Robert Batten sent an update for Human Resources

Happy Weekend (unless you are in the US, in which case I guess Happy Friday)!

I’ve been working hard at editing trying to prepare for the Launchpad Manuscript competition, for which entries close later this month. Two important details:

  1. If the manuscript is lucky enough to be shortlisted in the competition, then it will enter a crowdfunding competition in October (this is how the winners will be selected). 
  2. If it doesn’t get selected for the shortlist I none-the-less plan to launch the funding campaign before the end of the year - I’ll post more details once we are closer to the date.

Through this next period, while I focus on editing and preparing for the competition, my updates may be a little thinner on the ground.  The exciting news is this doesn’t mean I’ll be idle — I’ve negotiated with work to have reduced hours over the next couple months so I can dedicate significantly more time to my writing (something my amazing wife is supporting because she is the best)!

In the meantime, the Inkshares Fantasy contest is underway and you should all check out some of the excellent books in the running. I personally suggest looking at: Child of Secrets: If any of you enjoyed The Lies of Locke Lamora, check this out - an extremely promising fantasy thief romp.

Finally, I wanted to call your attention to Tantalus Depths - an epic sci-fi I’ve recommended before. Over the last week there have been issues with Inkshares discovering some purchasers have abused site mechanics, and as a result a number of pre-orders across Inkshares were cancelled. Unfortunately, through no fault of his, Evan Graham’s amazing book has been hit hard by this, losing a significant number of pre-orders. Thankfully, he still has enough for Quill publishing, but it must still be very frustrating. If you had previously pre-ordered Tantalus Depths - please make sure your pre-order still stands. If not, check out the book because it is worth your time!

Robert

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    Robert Batten followed The New Aleph
    The New Aleph
    Self-proclaimed gods have quietly ruled the multiverse of Mebar for over 800 years. But the one founding member who condemned their hubris has just been set loose from prison.
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    Andy Wright
    Was raised on Narnia and loves both Star Wars and Star Trek equally. Andy’s been writing fantasy and...
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    Robert Batten liked an update for Child of Secrets

    Mini-Update!

    First, Child of Secrets has had six new followers in the last two days, and a stellar recommendation and review from Robert Batten (author of the excellent Human Resources) and Chrissy Cook (author of the intriguing The Space Between), respectively. Thank you all so much!
    I’ve seen a lot of comments on the prologue, but not on any of the other chapters, so I made everything a little more accessible on the main page. Major update coming this weekend, so stay tuned for that!
    Thank you all again!
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      Robert Batten liked the forum thread, Please Use BCC When Mass Emailing!!!
      @Robert Batten just don’t forget to change the person’s name on the mail! they react even less well when you call Daniel Shirley, and vice versa ;)
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      People who have liked this comment in the forum thread, Please Use BCC When Mass Emailing!!!

        Robert Batten liked the forum thread, Please Use BCC When Mass Emailing!!!
        @Robert Batten  I’ve found that reaching out to your contacts privately rather than in bulk mail makes a huge difference and far greater response rate. In any case what u do with your private contacts is your own business - but I’m getting bulk mails from authors that I never followed their books - and though I know how hard it is and how demanding a campaign can be, this is just not appropriate... 
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        People who have liked this comment in the forum thread, Please Use BCC When Mass Emailing!!!

          Robert Batten liked an update for A Beast Requires

          I just got off work, so my brain is pretty much tapioca at this point, but I wanted to reinforce how thankful I am to everyone that’s signed on and backed A Beast Requires. You’re support means the world to me, and I hope you are all enjoying the chapters I have uploaded.

          To those of you who are still on the fence, there are still other ways you can help me out. If you have the time, write a recommendation or a review. They really are important, and can go a long way with helping others make a decision. And if anyone has any questions, or wants to drop me a line, either direct message me on Inkshares of hunt be down on Twitter.

          I’ll have much more to say tomorrow, but for now, I just want to reinforce my gratitude to you all.

          - Jay

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            Robert Batten liked an update for I Am Waltz

            31 Days • 36 Orders to go.

            Friends-
            We are at 214 orders of I Am Waltz.

            258 people are readers of the book meaning you followed it and showed some level of interesting in it.

            To the 44 of you that have yet to order. Please help me in getting published and order as soon as you can. (Preferably before 31 more days, because well... it’s all over then.)

            WHAT YOU GET IF YOU PRE-ORDER MY BOOK:
            1. A copy of the book
            2. Entry into a contest to win 2 Tickets to the sports team of your choice!
            3. Help the victims of the Pulse Night Club shooting. (I’m is giving all my proceeds to the victim’s families)
            4. Help someone achieve their dreams
            5. Tell people you helped publish a book
            6. Something great to read.
            7. Early access to books 2 & 3. (Beta read chapters and early drafts. Author’s notes)
            8. My affection and gratitude


            Thank you ALL for your support. PLEASE consider purchasing a copy of the book and Supporting/Helping me getting published. It really means the world to everyone who supports me. 

            -Matt
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              Robert Batten commented on Tantalus Depths
              That’s very disappointing news :(
              I saw that Inkshares were making changes to the credit system, and I can understand not wanting it to be abused. However, I haven’t seen anything in your updates that I would have interpreted as abusing the system, and would have thought your updates were all in good faith. To have so many pre-orders invalidated must be very frustrating.
              I’m glad you’re still well above the Quill target - I hope you are able to get back up and hit the full publishing target.
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                Robert Batten liked the forum thread, Any good ideas for book cover sites?
                I went through http://ebooklaunch.com/ebook-cover-design/ Go check out my covers and see what you think.
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                People who have liked this comment in the forum thread, Any good ideas for book cover sites?

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