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Thursday, August 7th at 9 pm Eastern Time/6 pm Pacific Time, the Roundtable will welcomed Scott Nicholson.
Scott is a bestselling horror and post apocalyptic author. He started out his career with a traditional publishing deal, then began self publishing with the advent of Amazon’s KDP. Now he is a hybrid author with over 20 self published novels and 1 novel with Amazon’s Thomas and Mercer imprint to his name. He is part of the old guard of self publishing and will talk about how to succeed writing horror, lessons he’s learned in the ever shifting self publishing landscape, and share some of his favorite marketing tips.
We talked about:
- Scott’s history in writing and publishing.
- His move to self publishing from a traditional publishing model
- His early days publishing e-books direct
- What changes he has seen since he started in 2011
- His thoughts on the current market of horror and his move to science fiction
- His thoughts on the craft
- He also answered several viewers questions throughout the show.
Check out Scott’s books HERE
First! See you in two and a half hours :0)
michelleread Less than one hour now…must deal with the school run in thick fog…I hope I find my way home again in time
Demelza Carlton michelleread Hurry Demelza! Only twenty minutes 🙂
While you’re waiting for the show to start, check out Demelza Carlton’s great post about her 99 cent launch: http://selfpublishingroundtable.com/a-99c-book-launch-by-demelza-carlton/
Also, take a look at the latest post from our favorite genre hobo: http://www.genrehobo.com/
I heard there is a gathering of Beards?
Hi writerwade
kevinmichael3 Reading this right now…..thank you for reminding me.
michelleread writerwade Hello Michelle. Nice to “see” you
Ronny Khuri Khuri, you’re a legend.
kevinmichael3 Great report, Demelza. I’m all fired up now
kevinmichael3 Ronny Khuri You’re singin to the preacher
Ronny Khuri kevinmichael3 I wonder if the man can live up to the avatar.
kevinmichael3 Ronny Khuri It’s like my online dating profile. 100% accurate, no exaggerations at all
Evening all.
writerwade michelleread Hello to you!
PatrickStemp Howdy!
PiaSparks PatrickStemp Hey there
PatrickStemp hi Patrick
Hey gang!
JThorn Hey I know you. I’ve seen you on this very podcast.
JThorn Every rose has a J Thorn
Ohai michelleread
Ronny Khuri Natsu?
Never fear BatmanErica is here!
Evening JThorn !
BatmanErica Drive anywhere interesting this week, Erica?!
BatmanErica I feel safer already.
PatrickStemp Hi Patrick!!
michelleread I don’t drive…yet
kevinmichael3 JThorn Dude, really? LOL!
PiaSparks writerwade michelleread Hi there!
Salutations
BatmanErica michelleread Hugs Erica
JThorn Hello!
JThorn kevinmichael3 Come on, tell me you’ve never heard that before.
BatmanErica michelleread Soon – so soon…..
writerwade PatrickStemp Wade, how’s it going?
colinbarnes79 First to say hi to Colin
colinbarnes79 Winner
kevinmichael3 JThorn Believer it or not, I haven’t.
michelleread PatrickStemp Michelle! You’ve been busy and quiet these last few days 🙂
michelleread colinbarnes79 Help yourself to a prize 🙂
michelleread gotta finish reading the road code before I’ll book my learners theory test 🙂
colinbarnes79 Way past your bedtime 😉
JThorn kevinmichael3 the people of Cleveland have let me down.
colinbarnes79 Hey Colin
JThorn colinbarnes79 I’m nocturnal these days, so its not so bad.
Ronny Khuri kevinmichael3 You’re a bold man Khuri
colinbarnes79 really like the cover on your latest paperback 🙂
“[Horror fiction] shows us that the control we believe we have is purely illusory, and that every moment we teeter on chaos and oblivion.”
― https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10366.Clive_Barker
PatrickStemp colinbarnes79 Hey Patrick.
PatrickStemp michelleread Yessir…….will be busy this week too 😉
BatmanErica colinbarnes79 Thanks, Erica! I’m very pleased how it came out.
OMG it’s JayChastain. I hear you’re going to warp the minds of young Texans. Say it ain’t so?
hey guys!
JayChastain uh oh. Chastain, don’t embarrass yourself tonight. #0%sober
PatrickStemp JThorn Hey Patrick.
michelleread JThorn Hi.
ScottNicholson1 Hey Scott!
PiaSparks JThorn It wasn’t me. Swear.
BatmanErica JayChastain I can neither confirm or deny
ScottNicholson1 Hi Scott
ScottNicholson1 Hello! Looking forward to the show 🙂
ScottNicholson1 Hey there. You doing the show from underwater?
JayChastain Dude.
T-minus one minute
JThorn JayChastain DUDE.
JayChastain JThorn Scott is my J. Thorn. Ha!
Go ahead and refresh your post.
writerwade i woulda cooked this chicken if i’d known there was time #salmonella
colinbarnes79 michelleread a cheesewheel perhaps.
Ronny Khuri kevinmichael3 Thank you 😀 Nothing burns here this morning…
JThorn JayChastain Does that make him my grandpa or something?
kevinmichael3 colinbarnes79 michelleread A special lady brand of cheese, maybe a nice nut-sweet cheddar.
Carl Sinclair morning Carl
Carl Sinclair As you wish.
Ronny Khuri writerwade I just spit out my drink
michelleread Carl Sinclair morning michelle. you just made my day.
Carl Sinclair michelleread Steals my line for the win!
michelleread Carl Sinclair I’ve made it official under my name.
Country bumpkin. Didn’t want to be normal. Played rock. Fucks shit up in horror. AWWWW Yeah.
JayChastain Is Scott your spirit animal?
JayChastain are you trying to imply he sounds like you? You a hillbilly horror writer too?
Carl Sinclair michelleread Too small……have to wait until you talk – and be surprised.
colinbarnes79 JayChastain JThorn Is, but there is room for both
BatmanErica JayChastain I’m a fat-hillbilly-sexybeast-horror writer
Chastain I expect proper behaviour from you. We got Scott on for you specifically so ask real questions and behave.
BBM Hillbilly Horror = Hot Genre
Carl Sinclair I feel honored. I shall do my best
I love the grungy covers. mmmmmmmm dirt
Bartering/Trading is my favorite way to get things done…….do it all the time!
Bless you Carl Sinclair 😉
Scott highlighted something I was groping for earlier today — trends are okay, but its building the career in the long term that matters and finding your place in the long run.
JayChastain art!!! art art art!!!!
michelleread Me too. I format for people in return for editing/proofing sometimes. Can really help when you’re putting out a lot of work.
michelleread Bartering sleep and sanity for word count? 🙂
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain Art harder, mo fo!
Alright ladies, gentlemen and Jay. Hit me with your best questions.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain Hey hobo, didn’t see you sneak in.
CateMorgan Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain MY ART!!! <– obscure Kids in the Hall reference.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain THE ART.
colinbarnes79 Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain I was selling a bag of soylent out the side door. (No, really, I was.)
michelleread Carl Sinclair You’re welcome my friend.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread Sometimes…..
What about foreign markets?
Greetings all!
definitely horror
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo colinbarnes79 JayChastain Mmm, nomz. The hard chewy kind or the juiced sachets?
colinbarnes79 michelleread I started doing it when I cleaned houses, and traded for massage and acupuncture, tax prep, all kinds of things!
Carl Sinclair Marketing. Is it cheating? LOL
michelleread colinbarnes79 Hmm, I wonder if I could convince people to massage me in return for formatting…
In Cricket News – England on top after day 1 of the forth test with India. India knocked over for 150 with 6 wickets for Broad. England in reply are only 35 behind at stumps on day one with three wickets down. Bell 40 odd not out.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2014/content/current/story/767651.html
BuddyGott Hey buddy
BuddyGott Buddy!
Scott pretty much echoes my beliefs on Unlimited.
BuddyGott Silverfox.
I loved Scott’s book, The Indie Journey.
As a romance writer, I’m all about bundles. How does Scott see that working (if it might) in other genres?
colinbarnes79 michelleread There’s always a trade – Don’t know if you saw my FB post…..I need formatting, but I don’t do massage!
How does Scott see the horror genre as it exists today? Is it shrinking? Failing? Evolving?
I would love a Hindu version of Red Church. A fantastic book in one of the most ancient languages. YES.
Americans are too big of pussies for a horror section. 🙂 THEY CAN’T HANDLE IT
BuddyGott Buddy!
AHEM… we can’t.
michelleread colinbarnes79 I didn’t see your post… but if you need formatting we can probably come to some kind of arrangement.
BuddyGott Hi Buddy, how are you?
Question for Scott: Given how prolific he is, could he talk a little about his daily process and how he schedules his books. Also, how does he decide what to work on next: is there a business decision there or a personal feeling?
colinbarnes79 that was on my list 🙂
Question for Scott: Does he write his own book descriptions? Any advice?
writerwade BuddyGott Wade (and everyone else) – how’s it going? I’ve been groovy, thanks!
JThorn Good question
J THOOOORN
colinbarnes79 This was my question – you beat me to it
colinbarnes79 YESSSSS good questions
Chastain is MY biggest fan Carl Sinclair
colinbarnes79 Message me there after while…….We’ll figure something out. (Also…..made my day, you)
see Chastain, he’s a businessman
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo colinbarnes79 Psychic powers FTW!
JThorn Carl Sinclair I just re-read Preta’s Realm. actually. 🙂
isn’t that the truth.
kevinmichael3 “In the end, did you have something to say” YESSS
AHHHH I LOVE HIM.
JThorn Carl Sinclair He loves whoever happens to be listening to him that day, the most.
Yes… that’s exactly what I was talking about earlier. There is the business side, but there is also the psychological / self-fulfilling side.
Carl Sinclair JThorn Fair enough. Ha!
Hear that Mimi? He doesn’t give away free words either.
65k is a great target for horror. Agree.
Scott has talked about how his work is his way of dealing with his world and his spirituality. How does he balance commercial goals with the personal truth he puts into his works?
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo Carl Sinclair Yes, we already know it is. It was on kboards.
JThorn 50-65 is the sweet spot for horror, I think
JThorn Totally. I always think shorter is better for horror. Too long and it gets exhausting or loses its potency. Which is why, for me, later King didn’t have the same effect as his earlier works.
JThorn Carl Sinclair Well you had an apocalypse with seals in it. That’s worth points in my books.
Scott is very talented and very cool. Plus, I’m envious of his awesome beard.
BuddyGott Your beard is going quite well Buddy. Don’t be down on yourself.
Carl Sinclair BuddyGott Thanks, pal!
I used to see a lot of promotions for your books. What is your strategy now for promos? First free? 99 cents?
Demelza Carlton JThorn Carl Sinclair At least in the title 😉
michelleread colinbarnes79 Will do, and my pleasure 🙂
Carl Sinclair CHEATING!!!!
lisagracebooks Does that answer your question Lisa?
I don’t know why I think frank and beans. Must be because Mimi is in the room.
AJ Vale YESSSSS
Demelza Carlton JThorn Carl Sinclair Demelza! You snuck it – howdy 🙂
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I prefer baked beans, poached egg, bacon, sausages, all on some french toast. All savoury of course, not the sweet versions you Merican’s do.
Carl Sinclair Should we ask for advice specifically for terrible writers? 😀
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo Carl Sinclair Ask him in the after party.
Related: How many books did it take for you to find your voice?
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo Carl Sinclair I’ll take some advice for terrible writers. And speaking of advice, I’m not kissing your butt here, Mimi….your blog is excellent.
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo I dare you to ask him. It’s not for me. It’s on behalf of a friend who is a terrible writer.
michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo Carl Sinclair LOL. thank you!
JThorn Oooh! Good question.
colinbarnes79 JThorn I really love IT though, and that fucker is so long.
Hey!
JThorn Who else wants a “hello J” shirt in the sprt store?
Could be used to J (James) and Jay.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread Carl Sinclair She’s totally kissing your butt.
Carl Sinclair JThorn or John. John is always good.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread Carl Sinclair I liked it better when you updated it like every day almost. Post more and stop being selfish.
jlward Carl Sinclair JThorn I’ll buy a case.
Red Church and The Home are my 2 favorites. Have read each multiple times.
How many series do you juggle at one time?
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread No sir! It is. I’m letting her know from a newbie’s POV. You all are all fancy, I’m telling you I’m actually learning a lot, being encouraged, and love her sass. The end!
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread Helping other hoboes and goobers like me is the opposite of cheating, therefore I am against it.
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo michelleread Also I agree. Post more. Need your brain. Nom nom.
JThorn Demelza Carlton Carl Sinclair Yeah. They were well hidden in the story. But they were there.
michelleread Demelza Carlton JThorn Carl Sinclair G’morning 😀
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale Care for some French Toast, Carl? Syrup and powdered sugar, yo.
JayChastain We should ask if he would take an intern or apprentice or Baldric.
There has been mixed reactions with author’s experiences with Amazon publishing. What has Scott’s been?
JayChastain Red Church was the first book I read by him. I love the Home as well. I think Solom captured my attention the quickest though.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain I’ll write a reference letter for Chastain if he needs one for any of those jobs.
michelleread Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale hubby likes it with oranges, maple syrup and berry compote
JayChastain
BatmanErica michelleread Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale Yum!!!
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain Kudos for a blackadder reference.
“open up your work to Jay Chastain” is what John meant.
michelleread Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I think the nicest I’ve had is one served with stewed rhubarb, maple syrup and I forget what the cream was…
colinbarnes79 Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo JayChastain I had to look up the spelling and still didn’t get it right. But I think more authors should get Baldricks.
That’s the key, Chastain: write horror but market it as suspense or thriller.
colinbarnes79 I agreeeeee
I DO
JayChastain how is the vampire erotica coming along?
colinbarnes79 BAZINGA!
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo colinbarnes79 JayChastain He is a bloody great character.
BatmanErica JayChastain I wrote the first one, decided it was pointless
JayChastain gonna release it anyway? Under a pen name?
michelleread Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale Yuck. only ketchup on french toast or plain.
BatmanErica JayChastain Probably 🙂 Don’t worry. You’ll get a copy
michelleread Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale French toast is egg. you don’t put sugar on eggs.
Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo colinbarnes79 Don’t do that
Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I feel like you also enjoy pancakes with tinned salmon in it…whenever my family ate that (with tomato sauce) I would have plain pancakes with maple syrup.
Carl Sinclair Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo colinbarnes79 JayChastain And quite the wordsmith if he’s poem from series 4 is anything to go by. “Boom boom boom boom….”
BatmanErica Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I love pancakes with maple syrup, bananas and cream. That is not the same thing as bread with eggs.
Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I don’t like it when they mix it up, like french toast with icing sugar and maple syrup and bacon >.<
Question for Scott: (If this wasn’t already answered) — Does Scott publish on the other markets and if so, has he had any success there?
BatmanErica Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale I agree. It’s weird.
Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale do not put icing sugar and/or maple syrup on my bacon >.<
Kobo tell us your secrets!
Hah, perfect timing…
AJ Vale You can ask them yourselves. Mark from Kobo will be on 4th September!
BatmanErica Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale Candied bacon? bleeh
Carl Sinclair AJ Vale Excellent!
I’ve rebuilt the SPRT homepage this week by the way.
Made it nice and easy for you to leave us review on iTunes, Subscribe to YouTube etc… cause that is always nice.
Plus the blog content is more available and I’ll have more on what’s coming in a couple of minutes.
http://selfpublishingroundtable.com/
Carl Sinclair AJ Vale lol we did well on Kobo with our Anthology. We went to number 1 in contemporary romance, paranormal and historical. We have no idea why. lol Must be an awesome book.
Carl Sinclair tell Carl how good he is
writerwade Carl Sinclair I already did…
Carl Sinclair michelleread Mimi Strong aka Genre Hobo AJ Vale manuka honey cured bacon is as far as I’ll go 😛
Carl Sinclair I left a review on itunes.
Carl Sinclair AJ Vale I’m going to spread the word on that one for sure. I’m sure some Diva’s would love to get a hold of them. Poor Kobo. 🙂
make it easier to find nude selfies of all of you
Carl Sinclair Homepage looks good.
YAY!
JayChastain http://www.carlnudeandepic.com
Someone says poop golem before the end of the show
http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Nicholson/e/B001HCX30O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1407463660&sr=8-1
Oh and why not? Romance rocks. lol
Demelza Carlton Lego Movie sequels being planned 😀
AJ Vale It is. But we love everyone equally!
michelleread Demelza Carlton I’ll bet. I think my husband’s on movie duty for those…
*pulls pants back up*
want afterparty? tell me here.
kevinmichael3 Yes please.
kevinmichael3 Me please
kevinmichael3 YES PLEASE
kevinmichael3 MEEEEEeeeeeEEEEEeeeeeEEEEEeeeEEEE
kevinmichael3 Me please!
kevinmichael3 Did not mean for that to be in all caps.
BuddyGott kevinmichael3 Yeah Buddy!
Carl’s “secrete bunker” is an anus.
BuddyGott kevinmichael3 Class the place up with me, won’t you?
kevinmichael3 yes please 🙂
BuddyGott kevinmichael3 BUDDAY
JayChastain It’s a secret facility I’ll be working out of for the next two days.
michelleread BuddyGott kevinmichael3 I’m the wrong guy if you’re looking for class. Lol
Carl Sinclair JayChastain Is that what they call Kink Clubs down unda?
Carl Sinclair JayChastain I have my bunker booked for a fortnight’s time…must get the atmosphere right for finishing my last thriller
Carl Sinclair JayChastain Secret facility = brothel for Carl.
kevinmichael3 sure, but if we’re full of peeps, i can hang out working and log in later. 🙂
Thanks for listening and commenting. You guys rock! #SPRTfans
michelleread kevinmichael3 quit yelling Michelle. 🙂
BuddyGott michelleread kevinmichael3 are dick jokes class?
AJ Vale yes it does. Variety is the spice of life
Afterparty Crew For Tonight
Buddy Gott, Colin Barnes, Demelza, Jay Chastain, Kevin Michael, Michelle Read, Mimi Strong and Carl Sinclair.
kevinmichael3 Put me in the second group if your full.
Carl Sinclair AJ Vale I agree. It’s nice to see other perspectives. I enjoyed tonight.
Carl Sinclair HOTTTTT
The audio options are now live on iTunes and direct download.