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Dec
23 2013 | ||
She’s giving us an excerpt and doing a giveaway too!
Carly’s Switch from NY Publishing to Indie
I often wonder if readers are aware of Indie publishing versus NY Publishing. As an avid reader, I only care about a good story, but as an author and a savvy reader who is on Facebook, Twitter and follows the industry, I’ve been aware for a long time. Even when I wrote solely for New York, with my Serendipity series. I hope readers are aware because one of the main reasons I am leaving NY when my Serendipity books finish up in February and will only self-publish right now is because of the reader.
I want to be able to offer the cost-conscious reader a solid read at a reasonable price. I want to be able to reach new readers who are afraid to spend $7.99 on a book by a new to them author. And I wanted to write hotter books that I, as a reader, enjoy.
Please don’t get me wrong, I have always had a great relationship with whichever NY publisher I worked with and consider myself so lucky throughout my career. I’ve worked with great people who I respect a lot. But with this change, I have control. The first time I uploaded DARE TO LOVE, my first self-published novel, it had a dark cover with a couple on it. After less than a month, I had the ability to change the cover to something I felt fit more with my Carly Phillips branding (and past books) while indicating a much hotter read. Control. And I love it.
I hope you’ll love it too! I am so grateful to Lauren for letting me reach you, her fantastic readers, and guest on her blog. So let me ask you: As a reader, are you publisher aware? Do you know when you’re reading an indie/self-published book? Or do you have no idea, it’s all about the story?
DARE TO LOVE
New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal.
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
EXCERPT:
“So, Ms. Riley Taylor, where were you off to in such a hurry?” he asked.
“I wanted to rest my feet,” she admitted.
He glanced down at her legs, taking in her red pumps. “Ahh. Well, I have just the place.”
Before she could argue—and if she’d realized he’d planned to drag her off alone, she might have—Ian grasped her arm and guided her to the exit at the far side of the room.
“Ian—”
“Shh. You’ll thank me later. I promise.” He pushed open the door, and they stepped out onto a deck that wasn’t in use this evening.
Sticky, night air surrounded them, but being a Floridian, she was used to it, and obviously so was he. His arm still cupping her elbow, he led her to a small love seat and gestured for her to sit.
She sensed he was a man who often got his way, and though she’d never found that trait attractive before, on him, it worked. She settled into the soft cushions. He did the same, leaving no space between them, and she liked the feel of his hard body aligned with hers. Her heart beat hard in her chest, excitement and arousal pounding away inside her.
Around them, it was dark, the only light coming from sconces on the nearby building.
“Put your feet up.” He pointed to the table in front of them.
“Bossy,” she murmured.
Ian grinned. He was and was damned proud of it. “You’re the one who said your feet hurt,” he reminded her.
“True.” She shot him a sheepish look that was nothing short of adorable.
The reverberation in her throat went straight to Ian’s cock, and he shifted in his seat, pure sexual desire now pumping through his veins.
He’d been pissed off and bored at his father’s ridiculous birthday gala. Even his sisters had barely been able to coax a smile from him. Then she’d walked into the room.
Because she was with his half brother, Ian hadn’t planned on approaching her, but the minute he’d caught sight of her alone at the bar, he’d gone after her, compelled by a force beyond his understanding. Finding out she and Alex were just friends had made his night because she’d provide a perfect distraction to the pain that followed him whenever his father’s other family was near.
“Shoes?” he reminded her.
She dipped her head and slipped off her heels, moaning in obvious relief.
“That sound makes me think of other things,” he said, capturing her gaze.
“Such as?” She unconsciously swayed closer, and he suppressed a grin.
“Sex. With you.”
“Oh.” Her lips parted with the word, and Ian couldn’t tear his gaze away from her lush, red-painted mouth.
A mouth he could envision many uses for, none of them tame.
“Is this how you charm all your women?” she asked. “Because I’m not sure it’s working.” A teasing smile lifted her lips, contradicting her words.
He had her, all right, as much as she had him.
He kept his gaze on her face, but he wasn’t a complete gentleman and couldn’t resist brushing his hand over her tight nipples showing through the fabric of her dress.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the same time a soft moan escaped, sealing her fate. He slid one arm across the love seat until his fingers hit her mass of curls, and he wrapped his hand in the thick strands. Then, tugging her close, he sealed his mouth over hers. She opened for him immediately. The first taste was a mere preview, not nearly enough, and he deepened the kiss, taking more.
Sweet, hot, and her tongue tangled with his. He gripped her hair harder, wanting still more. She was like all his favorite vices in one delectable package. Best of all, she kissed him back, every inch a willing, giving partner.
He was a man who dominated and took, but from the minute he tasted her, he gave as well. If his brain were clear, he’d have pulled back immediately, but she reached out and gripped his shoulders, curling her fingers through the fabric of his shirt, her nails digging into his skin. Each thrust of his tongue in her mouth mimicked what he really wanted, and his cock hardened even more.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” his half brother said, interrupting at the worst possible moment.
He would have taken his time, but Riley jumped, pushing at his chest and backing away from him at the same time.
@ Carly Phillips – CP Publishing November 18, 2013
BUY LINKS:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1jeAU7a
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/dare-to…/1117443283…
Apple Books: http://www.itunes.com/carlyphillips
Paperback: http://amzn.to/HTEpUS
For excerpts, contest, news & more: www.carlyphillips.com
Carly is kind enough to offer up a digital copy of DARE TO LOVE to a winner she’ll choose from the comments to this post! Good luck, all! Winner will be announced December 31st 🙂
December 23rd, 2013 at 7:32 am · Link
Bravo! As a voracious reader, reasonable prices are much appreciated. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting your loyal readers will be rewarded. Thanks. 😎
December 23rd, 2013 at 7:59 am · Link
What a great excerpt!
Honestly I don’t pay attention to publishers and the only way I usually know if books are indie or not are due to the price of the book. My personal choice is e-books and lately I have been having to wait for price drops to read new releases because there are some that cost more than the print books.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:08 am · Link
I cannot wait to finish this ebook. Love the exerpt.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:09 am · Link
I wasn’t aware of the difference between indie and a publishing house. But now that I know I get why authors go indie
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:10 am · Link
When I read its all about the story. I don’t know the difference between Indie and publishers. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:14 am · Link
Love your books. I read for the story!
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:18 am · Link
I read both indie and non-indie books. Unfortunately the price of some of my favorite author’s non-indie books are becoming prohibitive. I’ve pretty much switched to all digital books and often, especially with new releases, the digital copies cost even more than the printed ones. I’ve been able to read a lot of my favorites at the library but not newer releases. I think your loyal fans will reward you well by buying your indie books. I wish you continued success with your writing.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:23 am · Link
I wasn’t really publisher aware it was and probably still is for me about the story mostly since ive got my kindle and followed more and more authors on Facebook i came more publisher aware and came aware of indie authors but saying that away from Facebook and all social media sites i visited a major bookstore in Manchester (England) and one of the shelves was allocated by publishers! Its something ive never seen before and to be honest it took me forever to go through the shelve to see if they was anything i wanted to read on it lol.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:26 am · Link
Certainly unaware when e-reading.. more obvious when I’m looking at a print copy.. And I certainly understand why a lot of authors are indie publishing these days!
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:35 am · Link
I’m more conscious of publishing now that I mostly use my e-reader. The story always come first for me, but let’s face it, money plays a huge role too. As does space…I can fit my fav authors onto my Nook and not have to worry about piles of books everywhere.
In the past year, I have discovered so many new indie authors, I think it’s great for us all.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:41 am · Link
Never really publisher aware, it’s about the story and author
December 23rd, 2013 at 9:02 am · Link
I am very aware of publisher vs indie authors (see dear FB is educational) and very much appreciate Indie’s. As a reader who consumes 3-400 books a year the pricing of traditionally published books keeps me from reading a lot of books by authors I adore. I do realize going indie must be a tough decision considering the amount of extra work the author must take on but know that your true fans will support you in any way we can.
December 23rd, 2013 at 9:27 am · Link
book sounds great cant wait to read
jmarinich33@aol.com
December 23rd, 2013 at 9:58 am · Link
I have to say it has always been all about the story but as time goes on I am learning more about self publishing. I would love to win, thanks for the chance. I love Carly’s books….
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:14 am · Link
I can’t wait to read this one!
Congratulations to Carly for going the Indie route…I hope it pays off in a big way!
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:14 am · Link
I have a good idea who’s indie and who’s not because I follow a lot of authors on FB. 😛
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:22 am · Link
Sometimes I notice the publisher of various books, but it usually depends on the book/author. Hope you have a Merry Christmas! 🙂
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:25 am · Link
I read for the story. I love all your books.
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:26 am · Link
I love all your books and am looking forward to more.
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:34 am · Link
Loved the excerpt! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:46 am · Link
Because I am such a voracious reader and also on social media,I have become very aware of Indie Publishing and NY publishing. I just love a good story, but the difference to me is how quickly the author can get an Indie book published as opposed to the schedule of NY publishing. I also find it interesting that those who used to only self publish now have signed contracts with NY publishing houses. One such author, Kristen Ashley, self published forever and now is with a NY house, although she does do some self publishing still. I just wonder how the decision is made by the author on what to do. Carly, I am so glad you are going the self publishing road because it always seemed forever between your books.
December 23rd, 2013 at 11:03 am · Link
I notice if the books are indie or publishers when I buy it but forget all about once I start reading 🙂
December 23rd, 2013 at 11:18 am · Link
This was my first chance to read an excerpt, and darn if I am not hooked. Cannot wait to read it!
December 23rd, 2013 at 11:31 am · Link
Read it, loved it, and can’t wait for the next one. Carly Phillips and Lauren Dane are two of my favorite authors. I am looking forward to Ms. Dane’s next book too. Have a wonderful holiday.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:04 pm · Link
I’m aware of indie vs NY, and I gravitate to indie when able, but I haven’t yet drawn the hard line in book shopping that I’ve drawn in other shopping, e.g., I will go naked and hungry before I shop at Walmart. And truthfully, in order to keep access to as many great authors as I can, I don’t know that I will ever make that a hard line for me. That said, copious kudos to you for going indie and I wish you well in all your endeavors.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:05 pm · Link
Hi, all. Lauren, thanks for having me! It should be all about the story but I think the dichotomy in price btw indie and traditional makes it about something a little more – at least until an author proves themselves to a reader, why spend $7.99 on an unknown? Anyway, I’m just happy to be writing. Thanks for entering and commenting. I love to hear what you all think!
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:23 pm · Link
I can honestly say I don’t pay attention to the publisher of the book. I only became aware of the issues when you were posting on facebook. It’s all about the story for me, and I will follow my favorite authors pretty much anywhere. Cost is a big issue. I read a lot, and can’t afford to buy everything I want to read so I depend on my public library quite often. I hope books that are indie published will still be available at the library! Thanks for the excerpt, I’m already looking forward to the whole series. 😀
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:23 pm · Link
Love your books! I prefer to spend $5 or less on an ebook. If it’s more, then I wait until I have a coupon or it goes down. Even if it’s an author that I know, I realy don’t like spending more the $5. I recently bought a book my a known author for $6 and it was only 100 pages. I was pretty upset. I think it’s a rip off regardless of who it is.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:57 pm · Link
This excerpt is quite the teaser! For me, it’s all about the story. I generally have no idea how it was published… Does that make me a bad reader?? 🙄
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:05 pm · Link
know who the publisher is for books, but it depends on the story
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:33 pm · Link
love this author. I’ve been a fan since the Chase brother /petal series.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:34 pm · Link
whoops error on posting. I still like the author
December 23rd, 2013 at 4:16 pm · Link
Wasn’t really aware until now. It’s really about the story for me. Love Carly books!
December 23rd, 2013 at 6:58 pm · Link
I love all of Carly’s books. I can’t wait to read this new release.
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:11 pm · Link
I just love your books! For me, it’s all about the story.
December 24th, 2013 at 5:38 am · Link
It’s all about the story. If it’s a story I would like to read I will purchase it no matter if it’s indie or traditionally published.
December 24th, 2013 at 8:06 am · Link
Would love to have this book!
I think self publishing and control is great for authors!
December 30th, 2013 at 1:12 pm · Link
I do notice the publisher. I know when they don’t discount (ahem), when they do, when they are self-published. If they are self-published, I am more likely to need a recommendation from a trusted source (review website, blogger) to purchase the book.