I just received word from my publisher that "Checkmate" will retail for $26.95.  I was a little concerned until I thought about the reasons behind the somewhat elevated price.  I'm hoping that if I explain those reasons here, my readers will understand, too, and still buy the book!  First of all, Checkmate runs 443 pages -- a LONG book, by any standard.  Consequently, it costs more to print, because I'm working with a small publisher who doesn't print in bulk.  They outsource all their printing, and pay higher costs for that printing as a result.  Also, what most readers don't realize is that the major book retailers (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc) only pay the publisher 50% of the cover price.  In order to make any kind of profit on their books, and stay in business, these publishers have no choice but to charge a little more for their product. 

It is said, though, that the small press is the future of the publishing industry.  It is almost impossible to get a book published by a large house these days--even if they've published you before.  You have to either be a best-selling author, famous, or know somebody who is.  The big publishers no longer look at "unsolicited" manuscripts, which means you have to have an agent--and getting one of them is almost as hard as finding a publisher.  Therefore, even established writers who were dropped by the large houses are now publishing through small presses--and their books are retailing for more than they did before.

So, as one of those semi-established authors, I ask that you give my book and my new publisher a chance.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I will also, in the not too distant future, be offering autographed copies of my book here on my web site.  And I won't charge an arm and a leg for them, either.  In fact, I may even offer them at a reduced rate to offset the high retail.  We'll see...

Just got the cover and galley proof for "Checkmate" from my publisher.  I am so excited!  The cover is awesome!  It's now up on the My Newest Releases page, so check it out and let me know what you think.  I'm told the book may be available sooner than January 15, so here's hoping!

I'm excited.  Just got the "Visitors" report for my website, and in the six days its been up, I've had 647 visitors!  Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to browse the website.  It means more than I can say.  There will be a lot of changes over the next few months, so please, stop back often!

Jean

I just saw a bald eagle soar over my house.  It landed in a tree in my back yard.  Now I know why I moved to the country!  It was so beautiful, so graceful...it kind of left me in awe.  Okay, now back to earth and my writing...

Welcome to my blog!  I've been working on this web site for close to three days now, and I think I'm finally satisfied with it.  I would love to hear your comments and suggestions, so please...feel free!  Be sure to let me know if you find any typos.  My eyes are going bonkers right now, so I'm sure there are some (maybe many) that I missed.  I hope you'll check back often for updates on what I'm up to.  "Talk" to you soon!

Jean