I recently posted about waiting. I’m still waiting for the editorial reviews of Called to Account. But there has been some progress in other areas. Simon has finished the audio files for the audiobook of The Spy who Sank the Armada. I’ve been listening to them, and he’s done a great job. I can see the attraction of audiobooks. Despite listening with a critical ear, I found absorbing a book that way really rather enjoyable. So just a few more things to sort out and the first audiobook should be available. The main thing is finding a suitable 5 minute retail sample. I’ve suggested a few to Simon, I’ll see what he thinks.
The proof copy has arrived from Ingram Spark, and it looks virtually identical to the Amazon one. So I can continue setting books up on Ingram Spark. I will try and ensure that they are all available via Ingram Spark for the launch of Called to Account. That should make them available to physical bookstores, should they want to stock them.
I dropped off copies of the first three books to my local Waterstones. Tom, the manager I’d met when I wrote my last waiting post, wasn’t in, but hopefully I’ll hear something from him soon. I’d like to start small with respect to speaking engagements. If I can do one in Chippenham, and it goes well, I’ll try for Bath and Bristol.
I’m delighted that my application to join the Crime Writers’ Association has been accepted. They only opened their doors to self-published authors in 2021. There are quite a few criteria you have to meet, such as sales, professional cover design, professional editing etc. I managed to meet the criteria and now I’m looking forward to receiving the membership pack.
I should have a mock radio interview with Brian this week. I’m sure the practice will do me good. It’ll also be good preparation for a bookstore speaking engagement if I get one. Now I’m waiting for the editorial reviews. I hope they’re even better than the last ones.