To our readers and supporters,

We’ve been a little quiet since the start of the year, largely because the ball was in our publisher’s court. We’d delivered the manuscript, and we’d delivered the preorders that Inkshares requires to move forward – in record time, thanks again to all of you – and we were waiting to hear from them.

We’re happy to report that we had our first telephone conference with Inkshares officials Friday, Feb. 15, who told us that our book will be one of the top five projects they’ll be working on in the next few months. The CEO told us he’d read 50 pages so far and planned to read the rest in the coming weeks. Inkshares’ editing team should be responding to us with an editorial letter by early March, laying out their reactions and next steps. The CEO told us that he’s very excited about this project and wants to shape it so that we can maximize our audience. (Which we are obviously in favor of).

This is a new world for both of us, as it’s the first book project either of us have ever worked on. Neither of us had any idea of what goes into publishing a book or how long that process takes. We learned a lot during Friday’s conversation. The company is already thinking about cover art and who will design it. We had done our own mock cover, just to get ideas started, but the company has professional designers it uses. We’re excited to see what they come up with. 

We also discussed the importance of media coverage, particularly radio interviews, to promote the project. Company officials believe the editing process can be completed during the spring. But the earliest possible publication date would probably be in the fall. Inkshares will be doing market research to see if similar books are coming out and when, to determine a strategic release date. But we’re probably looking at fall at the earliest, maybe into the winter.

Clearly, we’re going to be learning a lot. Neither of us ever thought much about market research in terms of timing a release. But that’s why they’re publishers and they’ve got expertise that we don’t.

We do hear from many of you wondering when the book will be published. We plan to keep you updated throughout the year. A few people have asked when the book will be mailed to them. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been published yet, but it will be. 

Doyle first approached Lou with a draft of the book in Oct. 2015. We’ve been working together ever since. And now we’re getting closer to reaching our dreams – this book, published by a real publisher, with our names on the cover – than ever before. 

We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of all of you. Thanks again for your support, your faith in us, and your continued patience. If we could deliver a finished product to you tomorrow, we would. But this has been a multi-year effort for us, and we’re committed to making this the best product we can and offering the best experience possible to our readers. It may take a few more months, but we are going to get there.

Sincerely,

Doyle and Lou

Hey everyone! 

Just wanted to take minute and update everyone on our progress. After the official 1-month mark since beginning, we have passed 150+ pre-orders! “Showtime” is still the #1 trending funding title on Inkshares, the #2 spot for amount of followers, and #3 for amount of pre-orders! Thanks to all of you for your orders, continued support, and enthusiasm!

As always, remember to share, tag, and forward to friends and family who you think might be interested in the book, and stay tuned to Facebook on 2/22/19 for the Dunkin’ Donuts gift card(s) giveaway(s)! If you’ve already ordered, you’re already entered (each order=1 entry). If not, there’s still time to be entered!

Thanks again, guys and girls. Here’s to the next milestone!

Ricky

Hi Everyone,

As I am approaching the 1 year mark from starting the pre-orders I wanted to share some details, news, and a special deal.

First, the response to The One has be wonderful. In less than a year 385 copies have been purchased (combined e-books and paperbacks). 

I have presented at my high school, and the students were great. Just this week I spoke again with one of the media arts classes. They had great questions and insights. As a class project, they will be preparing book trailers of my novel. The winning team will each get an autographed copy.

Special anniversary offer

I have put my e-book on sale for $0.99 as part of the SFF Mega 99c Promo (18 - 24 February) on Amazon. 

You can find the full deal at http://sffbookbonanza.com/99c-books/

Also Purple Toga, my publisher, has put up several e-books for sale during the same promotion period.

So, thank you all for your support this has been a thrilling year and there will be more fun to come.

Eric