in to say hello.  Lucky me!

Simon Haynes is the Australian author of Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.  By day he’s a computer programmer and author, and by night he’s the same only sleepier. (Simon’s words)

Simon self-published three adult/teen novels from 2001-2003, was trade-published (four novels) between 2004 and, and is currently in the middle of publicity for his latest self/indie published title, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.

So grab some snacks, and let’s find out Simon’s journey.

Welcome Simon.

Thanks Helen for inviting me into your blog.

Did you always want to be a writer?

No, I’ve always been a keen reader but it never occurred to me that I might roll my own. I think this is because we moved to Spain when I was eight, and writing fiction wasn’t part of the curriculum.

When did you start writing?

I sat down to write my first novel in 1994. Before that I only wrote fiction for university or school assignments.

What writers do you think have influenced you?

Lots of them, and quite a range of genres: Agatha Christie, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Alistair Maclean, Desmond Bagley, Richmal Compton (Just William), Malcome Saville (Witchend), Mary Norton (The Borrowers) … and I’m still catching up with books published before 1980.

What genres do you write in/or have written in?

Horror, murder mystery, thriller, comedy, science fiction … and that was all in Hal Spacejock: No Free Lunch. Now I can add junior fiction to my credits, which I’m very happy about.

Simon, you self-published three adult/teen novels from 2001-2003.  Why did you take this path?

I started approaching publishers and agents, but couldn’t handle all the months and months of waiting around. While that was going on I sold a few short stories and scored Australia’s premier speculative fiction award (the Aurealis) for one of them. I realised I could write fiction, but it was going to take years to convince a publisher. So, I set up an imprint and did it myself.

You have also had success in trade-publication.  What works have been published? Were you happy with the production and marketing of these novels?

Four Hal Spacejock novels were trade published by Fremantle Press. It was fantastic working with their team of experts, and I learnt a heap about editing and deadlines. Couldn’t fault the marketing either – they got reviews all over the place, and the first book in the series was a Dymocks bestseller for three weeks.

You recently released Hal Junior – The Secret Signal.  What was the inspiration behind your latest novel?

School visits, my wife, and I needed a new mountain to scale. First off, I’ve visited a load of schools and libraries since Hal Spacejock was released. I love discussing reading and writing with upper primary ages, but every time I spoke to them I had to apologise that my books weren’t really suitable for their age group. My wife kept saying I should write a children’s book but I was focused on getting the next Hal Spacejock novel out. And finally, doing the same thing over and over sounds suspiciously like a job to me. I decided to seek a new challenge, and children’s fiction was certainly that.

So why did you decide to take the self-publishing path again with the release of Hal Junior – The Secret Signal?

I wanted Hal Junior to be released worldwide, in print, from day one. The internet is a global medium and if a blogger in Canada or Wales is kind enough to post a review of my work, anyone reading that blog should be able to order a copy locally with a couple of mouse clicks.

Traditional publishing works on tightly-defined regions, and the rest have to put up with expensive imports or wait for a local publisher to release the book to their market. You put in all this effort to get reviews and interviews, then hope that nobody reads the review from a country where your work isn’t available yet.

Ebooks are breaking down some of these barriers, but I don’t think there’s a market for junior fiction in electronic formats yet. At that age books tend to be purchased by libraries and parents, not the kids themselves. And e-readers are too expensive for the blenders we call school bags.

There was another reason for self-publishing. There are over 1000 Hal Spacejock novels in schools across Australia, and I think I can sell enough copies of Hal Junior via specialists like Wooldridges and Westbooks to make self-publishing worthwhile.

How did you get started, i.e. how did you go about self-publishing or gathering information?

I was going to publish the paperback through CreateSpace (USA) at first, then seek POD printers in the UK and Australia. That was before a friend put me onto Lightning Source. They have printing facilities in Australia, England, France and the USA, and when someone orders a copy of my novel it’s printed and despatched from the nearest facility within 48 hours.

I set up a business name and dug up my dusty old block of 100 ISBNs from 2001. They cost me $90 back then, and I think the same thing costs over $400 now so it was a better investment than the share market!

How did you go about editing Hal Junior?

I went through 15-20 drafts over several months, which is my usual finicky process, and once I ran out of things to tweak I hired a professional editor to give it a going-over. Satima Flavell spent about two weeks on the book, first highlighting any plot and character issues and then zooming in for the second pass. I got a chance to do another pass myself in between the two.

How long did the self-publishing process or independent publishing take place, ie. from the beginning to the printing of this book?

I started late July and went to print mid-September.

What obstacles did you encounter during this process, if any?

It all went very smoothly. I set up a gigantic mindmap with every step of the process, and just followed those steps one by one until it was ready.

How did you go about organising a printing company?

I signed with Lightning Source, who set up operations in Australia earlier this year. As mentioned earlier, they’re a global company with a very efficient distribution network. For example, Hal Junior is selling through online stores in Norway and Italy (at local prices), as well as the usual suspects like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What was your print run?

That’s the thing – I ordered 150 copies for my own use (give aways, reviews, etc.) but apart from that the book doesn’t exist until someone orders a copy.

In Australia I’ve priced the book for trade distribution, which means stores can order it from their regular wholesalers at their usual discount. When they place an order their copies are printed and shipped within 48 hours.

In the US and UK the book is priced for online sales instead. They don’t have the percentage of independent booksellers we do, and high store chains in those would be unlikely to order copies in whatever the discount.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing or publishing independently?

On the down side, you can forget about walking into stores and seeing your book on the shelves. On the plus side, books don’t sit on store shelves very long these days, and once they’re returned they never reappear.

I can understand book stores not carrying older titles, but nobody can explain why Dymocks is showing three of the four Hal Spacejock books as ‘unavailable’ on their website. (The other one isn’t there at all.) My publisher has Hal Spacejock books sitting in their warehouse, so there’s a breakdown in communications somewhere.

With a self-pubbed book I’m in control. If a website says it’s out of stock I can approach them as the publisher and get it fixed.

What was your biggest learning curve? Is there anything that you did differently with the production and marketing of Hal Junior in comparison to the production and marketing of your first three self published books?

Yes, I sent out nearly ten times as many review copies. The internet has been a huge help when it comes to publicity, both in finding book bloggers and reviewers, and when it comes to contacting them.

Did you find the process easier this time round?

Yes, it was a lot more efficient.

How do you market your books?  Do you come across any obstacles when dealing with bookstores, etc?

I approached three outlets personally. One ordered ten copies on the spot, and the other two are school suppliers. Apparently most school libraries close off their budgets around this time of year, but they’ll push Hal Junior in the new year.

Fortunately I’ve been able to play off my earlier books. I’ve done author events with them in the past so I’m a known quantity.

What does successful self-publishing or successful independent publishing mean to you?

Okay, there’s a big difference between my 2001 and 2011 goals. In 2001 I wanted to prove there was a market for my particular brand of quirky science fiction. I had no intention of hauling books around stores like a door-to-door salesman, and my goal was to generate interest and eventually snag a publishing contract. That’s exactly how it worked out.

In 2011 my goals are different. I’m not looking for a publishing contract, and my goal is to sell a lot of books via my own imprint. I’m hoping to make the Hal Junior series a global phenomenon and pocket a lot of cash.

What advice would you give other authors who are thinking about self-publishing/publishing independently or setting up their own company?

Read everything you can on the subject, and understand what you’re letting yourself in for. If you’ve not been trade published before I recommend approaching publishers and/or agents with your work before you consider self-publishing. It’s still the best game in town for most writers.

What attributes do you feel are necessary to be a successful self-publisher, e.g. determination, patience, organisation, sales and marketing experience, self-belief …???

All of the above. My background is small business and marketing and I’m a stubborn, determined perfectionist. If you’re at the arty end of the spectrum, I definitely recommend you find a publisher.

What inspires you to keep writing?

It’s the challenge of finishing a book. Not just writing something, but putting out a good book which I truly believe others will enjoy.

Is there one person you can think of who played a significant part in your writing career?

This is where I go all soppy and mention my family, my high school English teacher, and the editors I’ve worked with over the years.

Where would you like to be in five year’s time, writing wise?

I want to learn how to write a first draft, polish it once or twice and publish it. I’ve yet to release anything which hasn’t gone through 15-20 drafts and almost as many rewrites.

If you were offered a publishing contract with a mainstream publisher, would you accept it?

Yes and no. If self-pubbed Hal Junior brings in the bikkies, I can work from home and publish more in the series. The better it does the less likely it is I’d sign with a big publisher.

What projects are you working on now?

I’m writing Hal Spacejock 5 and Hal Junior 2, both at the same time.

Would you self publish again?

Yes, that’s my future now. In August I asked Fremantle Press to revert the rights to the Hal Spacejock series, given the books were no longer stocked in book stores. They agreed, and so I’ll be releasing book five myself.

What words best describe you?

Driven but relaxed.

Have you any other words of advice?

You can always rewrite it!

And  Simon, just to finish up, could you please complete the following:

At school I was …

Cruising

When I was a child I wanted to be …

I still don’t have the answer to that!

I relax by …

Cycling, or messing around with my bike, writing computer software or playing computer games.

Simon’s website address: 

http://www.spacejock.com.au

Simon’s  blog:

http://halspacejock.blogspot.com

Books can be bought from:

Hal Spacejock ebooks: http://www.spacejock.com.au/Hal1Shops.html

Hal Junior: http://www.spacejock.com.au/HalJuniorShops.html

You can find book reviews at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12364206-the-secret-signal

More info:

Simon Haynes, Author & Programmer
Spacejock Software: FCharts, yWriter and more (www.spacejock.com)
Hal Spacejock: Think Spinal Tap, not Benny Hill (www.spacejock.com.au)
Hal Junior: Simon’s new series for kids (www.haljunior.com)

Thanks Simon for sharing your interesting journey.  We wish you every success, and may the bikkies roll in by the truck load.

And to read my review of the page turning, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal, please drop by my blog again this Wednesday.  It is a great read. And comments are most welcome anytime (except for spam ones).

Helen Ross interviews Simon Haynes  Copyright 30 October 2011

Helen Ross Writes – supports Australia’s talented self published authors, small press publishing and independent publishers