Writer Wednesday with Chele Cooke and Dead and Buryd

Chele Cook,
Author of Dead and Buryd

Happy Wednesday! Please welcome Chele Cooke, a fabulous new author to Writer Wednesday. Chele and I chatted recently about her new release, Dead and Buryd. I'm reading it now and I love it!! So pull up a listen:

What inspired you to write Dead and Buryd?

I'd had the idea for the Out of Orbit series for quite a while. I've been involved in the roleplay community for over a decade, and through a series of different websites I created, this story cemented itself into being. There was a lot of planning to do, and I decided not to write anything down until NaNoWriMo, but once I started, Dead and Buryd was one of the easiest things I've ever written a first draft of.

In what genre do you place Dead and Buryd?

It's a Sci-Fi mainly. I've been given advice to place it in the New Adult category, but from my responses from readers, it's had a good response from people of a variety of ages. I have a group of friends I made through cross stitching. They range from mid twenties to their sixties, and they all enjoyed it. I like to call Dead and Buryd 'accessible Sci-Fi' because you don't need to be a hardcore Sci-Fi fan to get into this story. It's much more involved with the characters than the technology.

Was there any specific research you did before writing this book?

Admittedly, there wasn't so much for Dead and Buryd. The research I did for the series in general is related more to the rest of the series than Dead and Buryd as a single book. Most of the research into military, technology, and the effects on a conquered nation will come into play later in the series. I wanted for readers to be more in touch with these characters before I threw the rest into the mix.

Tell us a little about your writing experience.

I was incredibly blessed with this story, it went very easily for the first draft. I started writing it for NaNoWriMo, and had twenty-one thousand words in three days. It was all in my head, it was just making my fingers move fast enough to get it out. I use a program called 'Write or Die' which is great, it really motivates you to block out the distractions and just write.

The hard part for me with this project was the editing. I'd never worked with a professional editor before, and while I was sure I had an amazing story, nothing prepares you for a professional edit the first time. It's like being punched in the stomach. At least now I know to go into the next one with a big bar of chocolate handy.

"Write or Die" sounds interesting - I'll have to check it out! But back to Dead and Buryd, you created an entire world complete with a history and names for the different cultures. Can you tell us something about your world building?

World building is one of my favourite parts, especially working in a Fantasy or Sci-fi setting. I find that if I ensure my world is set out properly, it makes the story much easier to write. Not only that, but elements of the world can enhance the plot. Dead and Buryd will not be the only time in this series where the oppressive weather will shape parts of the story.

And how did you come up with the names?

The names were an interesting one. I specifically went with Eastern European influences for the Adveni, and there were certain rules I made myself follow, like the i before e rule we're told as children in English. When you have those, you can predict a lot of the pattern of letters in a word. Admittedly, most of the names came from me writing down twenty or so variations and seeing which one I liked best.

What was your favorite part about writing Dead and Buryd?

Being surprised. I think that's always my favourite element about writing, when you're writing a story, you have everything planned, and then half way through a chapter, you realise that it's going in a different direction, one much better than the one you'd originally thought of. There are some elements in Dead and Buryd that I never expected to happen. Georgianna and Edtroka's relationship is one of them. I never intended for them to be funny together, but it just happened, and I think it has worked for the better.

What was your least favorite part about writing the book?

Rewriting, I think. It can be painful to be told you need to change things, especially when you're really happy with a story. I am sure many writers (and readers for that matter) can understand that a novel, especially the first, becomes like a child. You want to think that it’s perfect, and looking at it through someone else’s eyes can be difficult at first. Looking back, though, it’s definitely been the most worthwhile part, as I think it’s really improved the book.  

You chose to self-publish Dead and Buryd. What made you decide to go the self-publishing route?

I was planning on going the traditional route. I even submitted Dead and Buryd to a number of agents. I got some great, positive feedback on it, but it came down to them not being able to market it. In April, I was lucky enough to go to the London Book Fair and meet some fantastic self-published authors. Hearing from them, I realised that going Indie wasn’t something you either did with massive success, or spectacular failure. It’s a business, and if you can get all the elements lined up and done in a professional manner, you have a pretty good shot at reaching an audience. I had the writing part down, I just needed to learn the business side. Looking at it as a business really helped push me to make the leap, because I realised that it’s not as untouchable as a lot of people think it is.

What can we look forward to next from you, Chele?

I’m currently in the detailed planning stages for book two of Out of Orbit, that’s taking precedence right now, as I’d like to start writing for NaNoWriMo. I also have a number of short stories that will slot into the series. One of my favourite elements of fan fiction is when people write scenes  from another character’s view, or scenes that are mentioned but never explained fully. So, between releases of the books, I’ll also be releasing some of those little extras.

I am in the early planning stages of another series, which fans of Joss Whedon’s Firefly will love. It’s a Sci-Fi Circus with elements of the 1920s. So, kind of steampunk, but without the steam. Cirquepunk, I guess.

I’m also planning a collaboration with a very dear friend, Moa. She’s actually who Dead and Buryd is dedicated to. Basically, right now, I’m very very busy.

Okay, time for some silliness. Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate: I’m a massive chocolate fiend. Except in cake. For some reason, I’m not a massive fan of chocolate cake.

Coffee or tea?

Is Red Bull not an option? I like both, honestly, but living with four tea fanatics (we have an entire cupboard just for different types of tea, it’s terrifying,) I guess I’d have to say coffee just to see the looks on their faces.

Beach or mountains?

That’s a horrible question. Man, I have no idea. I guess I’d have to go with beach, but if I learn to ski on more than the bunny slope, that might change.

What three words describe Chele Cooke?

Ha ha! I bet my answers here would be different than if you asked people who know me.

Dork – I’m a massive dork… seriously huge. I get really obsessed with the things I like, whether they’re books/tv/films or places. I get really into things and can talk about them for hours.

Emotional – This relates back to ‘Dork’ somewhat, but I get really emotionally invested in things I like. I am a sap when it comes to fiction, and am often reduced to tears. I’m also a complete wuss, but that’s something different.

Spacey – Because ‘Mental Escape Artist’ isn’t a single word. I love travelling and seeing new places, not to mention that I spend about 50% of my day thinking about things that don’t exist. I think spacey works for both.

Thank you, Chele, for taking the time to stop by and chat. Readers, check out the blurb for Dead and Buryd:

A single life could liberate an entire race, but the life required may be hers.

Since the invasion of her home planet by the ruthless Adveni, Georgianna Lennox's life as a Veniche medic isn't as simple as it used to be. When a single infraction against the Adveni can lead to incarceration, slavery, or death, each life saved can bring harsh consequences.

A secret delivery into the infamous Lyndbury Prison Compound reveals that her friend Nyah has been sold into slavery, and Georgianna must decide how to weigh a single life against the risk to herself and others.

Caught between her duty as a medic, her family, and her promise to a friend, she puts her trust in a group of rebels, the Belsa. However, when the attempt to free Nyah uncovers a plan that could rid the Veniche of the Adveni for good, Georgianna struggles with the realisation that the people she trusted may have been using her for their own gain.

Unable to walk away, Georgianna finds herself pulled deep into a web of lies and cruelty that will either claim Nyah's life... or her own.

Purchase Dead and Buryd:

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Buryd-Out-Orbit-ebook/dp/B00FLVRWYU/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1_NBD3

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dead-and-buryd

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Chele is an English Sci-Fi and Fantasy writer currently living in London, UK. Slightly obsessive when it comes to the things she enjoys, Chele fell in love with the Harry Potter fandom which led to her writing fan fiction throughout her teen years. Moving on to original fiction, Chele completed a degree in Creative Writing, and has continued writing ever since. Dead and Buryd is the first book in Chele's "Out of Orbit" series.

CONNECT with Chele:

Website: chelecooke.com

Twitter: @chelecooke

Facebook: Chele Cooke Writing

Dead and Buryd on Goodreads

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Manic Monday: 3 Truths About Self-Publishing

Last week, I saw a blog post titled: "How I got a big advance from a big publisher and self-published anyway," by Penelope Trunk. Intriguing title. I took the bait and clicked through to read the post.

Essentially Ms. Trunk wrote a non-fiction book about how to achieve happiness. She sold the book to a large publisher, got a "lot of money" for an advance (paid in full). According to her blog post, things began to go sour about three months before publication when she was contacted by the marketing department. 

She was, apparently, unimpressed with the first call. "Their call was just about giving me a list of what I was going to do to publicize the book." 

Hold it right there. Was she surprised by this? This didn't fit with her expectation?

When I went to my first writer's conference in 2009, I distinctly recall hearing from panels - and in individual conversations with authors - that the publishing house expects that the author will do the majority of marketing of their book. If you hang out with writers on Twitter, or anywhere else where writer-folk gather, you will hear a constant chorus of how publishing houses do NOT put significant money or time into marketing the books of first-time authors. Everyone knows (or should know) that your book won't get a significant (or any) marketing budget unless you've previously had a best-seller.

In fact, even as far back as 2009 at that writer's conference, I began wondering why writers needed publishing houses. I mean, they aren't going to market my book. They're not likely to do much editing of my book (I've been advised repeatedly to hire a freelance editor before I even query).

If they don't edit and they don't market, it really begs the question: What do they do? And why give up 90-96% of the royalties?

When I was finished my first book, I had a choice to make. Self-publish or begin the query process. Knowing that it would like to take 3-5 years to see my book in print if I went the traditional publishing route (IF I ever saw it in print), I decided to self-publish.

I don't regret that decision and I'm quite pleased with the success of my first book, Emily's House. But Ms. Trunk's blog post got me to thinking about some truths about self-publishing and how she may have discounted the advantages to having a big publisher on board. Which begets another question: Are there still advantages to being traditionally published?

Some thoughts. First, BIG PUBLISHER STILL SELL THE VAST, VAST, VAST, VAST MAJORITY OF ALL BOOKS SOLD. PERIOD.

Indie and self-published books still make up a tiny fraction of overall sales.

Amanda Hocking, Uber Self-Publisher

J.A. Konrath

If you have been lulled into thinking that you, an army of one, without a publishing house behind you, are going to shoot up the bestseller list, you are more than likely going to be sorely disappointed. Last year we watched Amanda Hocking sell over a million copies of her self-published books. J.A. Konrath talked about making $60,000 per month on his self-published books (but also cautioned writers to focus on writing more books rather than just jumping onto the self-publishing bandwagon). Writers worldwide collectively said "hell yeah" and stopped querying and started publishing on their own.

I'm on of them. And I'm glad I did and I'll continue to self-publish.

But come on, lets have a reality check. My opinion (feel free to differ in the comments if you have experienced otherwise): if you have never been published by a publishing house, you should continue to try to get a contract.

Why?

Here are some truths:

1. Selling books is about discoverability. So long as there are brick and mortar stores, if you're books aren't in them, you are losing a facet of discoverability.  When you walk into your local Barnes & Noble, a publishers PAID to have their books on the table or end-caps. If you are a self-published author, your book isn't even in the local Barnes & Noble. It certainly is NOT on an end-cap or table. Having your book in the bookstore is not just about vanity. Books on shelves and book-signings in stores are about sales. If you're self-pubbed, you won't have either of these things.

Tables full of books at a Barnes & Noble

2. Reviews sell books. Lots of reviews from influential people sell a lot of books. If you are self-published, it is unlikely that popular reviewers with lots of influence will even look at your book. That's a fact. You may get lovely reviews from lesser known reviewers who are still willing to read self-pubbed books. But most popular reviewers long ago gave up on self-pubbed. Why? Because for every gem, they had to wade through nine clunkers. That's a fact. Traditionally published books will be more likely to get reviewed by influential reviewers and bloggers. It will not be turned away by reviewers simply because of who published it.

3. Traditionally published books SELL BETTER. In the top 100 on Amazon, any day, any time, there may be two - perhaps even five - self-published books that have made it into the top 100 (my review of the list this morning showed no self-pubbed books in the top 60). THAT STILL MEANS THAT 95-98 percent of the top 100 are traditionally published. You will get an occasional Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, or The Mill River Recluse, or Switched (Trylle Trilogy) (originally self-pubbed, but now published by St. Martin's Griffin). But the vast majority of books making it onto the bestseller list are from large publishers.

Why is that so? I believe there are two reasons.

First, see numbers one & two above. Large publishers have the distribution channels to get books on every shelf, everywhere. Virtual and real. When it comes to discoverability and availability, traditional publishers still have self-pubbers beat.

Second, and this may ruffle feathers, but traditionally published books are (generally) better reads. I'm sorry, but this is true. I download and read about ten book samples a week. I only download samples of books that a friend has recommended, or that I've read the cover blurb, and/or seen reviews, and/or buzz, and I think it's a book up my alley.

For traditionally published books, I'll buy about 50-60% of the time. This means that from the sample I read, I'm hooked enough on the premise and feel the writing is strong enough that I'm willing to pay the (usually) $6-$10 to buy the book.

For self-published titles, I hit the buy button less than 5% of the time. Most of the time, I'm sucked in by the premise and think it sounds like a great story. But my choice not to buy is generally because the writing fell short, either in the first pages or by the end of the sample. And usually, these books are priced at 99 cents to $2.99. I won't even download a whole book that's free if I can't get through the sample.

Now there are exceptions - self-pubbed or small press books that are as good - or better - than traditionally published books (like Keir, by Pippa Jay, one of my recent favorites which I'll review here on my blog soon). But the truth is, you have to wade through a lot of not-so-hot books to get to those gems.

Look, I self-published my first book, Emily's House (The Akasha Chronicles), and I'll self-publish the rest of that trilogy and perhaps other books. I've been quite happy with the results of my first publishing adventure, and I believe that a self-published author can achieve fabulous sales.

But I think that it is grossly inaccurate to assume, with an unchecked ego, that a self-pubber can do better without a big publisher. Folks like J.A. Konrath and Barry Eisler both had traditionally published books in their back-list before embarking on their self-publishing journey. They already had a fan base, folks ready to purchase their books, regardless of the publisher.

Let's face it, whether we have one of the Big 6 backing us up, or we're on our own, the writer is going to do the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing the book. But when your book bears the publishing house imprimatur, the author has marketing avenues that aren't even open to self-published writers.

That is why I'll seek a publishing contract for my next series of books while continuing to self-publish. It is my belief, (I could be wrong), that working both avenues will produce better results than going down only one road.

What do you think? Am I full of bull? Do you think self-publishing is the way to go and screw traditional publishing? Or do you think self-publishing is for amateurs and only traditionally published authors can be considered pros? What are your thoughts on the publishing houses?