What about Kindle Unlimited? by Cheryl Bolen

A few years ago, Amazon started offering a low-cost subscription plan for readers. For just $9.99 a month they could get unlimited books each month. The downside, for readers, is that almost no books from major publishing houses are offered in the program, and most of the books are written by self-published authors. Of course, many of these are very good books. And many of them sell phenomenally well.

What, then, are the advantages for the author?

New and unknown authors enrolled in KU may have a higher chance of discoverability for their books. Being in KU also gives them an opportunity to get more reviews. 

And, as mentioned, the most successful of the KU books can earn a lot of money. In early May (which did not compete with popular summer reads), I counted 89 of the top 100 books in my Regency category at Amazon were KU books.

Subsequently, those books were either being sold or were earning off of “page reads” at a very high rate. Authors get paid a little under half a cent for every page read. I have one friend who has all of her 30-plus books in KU and earns $30,000 a month—after paying a whopping amount for advertising on Amazon devices. (That figure does include her income from audio and print books, as well as foreign editions.)

I am told that all those authors who sell well spend a hefty amount on ads, but they wouldn’t be doing it were they not making a significant return on investment. I know several who spend over $10,000 a month on Amazon ads.

Another advantage to being in KU is the ability to have five free days in the 90-day contract period. Other selling perks like Kindle Countdowns are also offered exclusively to KU authors.

What are the disadvantages to the author?

Books enrolled in KU cannot be sold as eBooks anywhere except at Amazon. Also, they cannot be offered to libraries for digital downloads.

In the years I’ve indie published I’ve never made less than $20,000 annually from cumulative sales at the other online vendors: Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play together. Even though Amazon holds the lion’s share of readers, I hate to give up a solid income like that.

I’ve been told that to be successful in KU, all your books must be there, and you cannot go in and out. Stay there and give it a chance. This was an extremely successful strategy for indie medieval author Kathryn LeVeque, who for years has held top spots on Amazon bestseller lists.

I personally have never had good fortune with my half-hearted attempts to go into KU. Admittedly, I’ve never gone “all in.” I’ve tried stand-alone titles or series with less-than-stellar sales in an attempt to boost sales. It’s never worked for me. I could not justify taking all my 40-plus books out of wide distribution for paltry sales.

Also, I’ve never had good success with Amazon ads, and I’m not alone. Perhaps it’s just the historical genre, but I’ve talked to far more authors who had no luck with Amazon ads than to authors for whom AMS ads performed well. Authors at the higher echelon pay for a special Amazon marketing program where the minimum investment is $10,000 a month to advertise one book on one device.

While I’m not enthused about using KU, there is one exception. I put the German books for which I hold the rights (some 25 of them) in KU Germany. Every single one of them was a bestseller there, and every one of them earned an Amazon All Star bonus, the highest being around $6,000 for one month (when I had 3 million page reads).

While they’re still in KU Germany, page reads have dwindled because the books are now old, and my last bonus was six months ago. 

I may look at KU differently at some point, but for now I’m staying in wide distribution.—Cheryl Bolen is the New York Times, USA Today bestselling author of more than 40 books, most of them set in Regency England. Her newest release is One Room at the Inn. You can find her on the internet at these locations:

Website          Facebook        Blog      Pinterest

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Try Judy's Scrumptious Cherry Cake! - by Judith Hudson

For years, in two consecutive houses,  we had big – I mean BIG – cherry trees. We had so many cherries every year that some years we made cherry wine just to use them up. By the time we moved two years ago I was hooked on having a freezer full of cherries. Now every year I wait like a cougar in a tree for the prices to drop: $6.99, $4.99, $3.99, then, finally,  when they hit $2.99 a pound, I pounce!

Judy sneaking cherries

The California cherries are the first, then Washington state, then finally, fresh BC cherries from the Okanagan Valley, the inland, fruit and wine producing region of British Columbia.  Sweet, dark and juicy, this year they are very BIG – almost too big for my doubled barrel cherry pitter. Yes, I’m serious about my cherries.

I usually freeze them with a dusting of sugar (don’t judge me!) but today I wanted to share my favorite cherry cake recipe. This buttery, almond flavoured cherry cake is an old family favourite. I’ve recently found it works just as well in a gluten free version made with almond and coconut flour.

The ingredients are nothing really special, just butter, quite a bit of butter, and eggs and flour (or almond and coconut flour) with a touch of almond extract. The secret is in the beaten egg whites that are folded in at the last minute that keep the cake light and fluffy. Then you stud fresh (or frozen) cherries into the top and pop it in the oven.

It's best eaten fresh, but that's okay because in our house it never lasts very long.

You can get the whole recipe, both wheat and gluten free, here on my website

http://www.judithhudsonauthor.com/recipe/cherry-cake-gluten-free-or-not/

Perfect for the holidays coming up on both sides of the border next week. Why not give it a try. The amazing cherry and almond aroma alone is worth the effort.

And don't forget this month's giveaway for your chance to win one of three great prizes:

June Prizes

1st Prize: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize: $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

 

Click here to enter!

 

Until next month, keep safe.

Judith Hudson

For Friendship, Family and Happily-ever-after, get Welcome to Fortune Bay, the three book boxed set of Judith's small town romance series, on Amazon.

New Release: Ghost Mountain Ranch by Jan Scarbrough

Sometimes a simple suggestion leads to a two-year writing project. That’s what took me and my character Hank from the setting of the McKenna Ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana, into Gallatin Canyon which is across the mountain. It didn’t hurt that my husband and I had spent three days at the Covered Wagon Ranch in 2016.

To gather the back story for my series, I read a few books. One had the long title of Days of Rage: America’s Radical Underground, the FBI, and the Forgotten Age of Revolutionary Violence by Bryan Burrough. I’m not going to say any more about the back story, because it will ruin the plot.

So, now my series is finished. I wrote the lead in book in 2017. At the end of the Christmas story, Hank, the McKenna’s wrangler, gets a job at Ghost Mountain Ranch where he grew up. This sets the scene for reuniting with his old girl friend Darby. They’re older now and both need second chances.

Darby’s twin children “star” in the other two books. Slade, the first of these books is on preorder, and the last one Kelsey will be available soon.

Thirty years ago, torn by shock and guilt over the death of her mother, Darby York fled the dude ranch where she’d grown up in Montana. In her new life in the bluegrass of Kentucky, she’d become a horse groom, an artist, married a wealthy Thoroughbred owner, raised twins, and been widowed. But now, with word her father is growing feeble, Darby has to finally face the truth: no matter how far you run, the past has a way of catching up. Her father hadn’t been the only man Darby had left behind. Would the boyfriend she’d abandoned still be there?

Hank Slade, wrangler at Ghost Mountain Ranch, has never stopped carrying the torch for Darby. Her vibrant red hair may be tinged with gray now, but the natural, unsophisticated look about her remains—a look that speaks of home and comfort to Hank. But is he willing to risk his heart with Darby again?

What is the truth behind the death of Darby’s mother? When the past once again intrudes on the present, will Darby do what she’s always done—what her mother did—and run away? Grief and secrets had torn Darby and Hank apart once. Given a second chance at love, will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?

Darby: Ghost Mountain Ranch Book 2 is available at most ebook retailers:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2AExEb7

More Universal Buy Links: https://books2read.com/Darby

My book Secrets is FREE on KindleUnlimited today through Saturday!

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A Midsummer Daydream

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

Ok, so it’s not midsummer yet in the USA, but can’t a woman still dream? Sweden, though, is celebrating its midsummer (midsommar) considered one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. And why not? It’s a country of two seasons; winter and summer.

Midsommar is there welcome to summer, and not the literal meaning of mid. Locals pick flowers and create floral crowns which they wear throughout the days. Folklore has it, if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow, you will dream about your future spouse. Wish I had known that way back when.

Anyway, with the kind of year we’ve had so far, we’re all entitled to dreams.  Big ones. Little ones.  Over the top ones. Romantic ones…. Bring them all on.

In past summers, I’ve traveled the country and the world, but this June, given our semi-lockdown status, like you, I’m stuck at home. Travel these days mean a fourteen-day quarantine, and who needs that? So, instead I’d like to share some of my favorite places. You may want to add them to your bucket list.

Come June, I think of places like Santorini, Greece (easily one of the most romantic places in the world,) Alaska (been there several times,) Copenhagen (could easily move there,) and Russia (beautiful and a whole other world.) These trips were both vacation and work.

Like most writers, I have a day job. My day job just happens to be in the travel industry. Covid, as you know, hit my industry badly. So, this year, Alaska for work or play is definitely out of the question. Past summers it was an old stomping ground. Seeing it by land, air and sea is unbeatable. That I could actually live there, surprises even me.  I’ve been to many Alaskan cities, places like: Juneau, Ketchigan, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Sitka etc.. I’ve even taken a train to Denali. Yet my favorite city remains Skagway; Gateway to the Goldrush. My imagination goes wild there, and the Red Onion Brothel Tour is a favorite of mine. Nothing more appealing than enterprising women who know how to make a buck. Oh, the tales the rooms in that brothel could tell.

If you’ve not been to Santorini, Greece, put that on your dreamer list. I first went there on a cruise ship. A writer friend hosts an annual retreat that showcases that little piece of paradise. It helps that she’s Greek, because seeing the real Santorini and not the island the tourists know is a treat. Sadly, this year’s Write-In was canceled because of the Covid situation that has us all on lockdown. But I am here to tell you that sitting at the top of a majestic cliff, at day's end, aperitif in hand, watching the sun turn the water to spun gold, is pure magic, and an experience you will never forget.

Next up is Copenhagen, charming as can be. It’s Hans Christian Andersen’s country, and easily the city of my heart. Why? It boils down to two words, picturesque and enchanting. Think fairytale.

Nothing like climbing down those rocks to get up close and personal to the Little Mermaid. Here, with the sun setting, closer to 10pm  than 7pm, active people stay out and about, hiking, biking, running, skating and dining. Outdoor fairs, offer ancient books and beautiful artwork. One of my fondest memories is a visit to Amalienborg Palace which is home to Denmark’s royal family. There I flirted with a guard who flirted right back, though he reminded me to keep a respectful social distance.  Perhaps some of my fascination with this lovely city is the attention I get. Most women are tall, slender, and blonde. I am tall, slender, but blonde I am not. Hence the novelty of the dark skin.

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

By Caroline Clemmons

As you've probably noticed, our theme for this month is Summer Days and Summer Nights.

Happy first day of summer. If you live in Texas as I do, you know summer heat began before today’s Solstice. Remember those old advertisements with the camel that said “Guess what day it is?” and then said “It’s hump day”? Think of today as Hump Day for 2020. The year is half over and from today forward, the days grow shorter and the nights longer.

This is a packed weekend. Today is my sweet husband, Hero’s, birthday. Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Hero was actually born on Father’s Day—a great gift for his dad. We tend to combine the two days. This year, after vowing to observe the stay home and stay safe rule, we are reneging and going out to lunch for Hero’s birthday. We’re going to his favorite restaurant and plan to be there when they open for an eleven o’clock meal. I called ahead and learned that they do practice social distancing with table assignments.

The other big thing that happened this weekend is that I have a new release. AN AGENT FOR JUDITH is a sweet western historical romance in the Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, book 77. This is a multi-author project that, as you can tell by the book number, has been very popular with readers. This is my third book in the series and I’ve enjoyed writing them. Each has a mystery or adventure of one kind or another. I especially love the cover for this one.

AN AGENT FOR JUDITH takes place mostly in northern New Mexico from Santa Fe to a fictitious town named Los Perdidos. Here’s the synopsis:

Judith McAdams has vowed to rescue her brother. 
Peyton Knight is determined to protect his group. 
Together they must outwit a cruel and powerful man.

Judith’s brother in New Mexico hasn’t been heard from since a letter saying he was being bedeviled by a neighbor who wanted his ranch. Judith wires the marshal to check on her brother. When he refuses, she goes to the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Denver. There she learns that as a civilian she can’t accompany a Pinkerton agent on a case. However, if she marries an agent she can become one, too.

Peyton values his job as a Pinkerton agent and is good at being a lawman. To keep the job he reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience to Judith. Together they will go to her brother’s rescue. Peyton is impressed with the beautiful and spirited redhead—if only she would admit he knows best. He even admires his mother-in-law but how did he end up with a civilian on their trip? At least he’s found three men he trusts to help him rescue the brother.

Their journey is filled with obstacles. Will Judith’s brother still be alive by the time they reach him? When they resolve the ranch issue, will Judith and Peyton part ways?

The Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Judith. The book is available as an ebook and in print and is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. I just love a good romance, don’t you? I hope you said an enthusiastic yes!

Don’t forget the Rafflecopter below. (By the way, we do check to be sure the tasks checked have actually been performed.)

Have a lovely weekend.

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The busy month of June Lucinda Race #Romancegems

This month it’s my wedding anniversary, birthday, Father’s Day and my oldest granddaughter’s birthday. The first week of the month is the only quiet one. So many wonderful events that all encompass different kinds of love and that I write about in my books. 

This year with all the weird stuff going on in the world celebrations will be more low-key. But for the first time in fifteen years my dad lives less than two miles away instead of 250 miles so Father’s Day will be more about Dad and less about driving an exhausting nine hours round trip. My birthday usually falls on his special day and I like to tease him that I was the best gift he ever got. 

I’m currently editing a 5-book series, all the books are written. In each book the patriarch, Sam, with his brusque way of expressions of love and pride, has given the wrong impression to his six children. When I first introduced Sam in Ready to Soar I didn’t really like him. I thought he was arrogant and demanding. In the new series Sam’s personal growth is a testament to the deep love he has for the family first and the family business second.  Sam’s imperfections are genuine and real. I have since come to respect and love this character. It just goes to show anyone can worm their way in your heart. 

If you’d like to be introduced to the Price family pick up a copy of Ready to Soar, book 5 in the Loudon Series. You’ll meet the entire gang and coming in early 2021 the first book, Blush, book 1 of The Crystal Lake Winery series will be released.

Ready to Soar, Book 5: The Loudon Series

Don’t forget to enter our monthly Rafflecopter drawing for some great prizes in Amazon gift cards. You can find complete details and the full entry form on our Monthly Giveaway page. Or you can enter via the Short Entry Form.

Until next month I wish you, health, happiness and love. 

Lucinda 

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Summer Days & Nights of Reading @karilemor #RomanceGems

With summer just about here and the need to still stay socially distant from the public, I know I’ll be diving into as many books as I can.  My brand new Kindle Paperwhite (the old one died a quick and painless death) is loaded with hundreds of books (no, I don’t have a book buying problem - one click is my friend) and I am READY! 

But what to read, what to read? I thought I’d share some of the books I’ve really enjoyed in the past and maybe you’ll find something you enjoy as well.

We’ll start with the always gracious Brenda Jackson. I’ve met this lovely woman three times now and each time she has been a joy to be with.  

Her series Catalina Cove, takes place in the Louisiana Bayou.  All three books are fabulous but I especially enjoyed FINDING HOME AGAIN maybe because I’d met the characters in the earlier books and was dying to find out what their story was.

I’m typically not one for royal or billionaire stories but I found this one to be quite fun and sassy.

Alyssa Cole - A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals.  I just downloaded the next two books to my device and I will be going on a journey very soon.

If you want a book to make you hungry, then you’ll want to pick up THE SECRET INGREDIENT by Kilby Blades.  

A chef on vacation and a handsome guy next door who wants to learn all about cooking. This book is YUMMY all around.  

PACKING HEAT -in the Blue Collar Lovers series by Zuri Day was such a breath of fresh air. It’s so refreshing to read a book about everyday people and everyday lives. The main characters in this book work at the Post Office.

If you want to escape from reality you can try PRINCE OF AIR AND DARKNESS (The Darkest Court series) by MA Grant. 

It’s a m/m fantasy that takes place among the fey. I totally fell in love with Finny and Roark. It’s part of a series but each book surrounds a different couple. I dare you to read the first and not want the rest!

Looking for a fun read where the characters already know each other? Try DANGEROUS CURVES AHEAD: A Perfect Fit Novel by Sugar Jamison. 

This book is adorable and has the heroine falling for her sister’s ex boyfriend.

How about action, adventure and some sizzling suspense along with a couple of sizzling guys? 

Layla Reyne has a series that follows two FBI agents on an epic hunt for justice.  SINGLE MALT:  Agents Irish and Whiskey is the first books but you’ll fall hard for Aiden and Jamison and want to see what happens next.

Kellye Garrett’s book HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE -A Detective By Day Mystery Book is a cute story of a private investigator in the making. 

Well written and a mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s not a romance but there was definitely a little romantic interest thrown in.

And to end things off a very sweet and innocent historical by Lorri Dudley.  THE DUKE’S REFUGE (Leeward Island series) is an inspirational book that is extremely well written and had me turning the pages until I got to the end.

And if you’re looking for a fun beach read in small town New England, I’d love for you to take a look at my Storms of New England series. The books are based on the loving Storm family but do contain some language and steamy scenes.

💖ELUSIVE DREAMS - An injured Marine, an introverted loner, two orphaned children needing a home. Can they create a perfectly imperfect family?
(marriage of convenience, girl next door)

💖TRUE DREAMS - A recovering addict in search of a quiet life. An innocent optimist seeking fame and fortune. Can she see beyond his past to heal his damaged soul? 
(boss/employee, bad boy/virgin)

💖STOLEN DREAMS - An uptight perfectionist. A bohemian free spirit. Can she convince him a walk on the wild side is good for the soul?
(opposites attract, friends with benefits)

💖BROKEN DREAMS - COMING THIS AUGUST!!

PS: It's my birthday today and if you want to get me a present, I'd love for you to try one of my books!

Amazon              Barnes & Noble               iBooks

Don't forget to enter our monthly Rafflecopter drawing for some great prizes in Amazon gift cards! You can find the complete details and full entry form on our Monthly Giveaway page. Or, you can enter via the Short Entry Form.