Summer Plans (and giveaway!) Back to Blog
Thanks to Cynthia for inviting me to her blog! I had another blog written for today, but on Saturday I read Shelli Stevens’ guest blog for Cynthia. At the end of Shelli’s blog, she said to leave a comment with what summer plans we’re most excited about. In that second, I knew I had to scrap my other blog and instead talk about that I’m doing. Because I have FREAKIN’ HUGE SUMMER PLANS! I’m turning indie! I’m publishing my e-book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. It’s a decision that came slowly, but once I made it, it felt right. More than that, it felt self-empowering.
So that’s what my June has been about. I had to read an old ms., CATTITUDE, that I always thought was marketable. It’s an award-winning book and I had an agent for it about five years ago. She loved it but couldn’t sell it. People who’ve read the blurbs on my old website have asked me to let them know when it’s published, so I know it hits a chord.
Because I don’t have an editor and a copy editor, I asked six beta readers to go over it. It’s taking longer with so many readers, but I want to put out the best, most mistake-free product that is possible without going insane. I think I have a high threshold for insanity, but your never know when your head might explode. So six is my limit. I’ve gotten three critiques back, and I’m waiting for at least two more before giving it to a friend who offered to format it in Smashwords.
In the middle of all of this, I realized I needed a new website. I wanted one in WordPress, so I can update it myself. My fabulous, brilliant and uber talented CP, Michelle Diener, helped me put one up. Meaning she did most everything and I somehow lost the blog until she told me how to find it again.
Many other people helped me with my ms. and are still helping me. But that’s going to be another blog. This blog is about my summer plans, which are to become an indie author. It will probably be another 2-4 weeks until I get my book on Smashwords et al (which in the publishing world is a sneeze of time), but as soon as the book is set up, I’ll send it out to one commenter, chosen at random. You can read an excerpt here.
Here’s the blurb for CATTITUDE:
Feline or Femme Fatale?
After Belle the cat switches bodies with a psychic on the run from a murderer, she wants her perfect cat body back instead of this furless human one. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with her former owner. Or that a CEO and a beauty queen want to use up her nine lives. Now is her chance to prove anything a human can do, a cat can do better. It’s all in the CATTITUDE.
So, what are you excited about in your life?
http://www.edieramer.com
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Cattitude sounds like a winner; I look forward in reading it.
Hi! Congrats! I love the cover!
This summer, I’ll be attending my brother’s wedding in New York City. I’m trying to decide how long I’m going to stay there – just the weekend or maybe until Tuesday.
Liz, I am bizzee, that’s for sure. Seattle will be wonderful. I’ve never been there, but I’ve read so many books set there that it makes me want to go.
Fedora, your summer sounds pretty great to me. And, yes, Canada is beautiful!
Tracey, thanks! I hope it’s a winner. I feel good about it.
Corie, I’m jealous of you! I’ve never been to New York City. Next year I plan to go to National there. It should be great.
Have fun at the wedding!
Edie is brave, smart, and inspiring! She does things others say they will but don’t. And she’s telling us all, so she’s committed!
Go, Edie!
I don’t really have any summer plans sadly, I think I’m mainly gonna spend my time reading and perfecting my writing skills. Can’t be a writer if I don’t practice!
Mary, we’re all smart at GIAM. The best group ever!
Being a cat person, this sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. Congrats on going indie!! My big summer plan is to finish my first book, and maybe start the sequel.
Gabrielle, I admire you. I love learning. I recently read The Art Of War For Writers by James Scott Bell. An excellent book!
Nancy, I love cat people! The real Belle is sitting on my desk right now. We have two dogs too, but they’re watching TV with my husband.
Have fun finishing your first book! That’s a great accomplishment.
I love the title of your new release! And cats I adore, so a good combination no?
Diane, thanks! I think it’s a good combination. I’m hoping there are a lot of cat lovers who read. 😀
Any book involving a cat switching into a human body is bound to be good. I’ll keep an eye out for this book.
I’m excited about my 18 yo niece who is going away to college in August. She’s asked us to come and keep her company for a few days after the dorms open but before classes start and I’m looking forward to that.
Jen, thanks! You’re going to love hanging out with your niece. How sweet of her to ask you.
We have a winner! Random.org chose Cindy! Congratulations, Cindy! As soon as Cattitude is up on Smashwords, Amazon, etc., I’ll let you know and you can tell me how you want it.
Woo hoo! Thanks, Edie and thanks Cynthia!
LaDonna, it is a really good idea to have one you can update yourself. I love adding stuff to mine. 🙂
Edie, I fell for the book before, but after reading the blurb (which I read a few days ago), I’m head over heels for it.
I’m excited for you. At times I feel as if I’m friends with a great explorer – a pioneer of the new publishing frontier. Now you need a really cool fedora and bull whip, the outfit of a great adventurer. 🙂
Wow! Congratulations, Edie! That is a really exciting summer plan, and I cannot wait to read Cattitude! (Love the cover!! Love the blurb!!) ) Best of luck on this adventure!
Edie, CATTITUDE sounds such fun! Lots of potential for some laughs with a cat in a woman’s body and falling in love with her owner. I love dogs but I ADORE cats.
I’m going to RWA Nationals in Orlando as my big summer treat…
Kath, thanks so much! I got a critique back from one of my beta readers, and I’m going to revise it once more before it’s ready to go.
Kandi, I have two dogs in addition to my cat. I always thought of myself as a dog person until we got Belle. Then I fell in love with her.
You’ll have a blast in Orlando! Next year I’m going to Nationals.
Congratulations!!! CATTITUDE sounds great, great cover 🙂
This is HUGE, Edie. Gosh, hon, I’m so freaky proud of you that I could reach through the screen and squeeze the daylights and nightlights out of you. You just wait. One of these days we’re going to meet and I’m going unleash all of the hugs I have saved up for you.
Oh, and the blurb rocks. Just sayin’ and all. You can count on one book sold. 😉
Big plans for sure. I’ve been splashing along the shore, afraid to get more than a toe wet but you dove right in. WTG! Cattitude sounds awesome.
You rock, Edie!
CATTITUDE: you have my complete & undivided attention. Love the premise & the name & the cover.
Host, thank you! A friend made the cover for me. She did an awesome job.
Marcia, thanks! When I see you, I’ll squeeze back.lol
Lainey, yep, I’m diving in. You should come and join me.
Mary, thank you so much! I’m working on my last revision now. I hope.