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Once upon a time Booktrope came along and changed everything…they offered me a publishing contract. With Booktrope we do what is termed ‘team publishing,’ in that we create a team consisting of author, editor, book manager, project manager, proof reader and cover designer, all working together to generate the best book possible before it goes to press. But today I’m not here to talk about the specifics of an individual project, I’m here to talk about the much larger possibilities that Booktrope offers its authors.

Montana Book FestivalBooktrope itself is one large family, with everyone helping each other out and flagging up opportunities. Maybe what’s on offer is as simple as someone offering to buddy-up over a coffee (Or virtual coffee via Skype) because they work in a particular industry and have insider knowledge that will help you perfect a scene, or maybe it’s a chance for visual exposure to the industry, such as being asked if you’d like to share table space at the Montana Book Festival. On my own I would never have heard of, thought of, or even dreamt of having my novel Visiting Lilly represented at the prestigious Montana Book Festival. After all, I live in the UK, not America.

Visiting Lilly at Montana Book FestivalSo, when Booktrope’s highly talented author Paula Marie Coomer sent round a message inviting fellow Tropers to take part in the Montana Book Festival, I was eager to be involved. My enthusiasm stemmed not from anticipated book sales, but a deep understanding that to display my novel to a wider audience offers traction to becoming a recognised author.

PMC at Montana Book FestivalI caught up with Paula on her return and asked how the festival had gone and what she’d brought away from the experience that she’d like to share with other authors.

Here’s Paula’s excellent report.

First, I’d like to thank Guy Pace  for joining me. We had such a fun time chatting back and forth and talking to all the wonderful folks who came past our table. Guy was relentless! He is a great front man who would not let people not talk to him. It was a wonderful thing to see. Also have to give a shout out to Barb Drozdowich Jae Carvel Massimo Marino  Kandi J Wyatt Allan Ament  Tess Thompson Toni Allen  for providing books and swag. We didn’t sell too much, but we talked to lots of people about Booktrope, gave out most of the handouts about the Booktrope website, and talked to a number of authors looking for a literary home.

PMC Montana5What events like this always remind me of is how much writing is being done out there, how many writers there are, how many ways of approaching the writing life and task of writing, how many different goals writers have, how many different types of books and publishers, and just how alive and well and buzzing the world of books is. I ached for those authors out there roaming the world looking for a publisher. We all remember what that was like.

Guy Pace at Montana Book FestivalIt was also my first time to be on the vendor side of things. I have previously only attended writing and book conferences as an author or presenter. I’d never considered setting up a vendor table as an author. In this case, I registered as Booktrope since we had a number of BT authors represented. What I didn’t know is that the name and logo for Booktrope would be published far and wide. It got me thinking about name recognition and how setting up at festivals like this might be quite a boon for new book authors who are trying to get their work and name out there. One of the most interesting moments was talking to a physicist from New Mexico about Massimo Marino’s trilogy (Massimo is a physicist). The man didn’t buy a book, but I’m guessing he won’t forget the conversation he had with Guy about it. My point is, what are the chances of connecting with someone like that? If Massimo had been there, I’m sure the man would have purchased the book. (Hmm. Maybe having authors standing by on Skype or Facetime next time? Very 21st century.) We connected with him because of what he does for a living. It made me think about the fact that I have a book about a nurse, but have I ever reached out to the nursing community around it? No! Why is that? Why wouldn’t I think of doing that first?

Barb at Montana Book FestivalIt made me realize, once again, that hands-on selling may be expensive, in terms of what it takes to get us out there in the world, but it is an adjunct to online promotion and can, in fact, give new direction to our online promotions. Maybe we need to think more deeply about the populations represented in our books. Who are the outliers? Who else might we have missed? (I’m thinking in my first novel, also, of how much a part the natural world plays, yet it now dawns on me that I’ve never once thought to introduce the book to a group of naturalists interested in our well-studied geographical region.)

Jae Carvel at Montana Book FestivalAlso, what about groups you identify with? Guy has a passion for Harleys, so he’s been talking up his book to a Harley group he’s connected with online. How brilliant. A Harley rider who wrote a book. Anyone who rides Harleys or loves motorcycles might perk up an ear. It makes complete sense.

Allan Ament at Montana Book FestivalGuy also knew enough about the White Sands proving grounds to be able to take the conversation down that road a ways–engaging that physicist further. Who’s to say the man didn’t go right home and order Massimo’s book? In fact, several people wrote down names and titles of several books. Speaks also to the value of swag–bookmarks, handouts, drop cards–all of it serves a purpose. Getting yourself in front of people and making a memorable impression–it’s as old as marketing itself, but you can’t put a price on that human connection. One woman I talked to at the table reached out to me later and ended up telling me a huge piece of her life. I was able to say something that made her see that piece of herself differently. She started to cry. Came back to my table and bought a book. Humanness sells books twice as fast as tricks and flash and fast-talking. It comes down to making connection. None of this is new, but I was so impressed by this over and over again.

Lastly, the people selling the big numbers of books were the people selling and presenting, so you know I will be putting my proposal in for next year. I’ll also have a Booktrope table, too, however.

All of this is to say–when you see a call for proposals for a book festival or conference, don’t be shy. Get together with some other authors and share the cost of a table.

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The summer is here and it’s time to laze around in the sunshine reading a good book. For those of you who enjoy reading thrillers and mysteries we’ve created a fantastic bumper giveaway: 16 thrilling books on offer, and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Thank you to everyone who entered. The Giveaway is now closed and we have a winner.

 

Thrilling Summer Giveaway FB Post(1)What’s in the goodies bag?

I’m thrilled to be first on the list, because Saving Anna, Book 2 in my series Jake Talbot Investigates is due for release this autumn.

If you can’t wait to read Visiting Lilly you can download it for free with Amazon Prime.

Visiting Lilly by Toni Allen Visiting Lilly by Toni Allen

Jake Talbot Investigates (Book 1)

Why should a man at a Surrey police station go ballistic because someone tries to visit Lilly, his elderly grandmother? Jake Talbot investigates a romance that crosses the boundaries of time.

“This a fantastic, unusual story, brilliantly written and thoroughly enjoyable.” Stu – Amazon review

Shadow Dancer by Addison KlineShadow Dancer by Addison Kline

Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads.

“Lots of twists and turns and suspense.” D.Y. Danis – Amazon review

 

Rachels Folly by Monica BrunoRachel’s Folly by Monica Bruno

Rachel’s best friend is about to be married, but her fiancé is a mysterious man with seemingly no friends or family. After a night of drinking goes awry, Rachel is forced to face a dark part of herself she didn’t know existed.

“This well written page turner shows how one person can mess up so many lives.” Sharon H – Amazon review

The Anonymous Source by A.C.FullerThe Anonymous Source by A.C. Fuller

One year after the 9/11 attacks, Alex Vane–a brilliant, carb-obsessed reporter for The New York Standard–wants nothing more than to break into the flashy world of TV news. But when he uncovers the scoop of a lifetime, his editor buries his story, a source turns up dead, and Alex finds himself at the center of a violent media conspiracy.

This Grisham style read kept me guessing.” Nisi4man – Amazon review

Sandcastles and Other Stories by Justin BogSandcastle and Other Stories by Justin Bog

The Complete Edition of Justin Bog’s First Collection of Dark Psychological Suspense Tales.

“This enchanting short story collection deftly examines the psychology of life.” Mrs J Lobb – Amazon review

 

What Echoes Render by Tamsen SchultzWhat Echoes Render by Tamsen Schultz

Betrayal was something Jesse Baker thought she already knew too much about. But when her dead husband’s past comes back to haunt her, both the life she’s built for herself and her sons, and the story she’s told herself to make it through, threaten to crumble into ashes.

“If you’re a romance suspense reader you will love this book.” L R Smith – Amazon review

Macyn's Letter by S.L. StackerMacyn’s Letter by S.L. Stacker

A near-death experience at the hands of her husband would cause any woman to cling to her crippling trust issues and dating phobia, and Macyn McIntyre is no exception.

“Pleasantly surprised for a great read from a new author!” Tonia Molino – Amazon review

 

Awake by Melanie SuraniAwake by Melanie Surani

Opera singer Joshua Gray wakes in an eerie art museum exhibit. He comes to believe he’s been kidnapped and abandoned. And he isn’t the only one…

“The ride didn’t end until the very last page – and what a ride!” funky_town – Amazon review

 

All the pretty bones by Camela ThompsonAll the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson

After ten years of living in the shadow of her stalker, a diagnosis of terminal cancer pushes Olivia Kardos to take matters into her own hands.

“There are many interesting twists and turns throughout the book with moments of horror and others hopefulness.” Linda Ragland – Amazon review

Blood, Spirit and Bone by Camela ThompsonBlood, Spirit & Bone by Camela Thompson

Olivia lives, but Lucian’s part in saving her may cost him his life.

“I’m always surprised when an author can keep me guessing and keep my nose buried in a book.” Kristina M Covington – Amazo review

 

Veronica Layne gets the Scoop by Julia Park TraceyVeronika Layne Gets the Scoop by Julia Park Tracey

Veronika Layne. Sassy, tattooed, twenty-something newspaper reporter. Never saw herself working for the “man.” When her small weekly is swallowed up by Singh Media Group, that’s exactly where she ends up.

“This book is a sexy adventure, a breezy story with mystery and romance that was a joy to read.”

Inhuman Interest by Eric TurowskiInhuman Interest by Eric Turowski

Thirteen words in a want-ad turn Tess Cooper’s world upside down after she signs on as a paranormal research assistant to the mysterious Davin Egypt.

“There is no sleep when reading this book! Seat gripping!” Peggy Salkill (UNDERCOVER BOOK REVIEWS) – Amazon review

 

Roses are Red Violet is Dead by Monica-Marie VincentRoses are Red Violet is Dead by Monica-Marie Vincent

Violet Sumner has a stalker. Between her largely dysfunctional family of two and the friends she doesn’t feel particularly close to, Violet thinks he’s the least of her problems.

“Novel is intense, and suspense filled with fully developed characters that feel like your own family members and close friends.” Nonie Peterson – Amazon review

OP DEC Operation Deceit K. WilliamsOP-DEC: Operation Deceit by K. Willaims

Claire’s father sends her mother away, declaring she is hysterical with fatigue. Displaced by this disastrous outcome, Claire is brought to New York by her spirited aunt, to be raised beyond the reach of the damaging turn of events.

“The story is intense! I often found myself on the edge of my seat.” Victor A. Rodriguez – Amazon review

Women in Red by Jordan Rosenfeld

Diamond Run by Michael Croucher http://www.michaelcroucherbooks.com/

 

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If you haven’t picked up your copy of Visiting Lilly yet, then now is the time to do it as I’m running a free download offer on Kindle until June 23rd.

US Visiting Lilly on Amazon US

UK Visiting Lilly on Amazon UK

Visiting Lilly free promoWhat reviewers have to say about Visiting Lilly:

“The story has a certain edge of the genres Hard-boiled and Noir Fiction”

“At last, a detective novel with a really unexpected twist!”

“Once I started to read this I just couldn’t put it down…A totally gripping and compelling read from start to finish.”

The second book in the Jake Talbot Investigates series, Saving Anna, will be available later this year, so don’t forget to follow me here or at https://www.facebook.com/ToniAllenAuthor to hear all of the latest news and updates.

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I’m thrilled to bits!

My mystery thriller novel Visiting Lilly is now available on Amazon and already has a five star review.

Visiting Lilly by Toni AllenVISITING LILLY

Why should a man at a Surrey police station go ballistic because someone tries to visit Lilly, his elderly grandmother?

Detective Inspector Jake Talbot is intrigued, and this little puzzle might serve to distract him from sorrows of a Christmas past. Soon he is entangled with Frankie, an odd young man who claims to have met Lilly in her youth. Talbot dismisses the notion of time travel, but then discovers the Ministry of Defence has been monitoring Frankie since his friend disappeared ten years previously. Forced to work with the MOD, Talbot unearths family secrets and betrayals. The families act ruthlessly to prevent him from discovering the facts, colluding to ruin him.

If Frankie is innocent, Talbot won’t let him be victimised. An uneasy understanding grows between them as they follow the evidence, for only the truth will allow Frankie to visit Lilly.

Find out more about Visiting Lilly by joining me on:

Twitter https://twitter.com/Listansus

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VisitingLillybyToniAllen

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I have now signed my contract with Booktrope to publish my novel Visiting Lilly.

The next phase in publishing via Booktrope is to build my team, which will include a Book Manager, editor, copy-editor and cover designer.

Being new to the Booktrope publishing process I stared at theVisiting Lilly Cover Image inner sanctum of their website and felt completely overwhelmed. I was advised to make friends and build contacts, which I promptly did. Then to my absolute delight I was approached by someone offering to become my Book Manager and help pull my team together.

I am thrilled to let you all know that I shall be working alongside the very dynamic and professional Mindy Halleck. Out of several books Mindy Halleck was sent to review she opted for Visiting Lilly and is truly passionate about my work.

Rather than daunting the process has now become exciting.

 

 

 

 

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I have a contract to publish my novel Visiting Lilly!

I am so thrilled to share the exciting news that Booktrope have offered me a contract to publish my novel Visiting Lilly.

Booktrope is an online publisher that has formulated a collaborative process to bring their books to market. Once I have signed my contract I will be invited to build a team, which will include, amongst others, an editor, a cover artist and a marketing manager. Each individual is paid a percentage of sales revenue after costs.

Visiting Lilly Cover ImageThis is a mock up cover I generated for Visiting Lilly. With my Booktrope team I will get a cover designer, so I doubt this is the image we’ll run with. If you love this cover and think it has to stay, let me know.

I first pitched Visiting Lilly to Booktrope about 18 months ago. Yes, these things take a long time! As I recall I saw an article about them in a writing newsletter and followed through to their website. At the time they were actively seeking submissions, but all they wanted was a brief synopsis. I posted my 386 word synopsis in the appropriate box on their website…and… the site timed out, so I rewrote the synopsis…not having drafted it to start with, of course…and then pressed send. The irony of this is that I usually stress about writing a synopsis, but the space they gave me to write into was so limited I was forced to cut the story down to its bare bones. The fact that after an hour their website got fed up with me loitering, and the fact that I hadn’t saved what I’d typed, made me cut it down even more. There’s a lesson to be learnt here.

I often wondered what happened to my synopsis and whether anyone had read it, but shortly before Christmas 2013 Booktrope emailed and asked if I’d still be interested in submitting Visiting Lilly to their review panel for consideration. Having pitched Visiting Lilly to several agents and received rejections I said yes to their offer. I never expected them to give any feedback, but what did go through my mind is, ‘Here is someone, or more than one person, who will read my entire manuscript, not just the first three chapters. They will judge the story as a whole.’ On that basis it had to be worth a go.

Booktrope’s review panel were impressed enough to offer me a contract to publish with them, so now the process of preparing my novel for publication begins.

Visiting Lilly is a mystery thriller and love story…with a twist.

Twenty Seven year old Frankie wants to visit an old woman, Lilly, who lives in an old people’s home. No crime in that, now is there? Only Lilly’s relatives are more than a little against the idea, so D.I. Jake Talbot decides to poke his nose in and investigate what their problem is. A nice easy case leading up to Christmas…which ends up threatening his job, his integrity and his sanity.

A couple of years ago I entered the first chapter of Visiting Lilly into the Winchester Writers’ Conference competition for the beginning of murder mystery novel. I received Highly Commended and this is what the judge had to say. (In case you’re wondering all entrants  had to use a pseudonym)

Lilly WinchesterNow everyone will be able to read the entire story of Visiting Lilly; but meanwhile follow a different story as I keep you posted on how the process goes from acceptance to publication.

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