Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Update

Kia ora everyone! Boy, have we got a lot going on at Splashdown this month! Want one of our paperbacks for less than $3.00? Read on...

But first, our latest release, this time from the realms of science fiction:

Caffeine, by Ryan Grabow

"Supernatural: above, beyond, in excess of nature. If the meaning of life cannot be found in nature, then I must determine if the answer lies beyond it."
In an authoritarian and overstimulated 22nd-century America, all Brandon can do to relieve his pain is indulge in the computer-simulated fantasies of a network called Dynamic Reality...until a virus takes control of the simulation. A philosophical thrill ride like no other - don't miss this one.


Ebook Sale

As of right now through Sunday night, all our ebooks are priced at $2.99 - including our November new releases. That's a saving of at least 50% - Come on in and grab your choice! Kindle books are discounted direct at Amazon and all are collected HERE in our Amazon store; if you'd like a different format, just say the word and we'll send you a voucher.


Fred Warren's Feast

Not only did we release Fred's second novel, The Seer, just a few weeks ago. Now, Amazon is discounting his short story collection in paperback, Odd Little Miracles! At the time of writing the price had fallen to $2.78, and it's even eligible for their 4-for-3 special - which means you can get four copies for under $9.00. The perfect odd little gift for, well, just about anyone! But don't dally - Amazon is notorious for changing prices around at their whim. This discount is not under our control, so get it while the gettin's good!










By the way, the same 4-for-3 promotion also applies to Aquasynthesis, our collection of stories from all Splashdown authors to date. Something for all reading tastes.


That's it for this time - thank you for reading!

Grace and the team at Splashdown



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

How to get a manuscript accepted at Splashdown

Here it is, folks - the comprehensive guide with everything you need to know.

1. Write a phenomenally good book. This should be obvious. But don't just have a high opinion of yourself. Have your writing peers look at it, preferably professionals as well, and take their advice.

2. Be nice. If I should suggest your story might need more work, please forego the retaliatory backbite that rises from the hurt. Don't burn Bridges, cause this Bridges has been burned enough. Full, willing and eager cooperation and teamwork is expected from our authors, and anything less at the outset will get you nowhere.

3. On first contact, give a concise summary of your project. Merely sending files gives me nothing to consider in the intervening time until I can get to look at it properly - and that may take a while, because it's just little old me back here.

4. Tell me your relevant marketing experience. Make me believe you're a good investment and that your book will pay out.

5. There better not be any typos in your first-contact material.

6. Respond maturely to criticism and advice, and be committed to continued learning and improvement.

7. If you submit to Splashdown, you should be a fan and friend of Splashdown. Not just the Facebook kind, either. KNOW Splashdown. Read our books and see if this is a family you want to be a part of. Immerse yourself in our histories, anecdotes, modus operandi, authors' blogs, and grasp our unique flavour.

There is one more item; unfortunately, it's rather unquantifiable, and I'm sorry about that, but this is the way it is...

8. Your story must be one that I LOVE. Yes, it all comes down to personal taste. Sorry. If your tale charms me... AND if all the above criteria are fulfilled... then we could very well be good to go.

If this sounds like a rant, that's because it is. I'm sick and tired of people offloading their submissions on me without any regard for how I like to do business. Ignore my feelings at your peril.