The Authorpreneur Blog
Amelia D. Hay is a virtual writing and business coach for fiction writers and the host of The Authorpeneur Podcast. Every week, on this blog, she will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel. Learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers. In her, Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary (BTS) she shares an honest account of her journey to self-publishing her novels.
BTS037, Write to Market, Free Book Formatting Services and Hiring an Alpha Reader on Fiverr | October Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I discuss my plans to write to market, my new book formatting services and how you can use them for free, and a-ha moment I had about my book Missing, which I’m hoping will result in more positive book reviews.
BTS036, Moving Web Hosts, Getting Book Reviews, and Writing Book Two In a Series | September Author Diary Update
In this episode, I share how after months of frustration with the slow speed of my website, I took the plunge and moved web hosts. And, I discuss along with the results of another free promotion on Kobo, and my experiments with pre-orders on Amazon.
A Quick Guide on How to Get Interviewed on Podcasts for Fiction Authors
The problem with helpful book marketing suggestions like”get interviewed on podcasts,” is no one actually tells you how to create a pitch that will land you an interview. In this episode, I will share three tips and a six-step formula that will help you craft a better pitch and hopefully, get you a podcast interview. Obviously, I can’t make any outlandish claims or promise you’ll get interviewed on podcasts. But, I can promise to show you how to present yourself to hosts, so that they can see the value you can contribute to their show.
BTS035, Developing a Writing Habit After Months of Struggling | August Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I share how I finally developed a writing habit after months of struggling. And, I discuss my efforts to chase reviews for my mystery novella, Missing. Plus, I found a fun alternative to Patreon.
BTS034, Struggling to Write Book Two in a Series and the Results of My Free Book Promotion on Kobo | July Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I discuss how a well known free ebook platform shared my novella to its audience and the equally unexpected results. And, I review the outcome of my free ebook promotion on Kobo. On top of all of this, I talk about how I’m struggling to write book two in a series.
BTS033, Opting Out of Kindle Unlimited, My First Free Promotion on Kobo, and Outlining a Short Story | June Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I discuss my decision to opt-out of Kindle Unlimited or KDP select and shifting my focus from book sales to getting more book reviews. On top of all of this, I’m making a special announcement, at the end of the show.
BTS032, Publishing a Second Edition of a Mystery Novel and Using Book Blogging Tours as a New Author | May Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I will discuss my progress with publishing the second edition of a mystery novella Missing and the results of the book blogging tour. And, I share the results of my boosted Facebook post and my Book Doggy promotion.
BTS031, Rewrite a Self-Published Novel, Using a Paid Beta Reader, Book Blogging Tours, and My Second Bargain Booksy Promo | April Author Diary Update
Coming up in this episode, I will discuss why I chose to rewrite a self-published novel and the steps involved. While we’re on this topic, I also share my experience using a paid beta reader, and how this entire experience has changed my writing and self-publishing process for the better. On top of all of this, I’m also going to discuss the results of my second Bargain Booksy promotion.
BTS030, Frustrations with Publishing Wide, Trying Something New, and Dealing with Negative Feedback | March Author Diary Update, Part Two
Coming up in part two of the author diary episode for March, I will discuss my frustrations with publishing wide, trying something new, and dealing with negative feedback. And, I also share what that means for my James Lalonde series.
BTS029, Writing Beats within Scenes, Scene Blocking and Experimenting with First and Third Person POV in a Novel | March Author Diary Update, Part One
Coming up in this episode of the Authorpreneur Podcast, I will discuss rewriting a novel, writing beats within scenes, experimenting with first and third-person POV in a novel, and scene blocking.
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Hello!
My Books
A van Gogh is Missing and A Body is on the Lawn
When Will Thatcher, doesn’t show up for work, James Lalonde is forced to attend an afternoon tea with Alistair Carmichael in his place. The lovely autumn afternoon tea comes to an abrupt end when a body turns up on the lawn of the Carmichael Estate with strange markings on his neck.
But, something is missing, a priceless painting is off the wall. However, it’s no ordinary painting, it’s a Van Gogh purchased in an auction a few months ago. After discovering fresh tracks, most likely left by the murderer James realises the murder is still in the estate.
Can James figure out who the thief and murderer are before he or Alistair is next?
A killer is on the loose, Excalibur is missing, and his career is on the line…
James, the chief editor of a small newspaper, returns home to discover that his girlfriend, Valentine has unexpectedly left. Later that morning, he fails to reallocate her story. To avoid blank space in the paper, James decides to write the story on the local museum’s latest acquisition, Excalibur. But, there’s one thing he didn’t count on… Excalibur is Missing, and his girlfriend has been kidnapped.
£1.99
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What I’m Writing Now!
Revised Draft
52,029 of 65,000 Words
Right now, I’m preparing Book Two in the James Lalonde series, for a final round of revisions. The next step is to send the story off to my editor. I aim to have this eBook published on all major ebook retailers by the end of April 2021. And, I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
Publishing Updates
First Draft
0 of 60,000 Words
I’ve decided to add an extra book between the second book and the start of the byline series, where James arrives in New York. Book Three will be set in a 24 hour period in London. This novel will be available in ebook in Kindle Unlimited by the end of July 2021. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
Revised Draft
112,960 of 99,000 Words
Book Four in the James Lalonde series needs one final round of revisions before I can hand it off to my editor. This longer novel will be available in ebook in Kindle Unlimited by the end of November 2021. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
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