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Tag Archives: Marketing Tips

Marketing tips for authors.

No longer in available in eBook

eBook available exclusively on Ream

Print version

All available locations: https://books2read.com/guide-tec

 

Genre: Non-fiction, writer's guidebook

For #PietasFans & #LucRah lovers

The Companion is a World Building Bible and Guide to Writing a Science Fiction Series.

Before writing the first book in the Tarthian Empire, I wrote ten thousand years of future history.

This book features that history, and spans Earth and its colonization of the galaxy, focusing on the big picture.

The Tarthian Empire Companion also provides advice and suggestions for creating a Science Fiction series and building worlds.

The companion provides organizational tips, links to marketing sites, groups supporting writers, science fiction groups, and more.

Illustrated in full color with original art created by Jamin Allen and Kayelle Allen.

What is a Story Bible?

A "story bible" is the book an author uses to keep all the details straight when writing a story or book. Different from a synopsis or outline, a story bible is a collection of details that bring a story to life. Is your hero left handed? What year did your king assume the throne? What is the name of your heroine's pet? What type of money does your character have in his pocket? All these details and more are kept in a story bible. This book includes my story bible -- and shows you how to create your own.

Qualified to Write a How-To

I have studied the craft and read classic Scifi since I was a child. In 2008 I won an honorary mention for the EPIC eBook Award for Fantasy, and in 2010 won the EPIC eBook Award for Science Fiction Romance. My books have won reviewer's awards and received multiple four- and five-star reviews. I have published numerous Science Fiction books, Science Fiction Romances, and have written within the genre since 2003.

Writing a History

Writers must understand the culture of the people about whom they write. What events drove their wars? Who won them? What made the peace so short, and the fighting so dire? The Tarthian Empire Companion suggests other questions to consider when writing a history for your world.

Where to buy the Tarthian Empire Companion

Universal book link - buy from your favorite store: https://books2read.com/guide-tec

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

When I wrote the blurb and taglines for At the Mercy of Her Pleasure and For Women Only, I wanted to hear them read by someone with a deep voice. Someone who could sound like the late Michael Clarke Duncan, or like the Allstate guy, Dennis Haysbert. Both have deep, rich, velvety voices. My son Jamin was creating a new video for his gaming channel, VtwoGamers, and searched on Fiverr for voiceover talent. When he discovered MarkusVoice, Jamin immediately texted me. “Try this guy for your taglines” — so I went over and gave a listen.

I was hooked. Check out Markus Watson’s amazing voiceover as he reads my taglines in this video. My son Jamin ends the video, reading a close out line about my new book Bro.

https://youtu.be/ghb2ueiRJ6s

I can hear what you’re thinking. This must have cost a fortune. No, actually it was less than $50 for everything, and included files I could download and edit using Audacity. If you’d prefer to hear them as voice only, Click the book covers. As Markus says on his website, this is 100% him. I did nothing to change his voice.

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

 

For Women Only

For Women Only

Find MarkusVoice Voiceover Talent on the web

Website http://markusvoice.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/markusvoice
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/markusvoice?_rdr=p
Google Plus https://plus.google.com/+Markusvoice/about

What do you think? Does the voiceover work for these stories? Which actor do you think Markus sounds most like? Michael Clarke Duncan or Dennis Haybert? Leave a comment below.

Don’t forget to download a copy of Bro, the Story Behind the Antonello Brothers. It’s free.

Tarthian Empire Companion - create believable aliens

Tarthian Empire Companion – create believable aliens

About 18 months ago, I joined a local writer’s group. I was looking for a critique group, but figured any writer’s group would lead me to one. At the time, it was a weekly meeting and the emphasis of the group was strictly to do writing prompts. Members met at Starbucks, had coffee, and shared a new word they’d learned. The moderator then gave a topic and we spent 20 minutes writing. Afterward, we shared what we’d written and others in the group commented. About four months later, someone asked if we could meet on an additional, different day to critique already-written work. Several of us jumped at the chance. Within another three months, the original moderator left the group, and we began doing a critique at all meetings. In addition, or instead of, members can write to prompts and bring those. In any case, we all share critiques. The atmosphere is positive, friendly, and open.

Critique Groups Get Results

Mallow Mayhem by Lisa Haman

Mallow Mayhem by Lisa Haman

The group meets regularly, Tuesday for lunch at a different restaurant, and Saturday for coffee, and we do critiques of work we’re readying to publish. It’s produced some wonderful books, including Lisa Haman’s brilliant humorous noir, Mallow Mayhem. Imagine a world where marshmallow peeps rule. When a pink bunny goes missing, it’s up to yellow chick Philippa Marlowmellow to investigate. Lisa wrote this book with a nod to all the various kinds of peeps, without ever mentioning the candy or using its trademarked names. Click her cover to read a sample.

Last year, I published A Romance for Christmas, which the group critiqued, and also Human Perfect. This month, I released The Tarthian Empire Companion, a non-fiction book the group helped me polish.

Tarthian Empire Companion, an illustrated World-Building Bible and Guide to Writing a Science Fiction Series by Kayelle Allen. Illustrated by Jamin Allen and Kayelle Allen.

Tarthian Empire Companion, an illustrated World-Building Bible and Guide to Writing a Science Fiction Series by Kayelle Allen. Illustrated by Jamin Allen and Kayelle Allen.

For the writer of science fiction, and the writer who wants to create a science fiction series, this volume teaches you how to build believable worlds, track details of your story, organize your writing, and lay out your story bible. Novice or experienced, you will pick up tricks and tips here. The Companion reveals the worldbuilding magic that makes the Tarthian Empire tick. I share 10k years of future history, offer peeks at scene and character creation, lay out a quick tour of the Empire, and dish up a surfeit of secrets for fans, all in one illustrated volume. The companion provides organizational tips, links to marketing sites, groups supporting writers, science fiction groups, and more. Material from my 90+ page website is included. Original art by Jamin Allen (and some by me).

It’s a good idea to have any book looked at by others before publishing it. When people put a checkmark next to a line because they like it, or tell you they got lost on a line, it helps. Better to have friends who tell you the truth about a scene and guide you to make it better, than to have reviewers tell you how badly you write. Once that book is out there, it’s out there.

A Location Critique

Is Starbucks an ideal location? On the plus side, most people drink coffee, and the site offers tea and water, plus other flavored drinks. There are healthy and not-so-healthy snacks, all made on site. Best yet, no one drops by the table to interrupt or ask if you want anything else. You can work without a hassle. [pq]Starbucks offers plugins for computers or phones, and wifi is free.[/pq] On the down side, it can be noisy when they grind beans, or the place is full. We’ve learned that when the grinder starts, it’s best just to wait a minute. We meet at different spots, and one swears the room temperature is set by corporate. We don’t really buy that story, but what can you do? Overall, we find Starbucks a good place to meet, and they are environmentally conscious.

Grab Some Coffee and a Critique

So grab yourself some coffee, pop up a note on Meetup or Facebook, and get ready to sit down and talk writing. It could be the best cup of coffee you drink (and two hours of time you spend) all week.

Where to find the Tarthian Empire Companion

Amazon http://bit.ly/companion-az
Smashwords http://bit.ly/companion-sm
Find this book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25134488-tarthian-empire-companion-an-illustrated-world-building-bible-and-guide
Coming soon to print

 

Cover Artist: GermanCreative

GermanCreative is a cover artist and graphic designer. She has created many covers for the various series of books set in the Tarthian Empire and the Bringer of Chaos books.

You can reach her for commissions on Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/germancreative

GermanCreative (aka Les) is a graphic designer and illustrator focused in cover design, vector graphics and typography. She started creating her first covers as a young girl. She graduated with a degree in communication, and now uses her passion for design as her job.

She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. She has won awards from TheBookDesigner and was chosen for Cover of the Month from AllAuthor.

 

Covers by GermanCreative

Les created one of my favorite covers ever - with the adorable tot whom Luc adopts in A Stolen Heart.
When I decided it was time to show Luc instead, she recreated the cover, and helped rebrand it for another series.
That included creating the logo seen in the upper right corner. Each series in my story universe has one.

A Stolen Heart - cover by GermanCreative

A Stolen Heart - cover by GermanCreative

Les created the Kayelle logo (center) and all the icons representing my series.
I used them to create the image below, with art from Pixabay.

The Kayelle logo and icons for each series.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

The Creative Team

Nik Nitsvetov: Performer for Pietas cosplays

Pietas Cosplay

Nik Nitsvetov is an award-winning cosplayer and photographer who portrays the immortal king, Pietas, from Bringer of Chaos. His role on the Creative Team is invaluable.

Read More >>>

Belyaeva Yuliya - AKA By_Cosphoto

Photographer

Professional photographer Belyaeva Yuliya is a critical member of the Creative Team. She photographs Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas in videos and snippets, and brings my immortal king to amazing life through her creativity.
Read More >>>

Zack Black: Voiceover artist for Pietas audio and video

Voiceover

Professional voiceover artist Zack Black is the member of the Creative Team performing the voice of Pietas in the Ritual of Strength and Who Are the Ultras videos. Zack sounds the way Pietas does in my head.

Read More >>>

Zachary Johnson - Narrator

Voiceover

Professional voiceover artist Zachary Johnson creates the voice of Pietas in videos and snippets. Zachary also performs on his YouTube channel as Pietas. This member of the Creative Team adds a punch of fun to the lineup.

Read More >>>

Volgraza: Illustrator for the Tarthian Empire Companion and Tarthian Tour Company

Artist

Volgraza (aka Jamin Allen) illustrated the Tarthian Empire Companion and the Tarthian Tour Company. He's also my Photoshop help line. :)

Read More >>>

Cover Artist: GermanCreative

Cover Artist

GermanCreative is a cover artist and graphic designer. She has created many covers for the various series of books set in the Tarthian Empire, including the cover for A Stolen Heart.
Read More >>>

DRATAR - Sculptors & Artisans

Artisans

DRATAR creates custom decor and gifts, and have partnered with me to create a custom dragon box featured in the book Ring of the Dragon.
Read More >>>

Website Design: Dee Carver

Website Design

Dee Carver of Personalized Marketing Inc. created the Kayelle Homeworld theme and is the website guru. She holds a Masters in Business Administration.
Read More >>>

Blue Crystal Works Photography and Videography

Blue Crystal is an artist who specializes in graphic design and art that moves. His images take on a spirit of their own.

You will find his work on YouTube and Instagram, where he brings static images to dynamic life.

Read More >>>

Nano-Core: Concept designer and artist

Concept Design

Nano-Core creates fantasy and sci fi weapon designs, environments, mechs and other objects. His part on the creative team is concept design.

Read More >>>

Coffee Time Romance

Coffee Time Romance

Coffee Time Romance is a premier spot for authors and readers to gather around a mutual love of hot beverage!
Read More >>>

The Romance Studio - Romance Today

The Romance Studio

The Romance Studio, Romance Today for authors and readers. Reviews and features for those who love books.
Read More >>>

Bookish Indulgences with bOOk r3vi3ws

Bookish Indulgences with bOOk r3vi3ws

Bookish Indulgences with bOOk r3vi3ws where authors and readers share beloved books. Highly recommended!
Read More >>>

Rene from Rene's Getaway

Assistant

My former assistant, Rene, runs Rene's Getaway, the best spot to show off your works, join a tour, or gain assistance marketing at an affordable rate. I highly recommend her.
Read More >>>


Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

Rene's Getaway is the best spot for you to show off your works, join a tour or get some assistance with your marketing at an affordable rate. The Getaway is a one-stop shop from creating eye catching graphics, performing hashtag research, organizing newsletter swaps and creation to social media management and encouraging follower growth. Arranging book tours and finding BookFunnel followers is a specialty.

https://renesgetaway.wordpress.com/blog/