The Kindle store for Amazon UK is so new that these initial sales are the time when a few sales will rocket a title up the charts more than they will in a month or two when it’s all settled down.  So I know these figures and rankings are a little unrealistic and do reflect the time in which they stand.

But I was still number 92 for a while and that really made my day.

Purchase The Map and The Stone with 15% off with coupon code NEWREAD305

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Use coupon code NEWREAD305 at checkout and receive 15% off The Map and The Stone. Maximum savings with this promotion is £10. You can only use the code once per account, and you can’t use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This great offer ends on September 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM so try not to procrastinate! While very unlikely we do reserve the right to change or revoke this offer at anytime, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so. Finally, Lulu incurs the cost of this discount, so it does not impact the Author’s proceeds of the book.
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The Map and The Stone

I’ve released The Map and the Stone in a few places, with more to come.

The Map and The Stone is currently available through:

• Sarah Barnard’s main website
• Sarah’s Lulu page
• Sarah’s Smashwords page
• Ethics Trading

In the coming months The Map and The Stone will be distributed through to Amazon and other online retailers, including ebooks and the Amazon Kindle store.

Check back for more updates.

Which reminds me, I do need to update THE MAP AND THE STONE Artwork page to reflect the artists properly and if you like their work then please do get in touch with them, I know they’d love to hear from you.  All the artists involved have given their time in return for the links on the website and in the book so I’m really hoping it raises their profiles as well as mine when the book comes out.

Oh yes, book release…

Assuming the final pictures come in on time and don’t need much tinkering then THE MAP AND THE STONE should be available on my site, through my business Ethics Trading and via my Lulu store, on the 1st of August.

This will be a release in stages with THE MAP AND THE STONE initially only being available from these places and then during the Autumn it will filter through to Amazon and other sites, and at that stage it will be available for you to order in your local high street book shop or local library.

By the time that’s all done it’ll be November and I’ll be writing again, at break neck speed

I’ve thanked people in previous books, I’ve given special mentions – but those are simple acknowledgements that I’d not have finished the work without their support and friendship.

This is different, this is a proper “This book is dedicated to..”  It feels very different.

• ebooks tend to be cheaper than printed
• you can load loads of books onto an ereader and take them ALL on holiday with you.
• ereaders tend to be lighter than paper books so easier for those in hospital, ill or with wrist problems. (I know my wrists ache if I’ve been reading a heavy book!)
• it’s all eco friendly – think of the trees used to create those paper books!
• you can try out a book electronically and then get the print version as well if you want. It’s a good way to find out if you like a new author.
• loads of new, independent authors have embraced ebooks so you can discover loads of new titles!

Where can you find them?

At Smashwords, amongst other places but Smashwords has a huge selection of indie authors and books. Even better, they have a Summer/Winter Sale on where loads of books are at 25%, 50% and 75% off, and some are FREE.

Go check them out.

I can email the book to whoever wants to have a go.

Bartering:

• I’d like to make this a bartering/cashless transaction if I can.
• So I’m not going to pay anyone for their work, but am happy to credit the artist(s) with a site/business type link in the finished book and on my writing site, and anywhere I can add links where the book will be publicised.
• I need the rights to use any images within my book, printed or electronic and on my website but I’m happy to agree that they are not exclusive and can be used elsewhere, in conjunction with my name and book title, or not, as the artist so wishes – so prints, posters, in a portfolio, whatever – but I put them in my book and on my site for no cash cost.

It would get someone in print, some publicity – could be useful for someone starting out or in need of portfolio examples?

Happy to negotiate…

Sarah

I like dreaming my writing. It’s somehow really connected and visual like watching the film, or being in the story.

Sage leaned back in the seat and waited for the sensation she knew was coming, knowing she had to hide any reaction from her passenger.

There, the movement on her back, a soft tickle on her lower spine at waist level. Then the sharp stab. She barely flinched.

It’s a fragment and I have notes for the rest of the scene, including an explanation, but that’s for November…

Well, maybe for November, I have another character drifting up and muttering about needing to be told, to be included – and she’s blonde, wears a long black coat, carries a weapon of some sort, and she’s dead…

More about her another day.

I’m thinking that I may even offer a Ltd edition or run a competition or something…

Watch this space, and do feel free to offer ideas if you think of any!

I wonder if AppleAM might get involved again? Huge thanks to the very green Tracey Smith (well worth a listen on a Sat night between 6 and 8pm, and no Dr Who after next weekend so no excuses!)

Thanks.