Saturday, August 6, 2016

A Writer's Life...

AGENTS UNDER FIRE is out! 2nd, expanded edition. How expanded? Double the page count (about 450 pgs),with a brand new, bonus short story.


I came up with the idea for these books five years ago and submitted to my publisher, but my publisher passed on the proposal. How sad was I? As sad as Toby was when I tried to decorate him as a Christmas tree, one year.


The trouble is, by the time I work up a book proposal, I tend to fall in love with the characters. So I decided I wanted to tell their story anyway. Maybe somebody out there would like these guys as much as I do. I still had a bunch of other books on contract, however. So I had to squeeze in writing these stories between deadlines, and ended up with three 100 page novellas, all I could manage at the time.

Then you, my amazing friends, read the stories and loved Gabe, Jake and Troy. So that was pretty cool. I felt as cool as when Toby plays secret agent.


The only complaint I ever received was that the stories were too short. And I thought, someday...

Eventually, I moved to another publisher. They published FORCED DISAPPEARANCE. Then I wrote FLASH FIRE, and they didn’t want it. How did I feel? About the same as when Toby had his first flea bath. I’m pretty sure I had that How could you do this to me? look in my eyes.


But I managed to self-publish the book.

Then I wrote GIRL IN THE WATER, and, well... No contract. I considered just hiding under the couch.


But, instead, I’m self-publishing that book soon. Of course, now I have a series where I don’t control the 1st book. And all the promo for a series is done on the 1st book. 99c sale, free book, etc. When someone tries a new series, they want to start with book #1. I have a mess on my hands.

So I had a brilliant idea.


I’d rewrite Agents Under Fire as a prequel to the Civilian Personnel Recovery series. Agents Under Fire wasn’t part of my Broslin Creek series, or my Civilian Personnel Recovery series, or my Hardstorm Saga series. So it never benefited from any promo I’ve done. Which meant, only a handful of people read it. Linking it to Civilian Personnel Recovery solved a lot of problems.

1. The rewrite gave me a chance to make the stories longer. (I ended up doubling the page count.)
2. Now they’d be included in any Civilian Personnel Recovery promo and readers would be able to find these stories.
3. I own the rights to this prequel, this is now the 1st item in this series, and I can control any special promo I do for it.

I swear, figuring all this out has twisted my brain into a pretzel. LOL But I think it’ll work out well.

My only worry is that some readers might think this new edition is an attempt on my part to scam extra money out of people.
So I put the set at $2.99, half price for release week. I thought about putting it up for free, but I’d love to recoup my editing costs, etc.

HOWEVER... If you’ve bought this book before and feel that this is unfair, I completely understand. Believe me, I agonized over this issue the whole time I was updating this box set.

With each new book, I give out a handful of free review copies. However, for Agents Under Fire, if you send me a note and say, I already bought this set when it first came out, I shouldn’t have to buy it again...I will say, “Fair enough,” and send you a free review copy.

Because as important as my characters and my books are to me, it’s nothing compared to how much I love my readers. I treasure the responses I get to my newsletters. We chat daily in my Facebook Book Club, meet at book signings. You guys make my day, every single day. So please don’t hesitate even for a second to let me know if you don’t like something I’m writing or doing. We will find a solution.

Love you all,
Dana

Yes, that’s me, playing airplane with Toby’s ears and making engine noises. He’s a very patient dog.

Disclaimer: No animals have been harmed in the making of this blog entry.


P.S.: The moral of the story is this:

Agents Under Fire, my entire Broslin Creek series, my Hardstorm Saga series, Flash Fire, Girl in the Water...all stories publishers didn't want. These books were only published because YOU support indie authors. Because you don't just go to pirate sites, don't just download free or 99c books. Because you take a chance on me with every single book. Because you share my FB posts and leave online reviews. THANK YOU!!!

Updated with BUY LINK.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Dana, I have never blogged before but felt I had to reply to your comments. Agents Under Fire was the first work of yours I ever read. You have had me hooked ever since. Yes I own the books but I will still buy the updated version to enjoy once again. Do not sell yourself short. We know you sweat blood on giving us your best work and as such deserve to be paid for it.
Okay rant over.... Now for the important bit are they published yet, if not can I pre order?
Elene Wood

Unknown said...

I think your works, all of them, deserve to be published and read! I love them and will buy the new release, which is when?
Keep writing

59cah said...

I will always buy your books they are that good.

ButtonsMom2003 said...

I love your books and I'm happy to buy this new, expanded edition!

Dana Marton said...

Thank you soooo much, Elene and Deb. I so love you both. Yes, the box set is finally up. https://danamarton.com/book/pop/24

Thank you, 59cah!!! I appreciate the support beyond words. You guys keep me writing.

ButtonsMom! Thank you for sticking with me from way back. Sending a big hug of appreciation!

Dana

Vihous' Girl said...

What is these publishers' problem? You and your books ROCK! I have all of your books, even bought Brosin Creek Book Set plus the individual books. And I just bought "Agents Under Fire" 2nd Expanded Edition even though I have the first box set. Ignore the publishers and do your "THING," it has served you well so far!!!:-)

Dana Marton said...

Thank you so much, Vihous' Girl!!! You made my day. :-)

Muffin13 said...

Dana, Agents Under Fire were the first of your books that I read, and I`ve been hooked ever since! I loved them when I first read them and I`m excited to read the expanded version. I always buy your books when they come out and have never been disappointed. Thank you and keep those stories coming!! By the way, I love the photos of Toby!

Jeanie Jackson said...

I am more than willing to pay for the expanded books! I have already reread the series and am perfectly delighted to get to read the revised version. I Love your books!

Dana Marton said...

Muffin13: Thank you so much for reading my stories!!!! Toby is my writing partner :-)

Dana Marton said...

Thank you so much, Billie Jackson! I hope you'll like the updated story. I had a lot of fun going back to visit with those guys. :-)

LBDDiaries said...

That's the problem with publishers - it's just their opinion and if they don't have the pulse of your fans, their opinions mean they make dumb decisions! I've been in love with your books since I first discovered you through Harlequin Intrigue. So OF COURSE I'm going to purchase any other books you've written AND rewritten. I mean, they can only get better, right? Right.

Dana Marton said...

Thank you so much, LBDDiaries! I don't blame the publishers. They want writers who can sell a million books. I'm not there yet. Maybe someday...

Thank you for the encouragement and for reading my stories!! --Dana