Veronica Fischer has written a delightful holiday story for young readers with rhyming prose and colorful pictorials that highlights an important message about being yourself.
In Oscar’s Christmas Gift, the city zoo is home to a magnificent menagerie of animals, including horned rhinos, tuxedoed penguins, roaming lions, hooting monkeys, and trumpeting elephants. The furry and feathered residents here love being visited. Among them are a family of ocelots comprised of a Momma, 5 boys, and little Mary Lou. Young Oscar is a unique individual in the world of ocelots in that, unlike the felines showcasing a traditional spotted coat, Oscar’s golden fur has no markings. Embarrassed without his “polka-dots,” Oscar fears being laughed at. While his mom and siblings offer encouragement and highlight the attributes he possesses, words like “You’re smart!” “You’re silly!” “You’re ever so funny!” are not enough to convince a disheartened Oscar.
Since it’s Christmas time, clever Oscar decides to write a letter to Santa and ask for the spots he so desperately wants. Fearing his request won’t reach the North Pole in time, Oscar decides to take it there himself. En route, he meets up with an alligator named Mit, who desires to sing, and Carl, a panda bear in need of a comfortable place to sleep. Unfortunately, when the three new friends reach what they believe to be their intended destination, they are informed by a bullying group of penguins that they aren’t at the “real” North Pole. A dismayed Oscar runs off, only to meet with an elderly, red-suited man. While this wise Santa-like character notes Oscar’s beauty and strength and points out the perfection of his uniqueness, nonetheless, he understands Oscar’s desire to fit in with the other ocelots. Soon he offers a practical and inventive solution for Oscar’s concerns, as well as those of his traveling companions.
Vicky Amrullah’s full-color illustrations are bold and vibrant and artfully complement the narrative. Expressions on each characters’ face truly capture the sentiments of the storyline, whether in the tearful gaze of a shy, green-eyed Oscar, dismayed because he was born without spots; the toothy grin of a wanna-be singing gator; or the heartfelt kindness of a wool-capped, bearded man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Santa.
From the opening Oscar Wilde quote, “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken,” to the underlying story of classic children’s books like The Ugly Duckling, Fischer takes an upbeat and contemporary storyline of being yourself. She gently reminds children about the importance of individuality, ingenuity, and appreciation for what we have. In short, a Children’s book we highly recommend – and a perfect holiday read.
Oscar’s Christmas Wish won First Place in the CIBAs 2018 Little Peeps Awards for Children’s books.
The LARAMIE Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the Americana / Western, Pioneer, Civil War, Frontier, and First Nations Novels. The Laramie Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards.
Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring cowboys, & cowgirls the Wild West, pioneering, Civil War, Native American stories, and early North American History, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from SLUSH pile to the 2020 Laramie Book Awards LONG LIST. These entries are now in competition for 2020 Laramie Shortlist. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalists positions. Semi-Finalists will be announced and recognized at the CAC21 banquet and ceremony. The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 17 CIBA divisions Semi-Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremonies April 21-25th, 2021 at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash. at the 2021 Chanticleer Authors Conference–whether virtual, hybrid, or in-person.
These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2020 LARAMIE Book Awards for Western Fiction. Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
2020 Laramie Book Awards Long Listers
Fred Dickey – Days of Hope, Miles of Misery
David Fitz-Gerald – She Sees Ghosts? The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls
Clay Houston Shivers – The Marauders of Pitchfork Pass
DL Fowler – The Turn
JR Collins – Legend of Swell Branch
John W. Bebout – The Cause of Darkness- A Story of the Civil War
Eileen Charbonneau – Mercies of the Fallen
James Kahn – Matamoros
Gerry Robinson – The Cheyenne Story
J. Palma – The Chaffee Sisters
Susan Higginbotham – The First Lady and the Rebel
Barbara Salvatore – Magghie
Michael D. Abbott – Wyoming Wind
J.C. Graves – Death is a Sharpshooter
J.B. Richard – Jesse
Terry D. Heflin – Scarlet Hem
Mike Shellenbergar – Quail Creek Ranch
Mike Shellenbergar – Four-Flusher
Mike Shellenbergar – Refuge
T.K. Conklin – Promise of Spring
Elizabeth St. Michel – Surrender to Honor
Gail Meath – Fire Blossom
Van Temple – Whisperwood: A Confederate Soldier’s Struggle
Michael T. Tusa Jr. – And Trouble Followed
Rebecca Dwight Bruff – Trouble the Water, a Novel
John Hansen – Elk Meadows
Roger Newman – Will O’ the Wisp: Madness, War and Recompense
E. Alan Fleischauer – Hunted
T.J. Johnston – Lockett’s Crucible
Daniel Greene – Northern Wolf
W. Hock Hochheim – Rio Grande Black Magic
Which of these works will move forward in the judging rounds for the 2020 LARAMIE Book Awards for Western Fiction?
Congratulations to Eileen Charbonneau whose work Seven Aprils took home the Grand Prize for the 2019 Laramie Book Awards.
As a calming invitation to a new bedtime ritual, What Wonders Do You See … When You Dream? is a lyrically narrated and masterfully illustrated children’s book well intended to help youngsters wind down and prepare for the magical adventure of sleep. Here the graceful style and delicate rhythm of Justine Avery’s writing comes alive with artist Liuba Syrotiuk’s dreamy watercolor visions. The beautiful collaborative effort provides inspiration for young readers to set aside their day’s excitement and drift into an imaginative landscape of shut-eye.
Against an airy backdrop that moves from rolling green hills and the face of a smiling sleepy sun to swirling blue-mauve skies and a sprinkling of stars, the narrative follows a whimsical boy and girl getting ready for bed. They put their toys away, brush their teeth, get into their PJs, and then take a moment to stretch and relax. Ultimately, deep meditative breaths help calm their active minds in a mindful moment, and soon they can drift quietly into a blissful encounter with their dreams.
Avery writes with a wispy hand and a soothing, creative voice. While the rhyming verses and words may diverge from the traditional, such free-form stylings are pleasantly suited to the relaxing nature of the story. Additionally, she broadens the audience’s vocabulary with fun words like “niggles” and “sniggle” that are sure to entice.
While youngsters often struggle at bedtime with concerns about the dark or worried about monsters in the closet, Avery’s smart emphasis is on bedtime as “magical … wondrous” and “best when you’re feeling slumberous.” Here, funny bug-eyes beneath the bed and small furry mop-like creatures running about elicit a figment of charm and humor rather than fear. The story’s final question of What wonders do you see? reveals a moment for youngsters to point out images on the page, as well as igniting an opportunity for them to talk about their own personal dreams.
Syrotiuk’s gossamer watercolors awash with gentle hues and soft-edged lines provide a perfect accompaniment to Avery’s narrative. This fresh, straightforward design ideally punctuates the soothing, balm-like feel of the story. Skillfully rendered brushwork draws readers into a dreamscape enveloped in ribbons of color. It showcases an imagined world filled with flora and fauna, floating sea life and planets, balls of yarn, and a frisky calico cat that lends its playful presence throughout the book’s pages.
Mini watercolor portraits and bios of both the author and illustrator, along with a message about freely sharing this work, appear at the book’s end. This small detail adds a glowing touch to the book’s overall design.
In a truly artful and harmonious combination of words and imagery, the sometimes mundane or, more often, chaotic time of getting ready for bed aptly turns into a surprise adventure. Here’s the perfect story to lull antsy youngsters into imaginative sweet slumber and help them discover some remarkable secrets when they close their eyes and dream.
What Wonders Do You See … When You Dream? Won First Place in the CIBA 2019 Little Peeps Book Awards for Children’s Literature.
You have more words than you did at the beginning of November. Congratulations!
Or perhaps you are one of the ones who will do February or June Writing Month. If so, bookmark this post for future use.
Or, you are creating your work-in-progress? This post may be of particular interest to you.
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath, maybe take an Epsom salt bath, massage your wrists, roll out those shoulders, and maybe let out a primordial scream into the darkness. You know, whatever helps you relax.
Finish, Celebrate, Plan
Now, let’s say you haven’t quite finished— Give yourself some time to relax, and brainstorm the ways you’re going to now fit writing into your life. For me, having a daily word goal of 1667 is great for short periods, but really what I need is time boxes to get the work down. I usually tell myself that I can shut myself away for at least twenty minutes a day writing until I finish, with the only rule being I write. Even if I need to struggle through something and get really meta in the writing process, I know that will come out later. Don’t forget to reward yourself, maybe with a day off, that fancy mocha you never spring for, or chocolate.
So, whether you NaNoWriMo or not, if you are writing, be sure to reward yourself!
Treat Yourself!
Edit, Space, Edit
Once you’ve finished your novel on your new schedule (or maybe you skipped that last paragraph because you’re so gosh darn prolific), the next stage will be editing. You know yourself better than I do, so if you need space from your writing, take that space.
Before you hide it away though, consider taking the time to write what you know to be true about it now. Note down what parts mean a lot to you that you don’t want to change later, explain to yourself where you know you’ve decided you want to expand things, and then make a quick list of items that you know will need to be fixed (for me, I always need to fix the fact that my characters have very little interiority, so the reader doesn’t know why they do what they do.
My other big struggle is setting, (everyone just exists in an empty void where their heads can talk). Leave yourself these notes and then get some space by taking Stephen King’s advice and hiding your work in a drawer or somewhere out of sight for at least six weeks.
Meanwhile, start conjuring your next writing creation.
Allowing your work to “rise” in a drawer while you start your next project.
David’s Self-Editing “Trick” — He shares it with you, dear Chanticleerians.
When the six-plus-weeks of letting your work “rise or proof” in a drawer somewhere is up, David offers this advice:
For the next editing step, I treat myself like I would any other editorial client. I take the first ten pages of my work, and then skip ahead to the middle and grab ten pages from there. For many of us, the start and end of the book already appear clearly in our mind, and for something like NaNoWriMo, we start out fresh and excited to get the job done. So you can notice what you do well in your first ten pages, and if anything pops up that you know you need to fix, write those down as well. Then, in the section from the middle of your book, look at what parts that worked well in the beginning are still there, and what maybe fell out as the story weighed itself down in the middle of the month, heavy from the expectations and reaching that week three or week four point of exhaustion.
We imagine this is David
Having taken notes one what worked and didn’t work at the beginning and middle, I write myself a letter explaining what I should watch out for as I move through my own work, and how I recommend shoring up the strengths and how I can correct any weak points. For me, again, this usually means taking time to give every setting and character a unique description, and then to make sure that I use my strengths, like dialogue, especially if I notice there’s a section where I skipped over dialogue in favor of narrative description.
Then, I connect this letter with the note I left for myself when the story was still fresh in my mind, and I buckle down and do my first read through and selection of edits.
Manuscript Overview or Peer Review, Rewrite, Repeat
Now it’s time to get some other eyes on your work. This may be the time to have a manuscript overview if you are serious about publishing your work. Do this before you get into editing (line or copy editing). Click here if you would like to read more about this process:
If you are undecided about whether or not to publish your work-in-progress, this might be a good time to bring in a few Beta Readers for their general impressions—how do they see the structure of the story? What do they think of my character development? And what do they see as the heart of the story? That last question nets me some really interesting answers that help me better understand the themes of the story that maybe weren’t clear to me initially. Then I compile these notes into another letter of sorts to myself, and go through the entire book again. I would recommend doing this one more time, and this time asking for more specific feedback on theme, plot, characterization, dialogue, structure, world building (as applicable), and then just anything that just stands out as a hold up for the reader.
Remember, when receiving peer review or manuscript overview, you are the author and no one else can force you to make changes. Even if a suggestion really bothers you and gets under your skin, reframing it as a question of why the reviewer gave you that feedback can always help. For example if someone hates your character, Beth, because “she just doesn’t seem real.” Ask yourself what you’ve done to develop Beth as a character. Read her dialogue aloud. Figure out why you love Beth (even if she’s actually awful—which is often a reason we back away from loving our bad characters), and put that love into her character. She can still be unsympathetic, but at least now she’ll draw your reader in.
What should you do if you are not wanting to proceed with your w-i-p. Our suggestion here at Chanticleer is to print it and file it away. Also, save it digitally in at least two other places such as your computer or a USB stick plus some place off premise such as in the “cloud.” Never throw any writing away…just squirrel it away because you never know…
Squirrel away your cuts and works that you are not moving forward on. Don’t toss them away.
Let’s get Professional – You’ve Decided that You Want to Publish Your Work-In-Progress
At this point, if you still want to move forward with your story, which I’m imaging is quite good, it’s time to bring in a professional. Chanticleer can provide you with a Manuscript Overview, which is a great first step, and then you can work on finding an editor who understands your vision and whose style matches with the way you respond to feedback. Go through it with your editor, and then proceed with the editorial and cover design process. Remember, your cover has the greatest influence on whether or not a potential reader will choose your book to to consider.
Line editing, copy editing (you can save $$ by creating and developing your own Style Guide and Story Bible).
In the process that you’ve been going through with your Work-In-Progress (w-i-p), are you considering turning it into a series? Indie Booksellers, Entertainment Producers, Literary Agents, etc. and especially READERS, enjoy book series.
Do you need to reconsider your story structure in order to sustain a book series?
To Series or Not to Series– What is Your Strategy?
Publication?
This, for many people is seen as the big goal, and it deserves an article all on its own for the different facets of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, how to market, what to do about cover design, contests, book reviews, and so much more. At this point, the important thing to realize is that you are entering a period of extraordinary fine-tuning and a different kind of work with your book, from making it come to life to putting it in people’s hands. Good luck!
On a final note, don’t forget about the COVER!
THE COVER – The Number One Marketing Tool to Sell More Books – Don’t Sell Yourself Short. Start on your cover design as soon as you are serious that you want to publish your story then start working on the cover and the brand (Stories are products!)
Since his father’s death, seventeen-year-old Antonius Sardi has become the man of the house, keeping up the spirits and providing for his mother, younger sister, and younger brother. When he takes a job in the household of Conte Leonardo Valperga, he works hard to prove useful in hopes of raising his status above that of a lowly servant. Occasionally, Antonius glimpses Savinus di Benevento, a seer of great renown in the medieval town of Pesaro, and a member of the Conte’s household as well. When Savinus advertises for a new apprentice, Antonius knows this is the opportunity for which he has been waiting, a chance to show his abilities to a man who can appreciate rather than fear them.
Antonius can read minds, and as soon as Savinus, also skilled in mind-reading and prophecy, learns of this, he immediately agrees to take on Antonius. However, Antonius isn’t the only young man who wants the position. Nichola, the son of Savinus’s very wealthy and powerful patron, believes himself fit for the job. Savinus has no choice but to take on Nichola, who proves himself treacherous and shallow. Moreover, Nichola is annoyed that Antonius is given the role of the primary apprentice while he is relegated to mundane tasks. To make matters worse, Guilia, Savinus’s daughter, seems interested in Antonius. Nichola takes his jealousy to unbelievable lengths, which ultimately threatens Savinus, Antonius, and Giulia’s lives.
Antonius’s desire to defy the expectations of his class is the most important theme within the novel. He often thinks of his father, a fisherman, who came home exhausted nightly many times after the rest of the family had fallen asleep. On the days he could, he insisted on teaching his children how to read and write even though in their current social status, such skills would be unnecessary. Antonius knows that he has no other option than to fight for the assistant apprenticeship if for no other reason than the memory of his father’s hard work. Less than his best would be a betrayal of his values.
Kate Murdoch weaves a compelling tale of Medieval Italian life in her coming of age historical fantasy. Here’s a novel that will hook readers from the very first page.
Stone Circle won a well-deserved First in Category in the 2018 Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction novels.
The Dante Rossetti Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Young Adult Fiction. The Rossetti Book Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (CIBAs).
Named in honor of the British poet & painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti who founded the Pre-Ralphaelite Brotherhood in 1848.
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring stories of all shapes and sizes written to an audience between the ages of about twelve to eighteen (imaginary or real). Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopian, Mystery, Paranormal, Historical, Romance, Literary, we will put them to the test and choose the best Young Adult Books among them for the winners of the Dante Rossetti Book Awards for Young Adult Fiction. Looking for middle grade contests? Check out our Gertrude Warner Awards.
These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2020 Dante Rossetti entries to the 2020 Dante Rossetti Book Awards LONG LIST. These entries are now in competition for 2020 Dante Rossetti Shortlist. The Short Listers will compete for the next level of achievement in the CIBAs. Semi-Finalists and Finalists will be announced and recognized at the CAC21 banquet and ceremony. The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 17 CIBA divisions’ Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremonies on April, 21 – 25, 2021 at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash. at the 2021 Chanticleer Authors Conference–whether virtual, hybrid, or in-person.
These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2020 Dante Rossetti Book Awards for Young Adult Fiction.
Michelle Rene – The Canyon Cathedral: The Witches of Tanglewood, Book Two
John Middleton – Dillion and The Skeleton Hall
Strider S. R. Klusman – Within Reach
Zoe Hauser – Jaguar Spirit
Sue C Dugan – Suppressed
Victory Witherkeigh – The Girl
Richard Groseclose – Henry Castlewaite and The Portrait of Doom
Michael Bialys – The Chronicles of the Virago
B. L. Smith – The Fall of the Axe
Liana Gardner – Speak No Evil
D.C. Carlisle – Surviving Eros: The Girl Under the Stars
Brooke Skipstone – Some Laneys Died
Sara Hosey – Iphigenia Murphy
Susanne Dunlap – The Paris Affair
Strider Klusman – My Ransom
Susan Wingate – How the Deer Moon Hungers
Felicia Farber – Ice Queen
PJ Devlin – The Chamber — A Wissahickon Monsters Story
Dallas Woodburn – The Best Week That Never Happened
Seven Jane – The Isle of Gold
Kelly Vincent – Finding Frances
David Pearson – Upon a Peak in Darien
Professor W. W. Marplot – Dwarf Story
Chynna Laird – Just Shut Up and Drive
L.L. Eadie – Yearning for the Unattainable
Jodi Lea Stewart – Blackberry Road
Denis Olasehinde Akinmolasire – The Mission to End Slavery
Brooke Skipstone – Someone To Kiss My Scars
Tory Gates – Searching for Roy Buchanan
R.B. Shifman – Everyone Leaves This Place
Cris Harding – Red Wing
Jim and Stephanie Kroepfl – Merged
Good Luck to All as Your Works Compete to Advance to the Next Level of the Chanticleer International Book Awards.
Good luck to all as your works compete to advance to the next rounds of judging rounds of the CIBAs.
Congratulations to Jan Von Schleh whose work But Not Forever took home the Grand Prize for the 2019 Dante Rossetti Book Awards
“When Sonnet McKay, her siblings, and cousins discover a deserted Victorian mansion in the middle of the woods outside a ghost town near Seattle, they get much more than they bargained for.“– Chanticleer Reviews
In this engaging children’s tale by author Gloria Two-Feathers, a young colt named Buck will learn how to obey, how to defend, and how to strike out on his own.
The scene is set in the Great Plains, where a river named Minisose divides a sea of tall green prairie grass. Many animals call that grassland their home, and the most magnificent is the herd of wild horses led by a dark stallion named Plenty Coups and his chosen mate, the lovely cream-colored mare, Cloud. By tradition and instinct, Plenty Coups protects the herd from attackers, while Cloud leads them to safety.
Cloud knows how to find watering holes when the sun, Wi, is at its hottest and how to locate grass when Winter Man covers the ground with snow. One day in early spring, she realizes she must find a safe place to deliver a foal. In a secluded spot near a little pool, surrounded by the fresh grass, she delivers Buck, the young colt who soon accompanies her to find the herd again. But the winter has brought out a pack of hungry wolves led by the fierce Yellow Eyes, determined to bring Cloud down and feast on her son. This is the first great danger Buck will face, and he shows himself to be smart, plucky, and independent. One day these qualities will come to the fore as he takes on his destined role: to search for and rule over a magic meadow.
This mystical story is intertwined with the ancient lore of the Lakota people. This is the second book for children with a traditional framework, the first being the award-winning and delightful, Tallulah’s Flying Adventure. In this book, Two-Feathers identifies many natural presences with traditional names that play a role in the story’s drama and poetic nature. Buck’s youthful spunk will resonate with children and adults who will admire his spirit and growing strength. As much as readers admire Buck, they will fall in love with Cloud, the gentle mother who is not afraid to fend off a gang of bloodthirsty wolves. Buck – Keeper of the Meadow contains beautiful, expressive illustrations by fourteen-year-old artist Lucy Roe, and concludes with an urgent plea to all children, “to save the wilderness areas for future of all creatures,” as Buck will do as he guards the ancient meadows.
Buck: Keeper of the Meadow will be a strong read-to for younger children and a very appropriate exploration for older children and young teens, with many thought- and question-provoking themes for family talks and lively classroom discussions.
The M&M Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Cozy and not-so-Cozy Mystery & Mayhem. The M&M Book Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (CIBAs).
Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring “mystery and mayhem”, amateur sleuthing, light suspense, travel mystery, classic mystery, British cozy, hobby sleuths, senior sleuths, or historical mystery, perhaps with a touch of romance or humor, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them. (For suspense, thriller, detective, crime fiction see our Clue Awards)
These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2020 M&M entries to the 2020 M&M Book Awards LONG LIST. These entries are now in competition for 2020 M&M Shortlist. The Short Listers will compete for the next level of achievement in the CIBAs. Semi-Finalists will be announced and recognized at the CAC21 banquet and ceremony. The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 17 CIBA divisions’ Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremonies on April, 21 – 25, 2021 at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash. at the 2021 Chanticleer Authors Conference–whether virtual, hybrid, or in-person.
These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2020 M&M Book Awards for Mystery & Mayhem
Good luck to all as your works move on the next rounds of judging.
Chris Karlsen – A Venomous Love
Susan McCormick – The Fog Ladies
Patrick M. Garry – The Discovery
Sigrid Vansandt – Murder On The Caledonian Queen
Sigrid Vansandt – A Ghost’s Tale
Karen Steur – Miner Pines
Lori Roberts Herbst – Suitable for Framing
Cindy Sample – Dying for a Double
Christine A Brady – Don’t leave, Miss Riley
Sharon Clark – The Murder Cat
Elaine Orr – Demise of a Devious Suspect
D.R. Ransdell – Substitute Soloist
CB Wilson – Cavaliered to Death
P.K. Adams – Silent Water
Kari Bovee – Bones of the Redeemed
Sarah Yarwood-Lovett – A Murder of Crowes
Kate Vale – Unanswered Questions
Michelle Cox – A Child Lost
Maria Ostrowski – Yet From Those Flames No Light
Prudence Ambergast – The Mystery at Fig Tree Hall
Ana T. Drew – The Murderous Macaron
Pat Camalliere –The Mystery at Mount Forest Island
Mary Seifert – Titanic Tea
Lina Hansen – In My Attic – A Magical Misfits Mystery
J.L. Anderson – Secrets of Willow Lane
F. Della Notte – Catwalk Dead
Kim Davis – Sprinkles of Suspicion
Shelby Chase – Devil’s Kiss
Debbie De Louise – Love on the Rocks
Chuck Morgan – Crime Denied, A Buck Taylor Novel
Traci Andrighetti – Galliano Gold
Elizabeth Crowens – Dear Mom, The Killer is Among Us
Arlene McFarlane – Murder, Curlers & Kegs
Rita M Boehm – Missing on Maple Street
Mark Daniel Seiler – Shave Ice Paradise
Nellie H. Steele – The Secret of Dunhaven Castle
Nicole Asselin – Murder at First Pitch
Elizabeth Tschurr – Wrongs Hushed Up
Perry Miller – Lethal Injection
Mary Alice Kressler – Not So Silent Night
Elizabeth Crowens – Dear Bernie, I’m Glad You’re Dead
Lucinda Brant – Deadly Kin: A Georgian Historical Mystery
Nancy Blaha – Finding James
Nancy Good – Killer Calories, A Melanie Deming Manhattan Mystery
Carl and Jane Bock – The White Heron
Molly Flewharty – Short Line to Death
Betty Jean Craige – Saxxons in Witherston
Jane Ritzenthaler – Green Ice
Good Luck to All as Your Works Compete to Advance to the Next Level of the Chanticleer International Book Awards.
Congratulations to Vee Kumari whose work Dharma, a Rekha Rao Mystery took home the Grand Prize for the 2019 M&M Book Awards
“A murder mystery set against an intriguing backdrop of Indian mysticism and archaeology make this a very good pick.”– Chanticleer Reviews
Our next Chanticleer International Book Awards Ceremony will be held during VCAC21 April 21 – 25, 2021 for the 2020 CIBA winners.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards will feature international bestselling cozy mystery and crime author CATHY ACE author of the Cait Morgan mystery series.
SALE PRICES ARE VALID Wednesday, November 25th until Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020
CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME
Check out these awesome sales!
Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $325
Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.
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Our Book Review Package (Regularly $425) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine.
Receive a $100 discount off the VCAC21 Virtual Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and VIRTUALLY from the Hotel Bellwether (April 21 – 24, 2021 core dates).
Learn from the Best at VCAC21
Presenters are: Cathy Ace, J.D. Barker, Paul Cutsinger, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff and other insightful and exciting presenters.
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The days of publishers handling all an author’s marketing are looking like a thing of the past, even for traditionally published authors. This means you need to take control of your own marketing strategy for your books’ promotions.
To begin, list off the places where you imagine people will see information about your book(s). We have some ideas, but you know your community best so trust your expertise there. It’s safe to say you will need to at least look in these places:
Your Website!
Your Social Media Platforms (that point back to your website — not a selling platform)
A Cross-Promotion platform that you share with other authors
Bookchain.ca, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, PublishDrive, and as many selling platforms as possible to create streams of revenue/royalties.
Independent Bookstores and Retail Outlets (many Chanticleerians join with garden shops, wineries, gift shops, toy stores, etc.) to sell their books.
Local Bookstores
Your local bookstores deserves special attention. There are always loyal readers with a strong preference to shop local, so take some time to show those stores extra love.
Shelf-talkers for point of sale displays
Small posters (free standing and flat for windows and bulletin boards
Shiny book stickers work! – They make your books stand out on the shelf.
Bookmarks with your WEBSITE and Social Media Handles and your Covers — ask if you may insert them in your books.
Make plans to participate in virtual author events – most indie booksellers are hosting these with great success
THEN you promote your events every where! (Social Media, email blasts, website, posters, etc.)
Now let’s put those together for some general recommendations (remember, your situation is unique, so if this advice clearly needs an adjustment for you, go for it).
[Editor’s Note: David Beaumier has worked with Village Books (Bellingham’s local Independent Bookstore) for several years before rejoining the Chanticleer Team after completing his Master Degree in English, so he knows what he is talking about with how to increase sales at local bookstores.]
How to Make Your Website More Effective in Promoting Your Books
We recommend that your website has a tab for Reviews and Awards, in addition to a tab for your books. It can also be good to include your shelf talker blurb after that to showcase a strong hook to bring your reader in. Then, from your Book tab, lead them to your review from there so they can see you have a strong digital base already built up with accolades from an independent and respected reviewer. These nods to your success tell the reader that your book is worthwhile and make it stand out from the thousands of other books they’ll come across.
Website Checklist
Tab for Reviews and Awards
Books Tab for more information with links to wear to purchase
Feature Your Digital Badges
Sign up Page for Announcements, Freebies, Bonuses, Short Stories, News, and Beta Readership Opportunities
If your books are available at indie bookstores, or other retail outlets — list where they are and give links!
Questions For and How To Connect with Book Clubs (remember — virtual gives you a wider audience span and the benefit of no travel expenses)
You can feature your digital sticker in proximity to an image of your cover in both places. It can also be good to include your shelf talker blurb after that to showcase a strong hook to bring your reader in. Then, from your Book tab, lead them to your review from there so they can see you have a strong digital base already built up with accolades from an independent and respected reviewer. These nods to your success tell the reader that your book is worthwhile and make it stand out from the thousands of other books they’ll come across.
Marketing packages can include an ARC, any swag you have (bookmarks, buttons, wrist bands, quarter sheet advertisements), a one page Sell Sheet (aka a write up of your book) which should mention your awards and positive reviews (including excerpts). On websites where your book is sold, you can populate their editorial review section of the site with your Chanticleer Editorial Book Review.
Village Books, Bellingham, Wash. all aglow!
Village Books at night. A brick cornerstone of the community with light pouring out the windows when it gets to be dark at 4 p.m. Our very own local, Bellingham bookstore. Local bookstores are key for selling your book!
That’s David up in the upper left hand corner sans grad school mustache.
Check to see if they have a regular advertising publication or newsletter and ask about including your review or your shelf talker in it (depending on space). Ask if you can post shelf talkers at their store and what the specifications for talkers are through their store.
Chanticleer Shelf talkerShelf Talkers sell Wine and Books! They work!
If a bookstore team member says they love the genre you write in, you can even offer them a free copy of your book and ask if they can do a write up for you. They have an abundance of riches when it comes to free books, but they don’t have a personal connection with every author. Only offer if they seem interested. Generally, do remember to always be kind to bookstore employees. They are the people who hand sell your book the most after you.
If the bookstore does do raffles on sale event days, or if you are having a socially distanced author event perhaps the staff can offer your swag such lavender sachets to each attendee or purchaser (as Gail Noble Sanderson does with The Lavender Meuse Trilogy or Kizzie Jones offers with coloring sheets for her Tall Tale of Dachsunds children’s book series).
Here is what Kizzie Jones is doing for her foreign book editions:
Plan events with your ribbon front and center — even if it is virtual — have your well-earned Chanticleer Blue Ribbon placed where it can be seen — another subtle way of stating that you are an award-winning author without having to say so yourself in your virtual presentation.
People know what a blue ribbon means, and it’s a great way to start a conversation about your book. Events are for more than just your local bookstore, but any stores near where you live or other places you think your story might resonate. Ask yourself if you might know special interest groups that would want to read your work that deals with zookeeping, financial advising, or a classic thriller. Reach out and add these places to your tour stops–yes even virtual tours—all small businesses are looking for ways to create virtual events to keep existing customers and find new ones.. Bookstore websites often run reading and writing groups that might connect to the genre you work in, and they love to have published authors stop by to chat with them.
But what about “virtual events” at your local bookstore?
If this means bookmarks, buttons, stickers, quarter sheets, and remember to put in your winning status and/or a blurb from your review as applicable and as makes sense for fitting the information onto the material. These swag items are a great way to keep the book in people’s mind. Bookstores can drop all of these into customer’s bags, which can really pay off in sales! Especially if the purchase was instigated by a virtual event. These items let your readers know that they are special to YOU! Be sure to invite them to visit your website because you offer readers special prizes and raffles and other fun stuff to readers who subscribed.
Always be gracious with anyone who might sell or buy your work at an event. There’s no crowd too small, even if it’s just a bookstore employee—remember, that person will hand sell your book and be your representative to customers in the store.
The short version of this, as with all the best advice, is to have a plan, reach out to your local community that provides built-in support, and always be kind and gracious to those around you.
Tweet us @ChantiReviews on Twitter to let us know how you used your marketing materials and award from Chanticleer to help generate interest in your book. We will share and LIKE and Comment.
Promote your wins by showing off your digital badges (Semi-Finalist, Finalist, First Place, or Grand Prize), book stickers, and reviews!
Now to start preparing for the HOLIDAY SEASON – Stay tuned for Tips and Tools for Increasing Holiday Book Sales.
Veronica Fischer has written a delightful holiday story for young readers with rhyming prose and colorful pictorials that highlights an important message about being yourself.
The LARAMIE Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the Americana / Western, Pioneer, Civil War, Frontier, and First Nations Novels. The Laramie Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards.
Since his father’s death, seventeen-year-old Antonius Sardi has become the man of the house, keeping up the spirits and providing for his mother, younger sister, and younger brother. When he takes a job in the household of Conte Leonardo Valperga, he works hard to prove useful in hopes of raising his status above that of a lowly servant. Occasionally, Antonius glimpses Savinus di Benevento, a seer of great renown in the medieval town of Pesaro, and a member of the Conte’s household as well. When Savinus advertises for a new apprentice, Antonius knows this is the opportunity for which he has been waiting, a chance to show his abilities to a man who can appreciate rather than fear them.
