Chanticleer Book Reviews

Category: Marketing

  • 12 MUST-DO’s for AUTHORS for a Successful and Productive 2020 and Beyond. Number Two of Twelve – a Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox Series by Kiffer Brown and Sharon Anderson

    12 MUST-DO’s for AUTHORS for a Successful and Productive 2020 and Beyond. Number Two of Twelve – a Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox Series by Kiffer Brown and Sharon Anderson

    Number Two of Twelve Must-Do’s for Authors

    Creating Your Marketing and Promotion Calendar for 2020 and Beyond… Part One

    I’ve been in marketing a number of years (dare I say decades?). Marketing and Promotion have always been moving targets, but now with the internet they are targets that move at light speed.

    If you want to sell books and you want to have your author career advance, you will need to have a promotion and marketing plan that can pivot and is flexible.

    Plan for your Success!

    And if you have an M & P plan already, you will need to constantly update it, add to it, and evaluate what works and what doesn’t.

    First of all, the M & P Calendar is complex and integrated at many levels, which can make it overwhelming. But that is where Chanticleer can assist.

    Do keep in mind, that many of the moving parts are small and incremental steps that are not hard to do, but they will add up and add up substantially.

    Promotion of a book (or any product) is a continuous exercise of good marketing and promotional habits. Many are not difficult or time consuming but most be done on a regular basis. Marketing  and Promotion are NOT one trick ponies.

    Let us start at the beginning. Laying the Groundwork for your M&P calendar.

    Strategy – First start with the Big Picture.

    What I do is keep a notebook and a calendar. I tend to be old school and like paper and pencil for my reminders and calendar. I then add the information to my Google calendar so that it will remind me on my smart phone.

    Andy prefers to go all digital with no paper. He uses integrated digital calendars and custom project management software—thank goodness because that is how we track and manage the CIBAs.

    Here are 10 Points to consider and implement.

    We will then fill in with more detailed information in Part Two of this blog-post.

    One. Identify 10 best-selling author in your genre that you would like to ask for an author blurb? 

    It doesn’t matter if you are launching a new work or promoting your back list.

    Write their names down in your M&P notebook. We will come back to this in the next blog post. Promise.

    Two. Identify any seasons or holidays that are associated with your titles. 

    I always think of Love of Finished Years by Gregory Erich Phillips at Christmas time because of his touching WWI Christmas Eve scene that takes place in the heat of battle. It is book that I can read and reread.

    Gregory Erich Phillips Love of Finished Years won Chanticleer International Book Award for Best Book while it was still a manuscript.

    Or Ann Charles’ Deadwood Series that feature Violet Parker, real estate agent and single mom gets me in the mood for Halloween.

    Would your books make awesome vacation reads? Or cozy sit by the fire reads? Or perfect for traveling?

    Are your books page turning thrillers that will have readers consuming it at one sitting? Or something for a reader to look forward to reading a chapter or two a night?  Know your readers.

    A personal favorite cozy mystery series of mine that I like to read is Michelle Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard mystery series because I enjoy tthe time frame that series takes place in, and I like the protagonists. Reading the series is a wonderful escape for me.

     

    What holidays or seasons can you target to promote your works? Write them down in that notebook.

    Three. Target Book Clubs – Online and Groups that meet in person

    Book clubs tend to chart out their reads months in advance if not a year in advance. Start getting “Top of Mind” share and getting on the “think about list.”

    Make sure that your website, author description, Facebook page, Twitter, blog posts, and any other media alerts readers that you are available for Skyping, showing up in person, supplying stimulating questions for the group, and that you just adore BOOK CLUBS. If there are libraries that have your books in their book club kits, list them on the Book Club section of your website.

    Keep a running list of Book Clubs that you want to reach out to and keep in contact with them. Put reminders in your calendar to continually reach out to book clubs of all types. They can propel an author and have far reaching affects on readership gains.

    The Roost at Chanticleer will have a running list of book clubs and how to contact them. This will be up and running before the end of January.

    Four. Author Events

    Again, dates fill up at book stores, retail outlets, book fairs, book conventions, libraries,  and specialty events. Chanticleerians have passed on to me that they have had great success at wine bars, grocery stores, flower shops, seasonal events such at the Lavender events in the PNW, comic cons, brewpubs, entertainment events if your work has a connection with them, re-enactments, hobbyists, the list can go on and on.

    The award-winning Janet Shawgo has presented sessions on this at the Chanticleer Authors Conference. All in attendance were inspired by her creativity and willingness to share.

    Janet Shawgo’s author event at a winery.

    And I have it good advice that one shouldn’t discount small events. It is better to be a big fish at a small event rather sitting idly by while a line a mile long forms for a celebrity author. I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count.

    Guerrilla marketing is the friend of aspiring authors. It can even the playing field with its unconventional interactions and surprises. Remember, readers are acquired one by one—which makes guerrilla marketing especially effective.

    Be creative. Be open. But get those gigs lined up and on the calendar. Pronto! And start on next year’s events.

    Make your list with the venue, date, date of contact, date of recontact, results. Continuously add venues and events as you discover them.

    Add the confirmed dates to your Promotion Calendar. There will be more work to be done.

    Jesikah Sundin, award-winning author of The Biodome Chronicles excels at  guerrilla marketing, branding, and author events that build loyal readership. And her books deliver and keep her readers coming back for more!

    Jesikah Sundin

    Five. Discover experts who will resonate with your books. (We call this SLANT in the marketing industry).

    Who is an expert in the field that your work is associated with?

    Ann Charles is a full-time author of mysteries. Her popular protagonist is Violet Parker, a real estate agent in Deadwood? Guess who her biggest fans are? Real Estate agents! And she has targeted them and they have become evangelical fans for her series. The real estate network is huge. And so is her fan-base.

    For instance, Pamela Beason writes mysteries that tend to take place in wilderness areas. She is a career author (making a living at writing) and a retired private investigator. Pam targets hikers, backpackers, wilderness protectors. One of her mystery series is focused around Neema, a communicating gorilla who can communicate using sign language. Pam targets these folks in social media. Her YA series has a rescued elephant. You get the picture?  Did I mention that I am a Neema fangirl?

    Pamela Beason’s wildly successful Sam Westin wilderness series.

    What are your books’ angles? What is the slant? (what is the voice? what is your underlying message?) 

    This exercise is one that you should repeat each year with your back list.

    If you can get an endorsement from experts that have a common interest in your books, you will be able to broaden your target market. It doesn’t matter if the expert is a real estate agent, or a barista, or is leader in a knitting circle… This is how word of mouth is created. Create these bonds. It will make your next book launch much more easy.

    Remember Jesikah from Point #Four. Her books crossover from fantasy, YA, cyber-punk, eco-punk, gaming, science fiction, steampunk, and … just imagine all the blurbs, recommendations, and READERS and their reviews that Jesikah’s marketing attracts.

    Six. Identify 10 Authors to Network within Social Media and in Real Life. 

    These should be authors whose readers will also enjoy your works and authors that your readers will enjoy their books.

    If you have ten, then add ten more. You can never have enough.

    This is called increasing your CIRCLE of INFLUENCE. The relationship should be reciprocal. We will circle back around to this.

    A good test is to determine if your works and the selected authors works would be shelved together at the book store or at the local library.

    Write this list down in your M & P book/ledger. Each year, continue to expand it.

    J.D. Barker, a masterful storyteller,  recommends that your genre should crossover… just imagine having your books shelved in more than one location at booksellers. Get the picture?

    Shameless self-promotion here … you should check out his interview in the last issue of the Chanticleer Reviews magazine.

    Order your copy today… 🙂

    Seven. Focus Your Author Brand. 

    Each and every visual element associated with you as an author should have focus and should move your author brand forward on your website, in your social media, in your type fonts, in the background imagery. A reader should be able to tell in less than three seconds what overall genre you are writing in. Are your books dark and mysterious? Fantastical? Sexy? Historical? Dystopian? Everything from the icon that marks your website in the browser to the background that coordinates with all of your internet and real marketing collateral (covers, book swag, business cards, etc.). Make sure that your author photos resonate with your works. That doesn’t mean you have to be brooding in person if your books are dark and mysterious, but you should have a persona, a brand that distinguishes you from the other millions of authors and writers. A visual brand.

    Ann Charles is a maestro at author branding. Visit her website and Facebook pages for inspiration (and to buy her U.S.A Today bestselling books).

    Ann Charles

    Eight. Become an Expert in Some Area of Publishing and Share Your Knowledge

    Writers by far make up the largest number of readers. We just can’t help ourselves. An excellent way to get on writers’ reading list is to present at writer’s conferences. It is widely known that after a writer gives a presentation, his/her/they see an increase in sales. Most would say a direct correlation.

    Many best-selling authors have gotten their start and created an ever increasing fan-base by sharing their knowledge and expertise with other authors and aspiring writers. Diane Gabaldon shared (and continues to) her knowledge for years by presenting at writers’ conferences. She is known for being extremely generous with her knowledge and expertise as is Robert Dugoni. The list goes on and on with international best-selling authors who share and mentor authors—authors such as J.D. Barker, C.C. Humphreys, Ann Charles, Ursula Le Guin, George R.R. Martin, Pamela Beason, are among the authors who believe in mentoring aspiring authors and giving back to the writing community.

    Robert Dugoni is one of our most popular speakers at CAC. Pam Beason is conducting the panel discussion.

    Discover your publishing expertise. Is it coming up with inciting incidents? Or world building? Or a knack for dialogue? Or social media  posts that garner attention? Or being creative in where to do book promotions? Or how to get that first draft out of your head and into black on white? Or discovering new platforms to sell works on? Or working ? Or posture while writing? Or?

    The main thing is to share your knowledge and expertise.

    So start asking to present or participate in panels at author events, in schools, at libraries, in your local writing groups, or the conferences that you are planning on attending.

    Write down your opportunities. Find out the deadlines for proposals. Keep a list and add to it.

    Nine. Podcasting and Video Blogging — Be the Interviewer or be the Interview-ee but be in the Podcast Airwaves

    With the advent of voice-driven assistants, podcasts are becoming more and more a part of daily life. Just like audio books. ( the fastest growing segment of publishing).

    Chanticleer has podcasts and video blogs. It is the new and latest that is certain to replace  “blog hopping.”  Make sure that you get your foot in the door! Even this blog post is converted to a podcast.

    As with any transition, you will need to do both: blogging and podcasting. Learn how to build your content pyramid at the Chanticleer Authors Conference 2020.

    Podcasting is going to be a feature at CAC20 this year with Hindenburg Systems (programs and apps to create podcasts and audio books) presenting sessions and podcast work shops.

    Paul Cutsinger, head of Amazon’s Alexa Code Labs will present and keynote.

    He will discuss

    • Why Voice Enabled Technology is Here to Stay 
    • The Publishing Industry and Voice Technology
    • StoryTelling and Voice Technology
    • Audiobooks and Voice 
    • Engaging Readers with Voice-driven Devices

    With more than 100 million Alexa devices in use, this a market segment that should not be overlooked in any author or publisher’s marketing plan.

    Time to start lining up your calendar with podcast and video blog events.

    Ten. Enter Your Works into Book Award Competitions and Contests

    Of course, we want to promote the Chanticleer International Book Awards with its 14 genre divisions and 2 non-fiction divisions.

    Book awards are a time honored tradition that help to distinguish best books and manuscripts from the millions of books that are written each year (and published).

    They give authors talking points, interviewers talking points, allow for point of sale marketing, social media marketing and so much more.

    Make sure to enter your works and see how they stack up against the others in your genre.

    Deadlines are closer than they appear! And there is nothing like a blue ribbon to help sell more books at a book fair or author event. #justsaying

    CIBA Grand Prize Ribbons!

    That calendar should be starting to fill in.

     

    Click here for a Handy Worksheet that you can print out to help  you to create your Market and Promotion Calendar.

     

    This Second Installment will take time to complete and you may need to work on it intermittently (but consistently) to get everything logged.

    Then the real work will begin.

    The next post will discuss implementing these first 8 Goals and creating discrete tasks to implement on a regular basis:

    Annually, Seasonally/Quarterly, Monthly, Twice a Month, Weekly, Almost daily.

    And social media postings, and blog postings, and articles, and…

    We elaborate on the first ten items and incorporate them into the calendar and create a schedule.

    Thank you for joining us in this Writer’s Tool Box series: The 12 MUST-Do’s for Authors Number Two of Twelve blog-post articles.We hope these were handy reminders or something new to consider. 

    If there is something we should add to this blog-post or you have an experience that you would like to share or a question that you would like to ask about this blog post, please contact us at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or SAnderson@ChantiReviews.com

    We’d love to hear from you! 

    Thank you for joining us and please stay tuned for the next article!The Secret to Successful Publishing

     

     

  • 12 Must-Do’s for AUTHORS for a Successful and Productive 2020 – Number One of Twelve -a Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox Series by Kiffer Brown and Sharon Anderson

    12 Must-Do’s for AUTHORS for a Successful and Productive 2020 – Number One of Twelve -a Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox Series by Kiffer Brown and Sharon Anderson

    Most of us are familiar with the old carol, Twelve Days of Christmas. It goes on and on, sung by school students at holiday concerts and revelers at holiday parties. It is, after all, a catchy tune and folks have changed the wording for their own special interests. 

    “But Jiminy Crickets, it is the 26th of December! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.

    However, dear Chanticleerian, did you know that the 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th? It does! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day on January 6th. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent. #justsaying

    So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you’ve got an extra 12 days!

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

    Happy Holidays from Chanticleer Reviews

    Now back to the

    12 Must-Dos for Authors and Publishers for 2020!

    At Chanticleer, as many of you know (especially if you have attended a Chanticleer Authors Conference), we do things a little differently. Adapting the theme of “12 Days,” we are bringing you an author checklist, things for your author development and business. That’s why we’re here!

    Please enjoy Chanticleer’s 12 Must-Dos for a Happy and Productive 2020~

    Well…maybe not “enjoy”… There is a lot of work to be done to complete this list that will help you have a successful and productive 2020 year for your author career.

    We suggest tackling one Must-Do a month in any order that you chose except for the first three. Also, we will have a handy checklist to print out at the end of the series for your author lair to help keep you on track.

    We were going to post one every two-to-three days on the Chanticleer blog. But after experiencing how time it takes to go into the depth for each Must-Do, we are changing that to one Must-Do every few weeks—especially until after the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the awards night for the Chanticleer International Book Awards (April 18, 2020). There just isn’t enough time to get everything done and write these in-depth articles.  But please look for these blog posts in your email inbox. These will be in addition to the CIBA announcements, review posts, and announcements. We have several exciting announcements coming your way!

    [This is update was made on 1/11/2020. -kb After the following new posts have been added to the 12 Must-Dos for Authors and Publishers

    The first Must-Do is below. The second one may found at this link. https://www.chantireviews.com/2020/01/03/12-must-dos-for-authors-for-a-successful-and-productive-2020-and-beyond-number-two-of-twelve-a-chanticleer-writers-toolbox-series-by-kiffer-brown-and-sharon-anderson/  The third installment has been posted on 1/11/2020 ]

     

    Must Do #1:  Pay Attention to Your Computer! 

    What type of transportation do you use? Auto, bike, on foot, or by pony? Whatever means you use to get around, you will need to maintain that mode regularly. You will need to put gas in the tank, oil the breaks, purchase new shoes, feed the pony. You will have to do something to ensure your transportation requirements are in the best shape possible. After all, who wants to be stuck on the side of the road with faulty equipment – or a sick pony?

    Jiminy Crickets!

    The principle is the same when we think about taking care of your computer. The very tool that stores your intellectual property, that aids in the creation and shaping of that property, and enables you to make a living doing what you love most, deserves your time and attention.

    Have you ever been in the middle of a story and suddenly your computer dies? Not the simple death that can be remedied by plugging it back into the outlet. But the ultimate death of the Blue-Screen sort?

    This means you’ve probably lost everything since your last “save” — you have been saving your work frequently?

    But worst than the Blue Screen of Death is the GREEN SCREEN of DEATH

    Short of a MIRACLE and some awesome WIZARDING, your computer has gone bye-bye. The forever bye-bye… There is no hope… Despair and gnashing of teeth bye-bye.

    Do we have your attention now?  Yeah, not pretty.

    Okay, here is a kitty photo to help you chill before we move on.

    Maintenance that you can do at home or in your writing lair can help prevent these horrific events.

    Regular systems checkups can alert you to future problems, like, dude, you have way too many cookies… Or, dude, if you type three more sentences, your computer will ex-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    You get the idea. Consider this a “get in shape” program for your ‘vital to your author career’ computer.

    Be proactive!

    Computer Maintenance Checklist  

    We advised doing these “Must-Do’s” for your computer in order.

    #1  First Clean Your Keyboard

    Have you noticed what’s stuck in there between the keys? Five types of plague, parts of your sandwich from last week, and the sloshed coffee. It’s disgusting! (Well, at least our keyboards can be). Keys sticking, the space bar refusing to space, the letters repeating across the screeeeeeennnnn…

    This one is easy — Vacuum your keyboard or even better get one of those compressed air canisters designed to clean keyboards will do the trick!

    Put it on your to-do list to clean your keyboard at least once a month.

    And while you are at it, clean that screen. #justsaying

    #2 Password Management and Protection

    If you have a password protection management app and you USE IT, then you may proceed to GO and collect $200 dollars in Monopoly money.

    If not, you should go to “Jail” and stay there until you do and you are using a password management program. This will be instrumental so that you can proceed to #3 on the list.

     

    Below are some password managers that you can checkout or search in your browser or do your own research for  “password managers.” Some are free or even at $50 a year for families, they are a bargain for the security provided. There is no excuse. 

    With today’s rampant internet piracy, having a vital password manager is a must for authors and publishers to protect their works, their royalties, banking info, and their distribution platforms just to mention a few. And your old school passwords will not cut it in today’s piracy ridden seas of the internet ocean. You need passwords that are impossible to remember and even harder for hackers to break.

    List of Some Highly Rated Password Managers and Generators

    • Keypass
    • Lastpass.com
    • 1Password
    • Bitwarden
    • Myki
    • Dashlane

    For more information, here are two links to articles about password managers from reliable sources:

    CNET’s best Password Managers for 2020 Article

    PC Mag’s roundup of the best password managers

    If you ever do encounter the Blue or Green Screen of Death, you will be able to access your programs and apps, book distribution channels, WORD documents, etc. when you set up your new system or do a system wide reboot.

    And, yes, Sharon and I have both learned these lessons the hard way.

    #3  Clear your Browser’s CACHE periodically

    This called “Browser Hygiene.” Really.

    Browsers tend to hold onto information and like a clogged drain, after a while, it will slow down the speed and performance of your computer. Where your browser holds onto this information is in its “cache.”

    A computer’s cache (pronounced ‘cash’) is also where websites that you visit implement their “cookies” —that bread crumb trail that rambles through the internet linking your computer to the websites that you visit. Each and every website uses cookies —even yours is guilty of it. It is the nature of the internet…

    And have you ever had this happen to you?

    “I don’t see the change, you said you updated on your web page.”

    That is because your computer is storing and showing you the previous cache of the website it stored in its cache. You are not seeing the latest and greatest of the website that you are re-visiting, but a “shadow” of it.

    To see the latest version of a website or web-post, you will probably have to clear your computer’s cache which will delete cookies.

    Each computer and browser has a different system, so we advise you to search on your browser (i.e. google it) on how to do clear the cache for your particular system.

    Also, you can decide how much of the cache that you want to clear. All of it? Only the cookies? Save the passwords? Clear the passwords? (the reason to do #2 Password Management first). It is probably a good idea to clean the password cache at least once a year. But remember that you will need to do a fresh login for each website that you visit. See #2 Password Management.

    We clear our caches here at Chanticleer at least every three months or as needed to access new data from websites that we visit.

    More info

    Remember all that fuss about Data Privacy back in May 2018? Cache and Cookies are what that was and is all about. Here is a handy link to Chanticleer’s blog post about it. Are you ready for the GDPR? 

    #4 VIRUS Protection

    If you haven’t installed a highly recommended anti-virus and anti-malware program developed specifically for your computer then Just Do It!

    And if you have, make sure that you have updated it to the latest and greatest version. And make sure that it is still the best version for your computer system and browser.

    Any highly rated anti-virus and anti-malware program will update itself on a daily basis for latest hacking techniques, Trojan horses, phishing methods, ransomware, adware, spyware, and worms (I shudder to think about this one), and other malicious activity. This is different than updating the program itself. Is your antivirus program a couple of years old? If so, time to do some research.

    The threats of computer viruses and other forms of malware are always present. Not only is there a never-ending stream of cyber-criminals who are looking to cause damage, steal identities or commit other cyber crimes, but also with most computers attached to the Internet 24-7 via broadband connections, the ease in which cyber-criminals can perpetrate their crimes has gotten easier.

    However, there are two proactive steps that computer users can do that can help make sure they prevent the latest attacks that these cyber-criminals can dream of. By keeping operating system and antivirus software up to date, people can make sure their computers are as secure as possible. Norton 360

    Now for some potentially bad news. If malware has made it into your computer, you will need to have it professionally removed or contact the family and friends computer geek to save your computer and your sanity. If you are computer handy, then you have probably already taken steps to rid your computer of it.

    The scary thing about malware is that once it has infiltrated your computer, it may be hard to detect even by anti-virus protection. That is how sneaky and under handed malware can be.

    Some symptoms that your computer may be infected with malware:

    1. Your computer is slowing down
    2. Your computer crashes more often or “locks up”
    3. Your friends and contacts receive strange messages from you
    4. Suddenly you do not have any storage space available
    5. Your homepage changed itself without you changing it.
    6. PUPs show up. These are Potentially Unwanted Programs that have infiltrated your system when you give your consent to install additional tools on your computer. We think “barnacles” would be a better name.
    7. Unusual Error Messages

    Here is an article from Heimdal Security (based in Copenhagen) with more information about malware. (June 2019) https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/warning-signs-operating-system-infected-malware/

    For more expert advice see CNET’s best Windows antivirus Protection

    The Best Protection is Prevention!

    Make sure that your computer (and smart phone) has the latest anti-virus and anti-malware programs protecting it.

    Now for some definite good news! Highly rated by independent and professional reviewers of Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware programs are available from free to $59 a year. A small price for piece of mind.

    Moriaty – Sherlock — BBC TV series

    Don’t think that it can’t happen to your computer. Computer viruses and malware are prevalent and widespread. Once they find a home, they tend to go systemic in a very sly and under-the-radar kind of way. Your screen will not flash or start posting pictures of Moriarty when your computer has been invaded. Today’s hacks tend to be silent but deadly.

    That’s what we want to see!

    We hope these were handy reminders. We all get busy and can easily procrastinate about taking care of these mundane but vital tasks. Sharon and I certainly do!

    If there is something we should add to this blog-post or you have an experience that you would like to share or a question that you would like to ask about this blog post, please contact us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com

    We’d love to hear from you! 

    Thank you for joining us and please stay tuned for the next article!

    The Secret to Successful Publishing

    WHAT’S NEXT in the 12 Must-Do Series?

    Our next Must-Do article will address creating Your Marketing and Promotion Calendar. This will come in handy for those with works-in-progress, books ready to launch, and those who need to revamp (and increase sales) of those books in the back list.

     

    A Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox  blog-post 

     

  • Are you ready for the 35 Billion Holiday Gift Card Season? – Point of Sale Marketing Tips – Part 2 by Kiffer Brown

    Are you ready for the 35 Billion Holiday Gift Card Season? – Point of Sale Marketing Tips – Part 2 by Kiffer Brown

    How to increase SALES of your books in brick and mortar bookseller stores

    Part 2 of Kiffer Brown’s

    Sell More Books During the Holiday Gift Shopping Season 

    Perhaps you are thinking, “But Kiffer, it is December 15th! Isn’t it too late to do anything about this holiday season?”

    And, I would have to reply, “No, it isn’t dear Chanticleerian. It is is just in the nick of time because of GIFT CARDS!”

    GIFT CARDS and GIFT CERTIFICATES (some useful information)

    • More than 35 billion dollars (billion, not million!) are spent on GIFT CARDS each year for the Holiday Season.
    • Gift cards topped all other potential presents, including jewelry, clothing, books, movies, music, electronics and sporting goods. National Retail Federation report. 
    • Gift cards are the most popular items on wish lists — 13 years straight.
    • The majority of recipients of these GIFT CARDS do not begin shopping with them until Dec. 26th.
    • Gift Cards have extended the Buying Season all the way through the month of January into mid-February. 

    Btw, We LOVE LOVE LOVE Indie Booksellers!

    and YES, even AMAZON has brick and mortar stores — the tech giant is approaching 600 physical retail locations across the U.S. according to GeekWire research. 

    Make sure that some of those $35 billion in GIFT CARDS are used to purchase YOUR BOOKS! 

    Quick and Easy Tips to Get Your Books Ready for the Biggest Book Buying Season of the Year

    Here is a Handy Checklist for Brick and Mortar stores where your books are for sale.

    These Point of Sale items can make a huge difference in book sales!

    • It seems obvious, but make sure that wherever you have your books for sale or on consignment have them IN-STOCK. (yes, I am yelling here)
    • NEXT — make sure to promote in social media wherever your books are for sale and TAG the store/shop/bookseller. Be sure to use a photo of the shop and its location.
    • Promote your book’s cover and genre and tag the merchant again on social media.
    • If you can, make sure that your books have book stickers on them for any awards or kudos.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Does your book have Shelf Talkers wherever they are for sale?
    Chanticleer Shelf talker
    Shelf Talkers P-O-S
    • If you have a series or other books, does each one of your books have a “bookmark” inside with all of your books listed?
    • Does this bookmark have your website and social media handles printed on it? If not, get on it — you can print your own at your local copy shop.
    • You can even add an invite to visit your website/blog to win prizes
    • In your next printing, make sure that at the end you include an invitation to visit your website/blogpost/social media posts for
      • more information
      • a chance to win free prizes
      • for advance notifications of your next book
      • to have a character named after the reader
      • Book Club benefits (visit in person, SKYPE, questions for discussion)
    • But for now, you can have these printed off and slip them into the books — they should not be bigger than the book. Remember, this is a surprise for the reader to find and must not add to “clutter” the book.
    • If you don’t live close to the booksellers selling your books, see if any of your street team members, family, friends, or other authors (you know, the ones that you are cross-promoting with) if they would stop by the shops in their neighborhoods and help implement the P-O-S plan. Make sure that they have a letter from you (they can print it out if you email it to them).  Have your “street team” introduce themselves to the shop’s staff and explain what is going on.
    • AND now is a good time to schedule your author events for 2020 wherever your books are sale.
    • Remember — Help the Bookseller Sell Your Books!

    Good Manners for Point of Sale Tips

    • Use magic tape (and carry it with you) so that you will not gum up the store’s shelves with shelf-talkers — and you don’t have to ask the staff to take time to look for some for you.
    • If the staff is busy, consider coming back at a later time. The holidays are a “make or break” season for most small brick and mortar stores so you don’t want to impede the staff from making sales and helping customers during this crucial time. [This is a pet peeve with booksellers about authors #justsaying]
    • If your books are “shop-worn” ask about exchanging them out for fresh new books.
    • Offer to help out-of-the-area authors with the books that are for sale in your neighborhood. Connect and reach out!

    REPEAT. RESTOCK. RE-POST. REMIND. 

    Remember the GIFT CARD buying season stretches into mid-February.

    Take advantage of this busiest season of the year and help your bookseller sell more of your books. 

    Handy Links

    Part One of this Two-Part Series — Selling More Books ONLINE

    https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/12/08/sell-more-books-during-the-holiday-gift-shopping-season-a-checklist-by-kiffer-brown-part-1-online-selling-platforms/

    Chanticleer Book Stickers

    Now make sure that some of 35 billion dollars on Holiday Gift Cards are used to purchase YOUR BOOKS! 

    That would be me, Kiffer Brown–Mother Hen and Head Hen at Chanticleer Reviews.

    Happy Holidays from the Chanticleer Team! 

     

    Speaking of Gift Certificates, did you know that we offer them for Chanticleer Reviews services? We do! Click here for more information about Gift Certificates

    Chanticleer Reviews Gift Certificates make great gifts for the writer in your life!

    And we are offering a 15% discount on all gift certificate purchases from now until December 31, 2019. And we can mail them out in fancy gift boxes anywhere in the U.S.A.

    If the recipient lives abroad, we will send out a fancy email with the gift certificate embedded in the email along with an access code.

    Gift Certificates may be used for any Chanticleer Service or Product. 

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 15% discount     GCTGIANAT       Look For the Redeem Your Coupon link under the checkout TOTAL amount.

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

     

  • And the Winners are…Chanticleerians take home the Tellables Holiday Box of Chocolates Stories Contest

    And the Winners are…Chanticleerians take home the Tellables Holiday Box of Chocolates Stories Contest

    You can say that I am as proud as a Mother Hen of these Chanticleerians* who won the Tellables Holiday Box of Chocolate Stories  Writing Contest!

    And these stories are available to listen to at your convenience and just in time for the Holidays. And they are FREE to enjoy! 

    Perfect to listen to while wrapping presents, baking cookies, and preparing for the Holidays!

    This Tellable Box of Chocolates writing contest challenged authors to write a “double chocolate” story for the Holidays using the Tellables voice app on Amazon Alexa.

    A double chocolate story is a bite-sized 2-part tale, with each part represented by a piece of delicious (virtual) chocolate.

    The authors were also asked to write in the voice of a virtual chocolatier and add “conversational elements” to their story. After all, the whole point of these chocolate stories is to engage listeners as they interact with an Amazon Alexa smart speaker (or other Alexa-enabled device). 

    They are pleased to announce the winning authors and their Holiday Box of Chocolate stories.

    Holiday Double Chocolate Stories

    It’s finally here! A delicious box of a dozen virtual candies with matching double chocolate stories! In case you missed the big news, here are the winners of our Holiday Writing Contest. All of their delicious 2-part stories are featured in this holiday assortment.

    Michelle Rene – First Prize for White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

    A young boy keeps returning to the chocolate shop in search of a treat for a very picky Santa. But what’s really going on?

    He said he didn’t think Santa liked the last candy either. Maybe he’s allergic.

    Michelle Rene is a multi-award-winning author of historical and speculative fiction. Her novel, Hour Glass, was named Chanticleer Review’s Overall Grand Prize for Best Book of the Year.

    Ellen Lyons – Second Prize  for Timely Mint Twist

    A last-minute holiday order, missing ingredients, and a roaming cat all combine to spell disaster for a frazzled chocolatier.

    “Haste makes waste is not just a rhyme, it’s a reality.”

    Ellen Lyons is a writer, poet, illustrator, and reader. She has previously published stories in the supernatural horror   False Key fantasy series She also writes in many different genres for both children and adults. [Editor’s Note: We don’t believe that Ellen Lyons is a Chanticleerian, but we welcome her.]*

    Kelly Abell – Third Prize  (Tied for 3rd Place) for  Peppermint Bonbon Miracle

    A candy maker faces a devastating loss of business one holiday season, all because two sisters are having a spat.

    “On Saturday, a week before Christmas, I stared out at the barren street.”

    Kelly Abell is the author of internationally best-selling romances and romantic suspense. Her characters are filled with passion, power, and purpose in predicaments that keep a reader turning the pages. Currently, her work The Gamble: Lost Treasures has been Shortlisted for the 2019 Laramie Book Awards for N.A. Western Fiction, a division of the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards.

    PJ Devlin – Third Prize  (Tied for 3rd Place) for Snow Chocolate

    A chocolatier receives a strange visit to her shop shortly before Christmas, but the visit turns out to be especially auspicious.

    “Once outside I was greeted by an entire row of unsightly smudges, three-feet high, lining my shop window.”

    P.J. Devlin is an award-winning novelist and short-story writer. She lives in Northern Virginia, but her heart and stories are rooted in Philadelphia. Follow her on Facebook at PJ Devlin Author. She has won several Chanticleer Blue Ribbons!

    Chris Rasmussen – Judge’s “Originality Award” for Jingle Bell Bonbon

    A young ambitious chocolatier runs afoul with a local judge, but she perseveres in her attempt to win a holiday sweet stakes challenge.

    “I circled the date, rolled up my sleeves, and did my Thanksgiving homework.”

    Chris says he is doomed to scribble and that his loose vowels are heard daily, in Sweden, where he keeps his pencils. His work has been Shortlisted for the CYGNUS Book Awards for Science Fiction, a division of the CIBAs.

    Veronica Fisher – Honorable Mention for Snowball Delight

    Brandon steps out of his chocolate shop on a wintry night before Christmas and gets a surprise.

    “As I walked to the door to lock up for the holiday, I noticed a rustle in the small snowdrift outside my shop.”

    Veronica Fischer has a passion for telling stories. Living and working in Las Vegas in the world of fundraising, her storytelling skills are used to help spread the message about the importance of giving back to her community. In her spare time, she enjoys writing for younger audiences and published her debut children’s book, Oscar’s Christmas Wish, that took home a Chanticleer Blue Ribbon.

    How to Listen to these Stories on your Alex-enabled device?

    It’s easy peasy!

    To experience this box of conversational stories, make sure to enable the skill by saying “Alexa, enable My Box of Chocolates.”

    After you enable the skill on your device, you can simply ask Alexa to “Open My Box of Chocolates” whenever you have time to relax and enjoy a bite-sized story.

    Any Alexa-enabled device will work, including Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, free Alexa App, Fire Tablet, and Fire TV. The stories are also great to share with friends and to listen to with the kids!

    What’s New at Tellables?

    In this assortment, Tellables is excited to present Alexa’s brand new storytelling voice. The team at Amazon has very recently released several new speaking “styles” for Alexa, and we’ve found the new “music / DJ” style to work very well for storytelling. Give the stories a listen and let us know what you think!  

    What’s New at Chanticleer? 

    Paul Cutsinger, Head of Amazon Alexa Code Labs, will present sessions and keynote at the 2020 Chanticleer Authors Conference. 

    • Why Voice Enabled Technology is Here to Stay 
    • The Publishing Industry and Voice Technology
    • StoryTelling and Voice Technology
    • Audiobooks and Voice

    Amazon Alexa and Voice Assistants – Why You May Want to Give It a Chance

    We often hear authors say they don’t have a smart speaker and they don’t trust them. We understand. But smart speakers and voice assistants are growing tremendously popular. Now’s the time to begin experimenting with the possibilities.
    You might have access to an Alexa-enabled device and not even know it. Alexa isn’t only available on an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show. You can access the Alexa voice assistant from most newer model Kindle Fire tablets, from your Fire TV, and from the Amazon Alexa or Amazon Shopping mobile app. The common requirement is that you need to be logged in with an Amazon account.

    There are more than 100 million Alexa devices in use and that number is growing daily.

    The future of publishing is in Voice-Enabled Technology! Voice-driven content is the New Media Publishing World.

    And Tellables will be joining us at CAC20 and teach sessions on voice-driven content! 

    And, yes, I am a proud Mother Hen! – Kiffer, Head Hen at Chanticleer Reviews & Media.

    The next Tellables’ Writing Contest will be announced after New Year’s Day on Chanticleer’s website as soon as we know the deadline and topic. So, stay tuned!

    This is a great and fun way to experiment and learn about this leading-edge technology – and win some cash-ola too! 

    As always, please contact us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com with any questions or concerns or, more importantly, suggestions. We would love to hear from you!

     

  • Sell More Books During the Holiday Gift Shopping Season – a Checklist by Kiffer Brown Part 1 – Online Selling Platforms

    Sell More Books During the Holiday Gift Shopping Season – a Checklist by Kiffer Brown Part 1 – Online Selling Platforms

    If you are like me, the Holidays have snuck up you!

    Here is a handy checklist to make sure that you are ready to maximize your Online Book Sales during the Holiday Season

    Perhaps you are thinking, “But Kiffer, it is December 8th! Isn’t it too late to do anything about this holiday season?”

    And, I would have to reply, “No, it isn’t dear Chanticleerian. It is is just in the nick of time because of GIFT CARDS!”

    GIFT CARDS and GIFT CERTIFICATES (some useful information)

    • More than 35 billion dollars (billion, not million!) are spent on GIFT CARDS each year for the Holiday Season.
    • The majority of recipients of these GIFT CARDS do not begin shopping with them until Dec. 26th.
    • Gift Cards have extended the Buying Season all the way through the month of January into February. 

    Make sure that some of those GIFT CARDS are used to purchase YOUR BOOKS! 

    INCREASING ONLINE BOOK SALES

    When was the last time that you checked out your Amazon, Kobo, B&N, Bookchain, Smashwords, etc. page(s)? 

    Visit your Selling Platform Pages and Tidy Them and Add some SPARKLE! 

    • Most importantly, do you have the latest cover of your title uploaded?
      • I see this all the time, the author sends me her latest cover (because as you know, I am all about the cover!) but then for some reason fails to upload the dazzling new cover to the title’s selling pages on the different platforms.
    • Update your selling pages with the latest tweaks to the title’s description. Is the description as compelling as it can possibly be? Amp it up! 
      • Make sure that every word of your book’s introduction/marketing blurb (that first paragraph that comes after the title and to the right of the cover) is effective—especially the first ten introductory words. These first ten words are “crawled” by the online sales platform’s search engine whenever a reader does “a search.” If it is a series or you are planning to make the work a series, then be sure to conclude the book’s marketing blurb with this information.
    • Have you listed the title’s latest awards and kudos near the end of the description to seal the deal?
    • Have you updated the reviews in the Editorial Reviews section? Add new ones and author blurbs (recommendations) in the Editorial Reviews section.
      • Sixty-one percent of customers read Editorial Reviews before making an online purchase (Harvard Business Review)
      • Editorial/Trade Reviews set the tone for Customer Reviews – which is (from what I hear) quantity is more important that than quality (number of stars). 100 customer reviews tend to be the magical number.
    • The Editorial Reviews section is where blurbs of reviews from Chanticleer, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly should be posted.
    • Or to that matter, do you have anything in the Editorial Reviews section? If not, you are missing some SEO goodness. 
    • If your books are available in other languages besides English, list the languages in this section.
    • Is it time to liven up your author bio? Does it reflect the latest YOU? Does it make the reader want to meet you (like at your next book event?) as someone who he/she would enjoy meeting at a cocktail party?
      • Make sure that your photo resonates with readers’ expectations. A great example of this is Diana Gabaldon’s Amazon photo; it is one of her standing in front of the Stonehenge monument with a timeless black shawl wrapped around her. The Stonehenge background hints at the historical/fantastical nature of her works and the opening of her series.

    Author Photos

      • Take a close look at your Author Central photo. If it doesn’t move your author brand forward, take a look through your photographs for one that does. It doesn’t have to be a photo taken by a professional photographer. It does have to have a layering effect and convey your author branding/personality. If you have a photograph that does convey elements of your author branding and is taken by a professional photographer, then that is even better. Here is an example of a professionally taken author photograph that exudes the author’s branding as a post-apocalyptic fiction writer. Notice that the setting and outfit exude the dystopian aspects of his Deserted Lands series:Robert Slater author of ALL IS SILENCE
    • In your Author Information section, list any other published works that are related to this particular selling page–especially if you have series or multiple titles in the related genre.
    • While you are on the title’s selling pages, double-check that all the different formats that your title is available on in any given platform are available and ready for sale!
      • Print? e-pub? combo — purchase a print book and receive the digital e-pub version for a discount or for free? (Amazon used to call this package “matchstick” )
    • Make sure that the links to purchase books from your website work and do not go off into cyberspace.
    • Test your “Look Inside” feature on Amazon and make sure that it works and that it isn’t just opening to the Table of Contents or the front matter of the book.
    • Double-check your pricing on each selling platform that the title is available for sale on. Really. 

    OVERALL

    Make sure that your information is up-to-date, fresh and relevant!

    Like a well-written book plot,  make sure that each piece of information on your title’s selling platform moves your book and author branding forward and into the hands and minds of eager book buyers? 

    Handy Amazon Links

    Holiday Book Buying Online

    Now make sure that some of 35 billion dollars on Holiday Gift Cards are used to purchase YOUR BOOKS! 

    Happy Holidays! from Kiffer Brown

    Speaking of Gift Certificates, did you know that we offer them for Chanticleer Reviews services? We do! Click here for more information about Gift Certificates

    Chanticleer Reviews gift certificates make great gifts for the writer in your life! And we are offering a 15% discount on all gift certificate purchases from now until December 31, 2019. And we can mail them out in fancy gift boxes anywhere in the U.S.A.

    If the recipient lives abroad, we will send out a fancy email with the gift certificate embedded in the email along with an access code.

    Gift Certificates may be used for any Chanticleer Service or Product. 

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 15% discount     GCTGIANAT

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

  • CYBER SALE – It’s the THANK GOODNESS I AM A ROOSTER SALE at Chanticleer Reviews

    CYBER SALE – It’s the THANK GOODNESS I AM A ROOSTER SALE at Chanticleer Reviews

    Chanticleer'sCYBER SALE

    Keep on reading to check out the Chanticleer Reviews “Black Friday” Sale

    Chanticleer says,

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!”

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    SALE PRICES ARE VALID Wednesday, November 27th – Monday, December 2nd, 2019 midnight

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    Check out these awesome sales!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $350.00

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the discount of $75    BKRVWTGIANAT

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $425) that includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine.

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only  $350.

     

    Holiday Gift Cards for ANY AMOUNT 15% OFF

    Gift Certificates may be used for any Chanticleer Service or Product

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 15% discount     GCTGIANAT

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

    Receive a $100 discount off the 3-Day All-Inclusive Chanticleer Authors Conference package

    Chanticleer Authors Conference April 17th-19th 2020

    Use this code upon check out to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference.  CACTGIANAT

    Click here for more info and checkout.

    JOIN The ROOST

    Chanticleer’s Private Community & Forum

    We are a community of authors, book lovers, and creators. Some say we are magicians because we can make things appear out of nowhere. We hail from around the globe to join together to help and support each other to achieve our publishing and creative endeavors.

    The Roost Membership Special Rates for the T.G.I.A.N.A.T. CYBER SALE

    Chanticleer Authors Club – Join now for $69  ($100 annual fee)

    Use this code upon checkout to receive your membership discount    87767B5D2B

    Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Club (for CIBA Blue Ribbon Awardees Only) Join now for $100 ($150 annual fee)

    Use this code upon checkout to receive your membership discount   28AC9EA873

    Click here to visit theRoost.chantireviews.com

    As always, please contact us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    The Chanticleer Team Chanticleer Logo

  • Get Your Copy Today – Chanticleer Reviews magazine – Fall Issue 2019

    Get Your Copy Today – Chanticleer Reviews magazine – Fall Issue 2019

    We are excited (thrilled to be truthful) to announce that the Chanticleer Reviews magazine Fall Issue 2019 has been printed and available for purchase in print and digital e-zine!

    The first reviews are of the magazine are in!

    “The new glossy Chanticleer Reviews magazine looks great—keep up the great work!”  – Sarah Stamey, author of the award-winning Ariadne Connection. 

    “I just got my copies [Chanticleer Reviews magazine] today. They are fantastic!” –Peter Greene, author of The Adventures of Jonathan Moore historical fiction series.

    “Ah, I think I am going to cry. Thank you. The review of The Jøssing Affair is amazing! Merci bien.”  – J. L. Oakley, award-winning author of historical fiction.

    “The magazine looks great!” – J.D. Barker, Master of Suspense and international best-selling author of the Fourth Monkee Thriller series

    “I got my magazines…the magazine looks great!” – Ron Yates, CIBA Grand Prize winner for his Bill Battles series and Dean of the College of Media and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois.

    “This is so exciting to see the Chanticleer review of The Last Outrageous Woman in print in such a gorgeous magazine. Thank you!  – Jessica H. Stone

    The magazine is a glossy full vivid color publication that is locally printed here in Washington State with the latest in printing technology.

    The Fall Issue features: 

    • A “tells all”  interview with J.D. Barker, the international bestselling suspense author
    • Tips for Potent Dialogue by Jessica Page Morrell, Top-tiered Editor
    • Horoscopes for Authors by Carolyn Leeper
    • Photos from Chanticleer Authors Conference 2019
    • Showcasing of the 2018 CIBA Grand Prize Winners and First Place Winners for all 16 divisions
    • An in-depth interview with Ronald Yates,  a former foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois where he was also the Dean of the College of Media and 2018 CIBA Grand Prize winner for Best Book (and series), The Billy Battles series.
    • More than 70 book reviews

    SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES are available!

    Order your print copy today! at the Special Introductory Rate of $11.99  

    And to celebrate the first print issue, we are paying for postage for all orders within the U.S. 

    OR

    Order from Bookchain

    Order your digital copy today here at the SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATE of $3.99 

    OR

    BEST INTRODUCTORY DEAL – Subscribe for ALL FOUR ISSUES (the current Fall Issue, Winter, Spring, and Summer issues) and you will also receive the digital access codes for each of the quarterly e-zines for only $48 dollars – including postage for shipping within the USA and remember FREE access to the digital editions.

    We will email you the code once we receive your annual subscription order for $48 for 4 quarterly issues starting with FALL 2019 (The special introductory rate includes postage within the USA and Free Digital Downloads).

    Don’t miss an issue! Fall,  Winter, Spring, and Summer issues of the Chanticleer Reviews magazine! Subscribe today! 

    This introductory offer will end soon…Don’t delay!

    And Another  Exciting ANNOUNCEMENT

    The Chanticleer Reviews Magazine will include:

    The Chanticleer AUTHOR EVENT Calendar 

    Each issue of the Chanticleer Reviews Quarterly magazine will have a section dedicated to the Chanticleer Author Event Calendar! Each event listed will also be promoted on Facebook and Twitter prior to the listed event date.

    These special ad rates are for Chanticleer AUTHORS only so they can promote their:

    • Books & Author Brand
    • Launch Dates of Titles
    • Author Events & Book Signings
    • Virtual Social Media Events
    • Promotions and Sales Events for Titles
    • New Releases with COVER and Order Info
    • Non-profit Book Events Participation
    • Sneak Previews

      The Author Event ads in the magazine are 1/6 of a page and Horizontal Format 4.75” w x 2.25” h and may include covers, logo, or graphic. Full Color. 

      Special Introductory Offer 

      These Author Event Calendar Spots are $50 without links in the digital format or $75 with links in the Digital Format. The spots are limited. Don’t Delay.

      Reserve Yours Today!  We will sell out of spots at this special low rate.

      February publication date with December 31st, 2019 Submission Deadline — FIRM! Click here to Reserve Your AUTHOR EVENT Calendar TODAY to be included in the SPRING Issue 2020.

      Get Your Chanticleer Reviews magazine in time for the Holidays!

      You know you want one for your coffee table, your writing lair, and buy five copies for your mother (hat-tip to Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show’s “Cover of the Rolling Stone”).

      By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, 57212286

      Click here for more information or to order your copies of the FALL ISSUE  ($11.99) or SUBSCRIBE to the CHANTICLEER REVIEWS magazine today ($48 and includes digital access) and take advantage of our free postage for all USA addresses and APO addresses.

      Click here to subscribe to the digital Chanticleer Reviews magazine — only $3.99 an issue.

      To SELL Chanticleer Reviews magazine in your bookstore or retail store, please email Kbrown@ChantiReviews.com for wholesale prices.

      As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com with any questions, concerns, or suggestions!

      Now, this is something to CROW about! 

      Thank you for your support! The Chanticleer Team

    • CASH PRIZES $$$ for HOLIDAY 560 words MAX – WRITING CONTEST with TELLABLES on Amazon’s Alexa

      CASH PRIZES $$$ for HOLIDAY 560 words MAX – WRITING CONTEST with TELLABLES on Amazon’s Alexa

      Tellables is accepting stories with a HOLIDAY theme for any holiday occurring between November and January 1st in any country!

       

      The WINNING HOLIDAY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STORIES will be published on Amazon’s ALEXA and will receive CASH prizes! There is NO entry fee.

      Tellables is seeking individual chocolate stories on their My Box of Chocolates voice app.

      My Box of Chocolates voice app pairs delicious virtual chocolates with bite-sized stories.

      The stories in the My Box of Chocolates voice experience run less than two minutes. Each one is narrated by an imaginary chocolatier, using a synthetic text-to-speech voice (not human recordings). The storylines generally revolve around interesting or humorous occurrences involving the customers in the chocolate shop.

      Conversational Stories – a new voice-driven platform in story telling.

      The stories Tellables publishes in their voice app are not “audio stories.” They are “conversational.” What’s special about these stories?

      Conversational Storytelling is made possible by platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The underlying technology allows a storyteller to pose questions to the listener and understand the listener’s spoken response. For us, conversational stories are spoken narratives where the narrator interacts directly with the listener. This interaction can take many forms, but it generally involves drawing the listener into a conversation by asking a question related to the story.

      See Tellables’ blog post on What’s a Conversational Story? for more details.

      Now, finally, on to the Holiday writing contest!

      We are excited to announce the Tellables Holiday writing contest. As with their Halloween Writing Contest, they are looking for stories they can publish on their “My Box of Chocolates” voice/audio experience on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant’s Okay Google app.

      Here is a link to the Chanticleer authors who won the Halloween contest for micro-stories https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/10/30/tellables-voice-driven-stories-selects-4-chanticleerian-authors-for-spooky-halloween-micro-stories/

      And Tellables is offering CASH prizes. 

      The individual chocolate stories Tellables publishes in their voice app are “bite-sized,” with a maximum of 280 words. Sometimes, however, they publish stories in two parts. Part 1 and Part 2 are each represented in our virtual chocolate assortment by two pieces of the same type of candy. The listener needs to hear both candies in order to get the full story.

      For the Holiday Writing Contest, Tellables is looking for two-part stories. Each part (piece!) should have a maximum of 280 words. Visit the Tellables’ website for more information and to enter! http://tellables.com/blog/

      Voice technology offers new and exciting opportunities for storytellers and readers. Passive listening is no longer the only option. Now two-way communication between the storyteller and listener is possible. 

      This is a great opportunity to dip your toes into the emerging world of voice technology!

      A little bit more information about the Emerging Voice-Driven Devices and the Opportunities They Offer for Writers

      Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa are equipped with powerful speech recognition and language understanding. We leverage these technologies to help authors and storytellers engage audiences in new and exciting ways.

      While it’s still early days for voice technology, sales continue to grow for both the Amazon Echo and the Google Assistant line of smart speakers and smart displays. Consumers seem unfazed by media reports of privacy infringements, so it appears these devices are here to stay.

      Here is an article with 22 Takeaways for Authors from the Silicon Valley Annual Internet Trends Report – Kiffer Brown

      Voice technology offers new and exciting opportunities for storytellers and readers. Passive listening is no longer the only option. Now two-way communication between the storyteller and listener is possible. 

      Tellables has created a platform for “conversational storytelling,” where brief stories are followed by interactive questions. This two-way communication draws the listener more deeply into the story.

      I met Amy Stapleton, the CEO of Tellables, at the 2019 Digital Book World that took place in Nashville, Tenn. The Tellables’ exhibitor booth was adjacent to ours so we met and chatted. When she informed me about their contest for content, I knew that it would be a perfect opportunity for some Chanticleerians to experiment with Voice technology. So without further ado…

      VOICE-DRIVEN CONVERSATIONAL STORIES FOR TALKING DEVICES

      For those of you who are not familiar with the Digital Book World conference, it is mainly a business-to-business conference that specializes in content distribution and platforms that include books, ebooks, digital books, audiobooks, podcasts, audiovisual delivery, blockchain, voice, and other media delivery systems.

      And since Chanticleer prides itself on expanding the digital footprint of the authors who use our services, we’ve found DBW to be indispensable for keeping us updated on the latest in publishing technologies so we may inform you, dear writer and reader.

      “Publishing is at the epicenter of digital disruption.” Paul Michelman, MIT & MIT Sloan

      As always, please email us at Chanticleer@ChantiReviews.com with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Or leave a comment below.

    • VETERANS DAY – Honoring All Who Have Served – Books For, By, and Honoring Veterans

      VETERANS DAY – Honoring All Who Have Served – Books For, By, and Honoring Veterans

       

      Current statistics regarding U.S. Veterans*

      • 22 veterans, on average, commit suicide every day.
      • The suicide rate of veterans is double that of civilians
      • The suicide rate for younger veterans (18 -29) is 7 times higher than their civilian peers.
      • The rate of suicide among veterans is 21 percent higher than the rest of the country.
      • The suicide rate among female veterans is 140 percent higher than their civilian peers.
      • There are 1.6 million female veterans in the United States. (2017)
      • No one knows how many military spouses and families members commit suicide.
      • There are 18.2 million veterans living in the United States.
      • 3.8 million of these veterans are disabled (2014).
      • U.S. military is the world’s second-largest (China’s army is the largest) and troops are deployed across the globe.
      • It is believed that 45 percent of all veterans who served in the Middle East are disabled.

      *Sources:

      U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, American Community Survey 2017, United States Census Bureau, Stars and Stripes,  Census.gov. , and https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk

      Honoring those who are serving, have served, and those who have fallen while in military service is a tradition here at Chanticleer Reviews.

      With Appreciation and Gratitude to Veterans who are actively serving and have served. THANK YOU! 

      Writing is known to be a “transformative therapy’ for veterans haunted by their experiences. “The Red Badge Project encourages Wounded Warriors to rediscover their personal voice and realize the value of their experiences and emotions.”

      “RBP partners with Vet Centers and allows Veterans of all ages to take advantage of the Red Badge Project’s program while providing a link between veterans of multiple generations.”

      Here is a link to a Seattle Times article by Nicole Brodeur that was published on November 11, 2019, that is about the Red Badge Project.

      Using the creative process of storytelling, Wounded Warriors begin to rebuild their individual sense of purpose and unique individuality.

      For Wounded Warriors struggling to heal the invisible wounds of PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression, believing in the value of their story and finding the means to communicate it to family, friends, and community is a struggle of heroic proportions. Tom Skerritt is a founder and is part of the Red Badge Project faculty.

      We here at Chanticleer Reviews have had the honor of reviewing top novels and narrative non-fiction written by outstanding authors whose stories enlighten, remind,  empathize, and creates a better understanding with those who have served in the armed forces.

      Non-Fiction Works

      General in Command by Michael M. Van Ness

      Michael M. Van Ness, the grandson of “the general in command,” has created a remarkable biography chronicling the adventures of a farm boy who rose high rank in the US military and served with distinction in two world wars as a combatant, officer, and sage observer.

      Van Ness served in the Navy in a medical capacity and shares a deep understanding of his outstanding forebear in this well-organized life story, which offers a thorough, thoughtful exploration of the many issues that arose during his grandfather’s wartime service. 

      Hillbillies to Heroes: Journey from the Black Hills of Tennessee to the Battlefields of World War II – A True Story by S. L. Kelley

      World War II veteran Quinton Kelley recounted his life story to an avid biographer – his daughter, S. L. Kelley, a documentarian and award-winning video producer.  “…it took all of our personal sacrifices to go from war to peace.”  Quinton Kelley

      encounters on the front line by elaine harvey

      Encounters from the Front Line by Elaine Harvey 

      A Red Cross nurse finds herself in a refugee camp on Cambodia’s Thai border, in the midst of the war between the Vietnamese and Cambodia’s brutal Khmer Rouge. The courage and resilience of the Cambodians survivors who serve with her, their beauty in the midst of the horrendous conditions shine through, even as the camp itself becomes torn by war. Harvey draws a vivid picture of contrasts: the abysmal conditions of the camp with the green of the surrounding rice fields, the terrors of the Pol Pot regime with the loyal gentleness of the individual Cambodians who serve with her. 

      Merry Christmas and a Happy PTSD by Christopher Oelerich

      Merry Christmas and a Happy PTSD by Christopher Oelerich, author & Vietnam Veteran

      “A very personal, no-holds-barred yet ultimately empowering discussion of PTSD and its effects on those who suffer from it.” – CBR

      The book has been written in a ‘How To’ format for combat soldiers which is reflected in examples and language.

      “I went away to war one person and came back another, and in my wildest dreams would never have chosen to be the one who came back…I was a twenty-year-old Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot fresh out of flight school when I arrived in South Vietnam in May of 1969 and was assigned to B Troop 7/17 Air Cav in Pleiku.  I joined the Scout Platoon and spent my entire tour as a Scout Pilot in the Central Highlands, and in that time saw my friends killed, captured, wounded and lose their minds.”

      Standby for Broadcast by Kari Rhyan     PTSD, Wartime nursing, Social Issues

      Rhyan served nearly twenty years in the US Navy as a nurse, her final deployment taking place in Afghanistan to a medical unit run by the British where Rhyan upheld her duties to aid others, while inwardly feeling unprotected and helpless. After witnessing the many tragedies of war, primary among them multiple amputations, she comes home scarred in mind. Her trauma becomes so obvious that she is sent to a special private unit.

      Rhyan’s memoir is frank, insightful, and a powerful reminder of the toll taken by those who wrestle with the fallout of the carnage of war. She also reminds us of the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of hope.

      Wounded Warrior, Wounded WifeWounded Warrior, Wounded Wife by Barbara McNally

      This ground-breaking initiative offers advice and hope to those who are trying to understand and cope with war’s many aftershocks.

      “The critical issues surrounding post-traumatic stress among America’s wounded warriors is expanded here to include the challenges and concerns of military wives and families.

      Barbara McNally was working as a physical therapist when she watched helplessly as a man jumped off a bridge to his death. Feeling involved in his tragedy, she learned he was a wounded veteran. The experience spurred her to find out more about PTS and its effects on those who have participated in war. Gradually her attention focused on the plight of the wives of these wounded military survivors.”

      If you have a moment, take time to watch this video that offers an intimate look into the chaotic and demanding lives of military spouses as they adjust to living with mentally and physically injured combat veterans. Please feel free to share.

      Fiction – Veterans Day Reads

      In honor of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, we are suggesting these three titles from among authors who are Veterans.

      Dog Soldier Moon by McKendree Long

      Dog Soldier Moon by McKendree Long“Long goes far beyond the simplistic notion of the Civil War as told in American history texts to accurately portray the daily challenges faced by homesteading families, freed slaves, American Indians robbed of their ancestral lands, and ex-soldiers who face the disrespect of the Union army. Heart-warming and at times hilarious adventures are juxtaposed with gritty and emotionally wrenching moments such as Custer’s 1868 attack on Chief Black Kettle’s Cheyenne camp at Washita… Author McKendree Long displays a natural gift for storytelling.” Click here to read the full review.
      McKendree R. (Mike) Long III is a former soldier whose awards and decorations include the Parachutist’s Badge, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Silver Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Gold and Silver Stars).

      Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam

      Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam“It is when Kelly accepts an open invitation to spend some time in Guzman’s drug palace in Northern Mexico that his code of “trusting friends first” will force him to face not only the dilemma of a loyalty to be divided between Guzman and Dave Holt, but also of being thrust into a senseless and bloody border war that has more than a few parallels to the Vietnam conflict. As such, Gilliam’s novel stands not only as a complex and intriguing “band of brothers” romp but also as a reflection on the evils of unquestioned authority and corruption.”  Click here to read the full review.

      Jim Gilliam served on active duty with the Coast Guard from January 1957 until June 1966. In June 1978 he joined the Army as an airborne combat physician assistant. May 2001 he joined the Navy’s Military Sealift Command as a civilian mariner physician assistant. He is a veteran of multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

      Measure of Danger by Jay Klages

      “Measure of Danger,” Jay Klages’ debut novel is a page-turning techno-thriller written by a former military intelligence officer and a West Point graduate. Klages experience and expertise is revealed with his believable dialog, details, and operative descriptions. The work features military-trained Kade Sims, and his accountant sidekick, Alex Pace; we can’t wait to read what other dangerous puzzles this unlikely dynamic duo will be called on to solve.

      Jay Klages is a former military intelligence officer and West Point graduate. He attended the MBA program at Arizona State University, where he successfully deprogrammed himself for service in corporate America. He enjoys desert trail running and is particularly good at falling down.

      Three page-turning thriller novels with unlikely heroes that make for great reads –all authored by Veterans!

      More outstanding novels!

      We are honored of reviewing outstanding works by written by authors, many who are veterans, whose stories enlighten, remind, empathize, and create a better understanding with those who have served in the armed forces. We are honored to share these works with you.
      LIfe on Base: Quantico Cave review
      Life on Base: Quantico Cave by Tom and Nancy Wise – a riveting portrayal of the lives of children whose parents serve in the armed forces.
      This book not only does an admirable job of giving readers an insight on military base life for youth growing up, but it also gives an accurate portrayal of life as a kid today. Challenges exist, personalities will clash, and there will always be that one person that tends to resort to bullying to prove that he or she is king/queen of the hill.
      Authors Tom and Nancy Wise effectively use this book, while telling a suspenseful story, to show middle-grade readers that there are positive ways to handle these situations without sounding preachy or admonishing. 

      Love of Finished Year by Gregory Erich Phillips — World War 1

      From the riveting opening that takes place in NYC’s Lower East Side’s sweatshops until its gripping conclusion after World War I, this enthralling novel vividly portrays the desperate times of German immigrants landing at Ellis Island in search of a better life intertwined with the story of a young man and his heroic military service during WWI.

      Incorporating various themes into his absorbing plot, Phillips highlights the importance of workers’ rights (Triangle  Shirtwaist Factory) the Women’s Suffrage movement; and the plight of immigrants, especially during The Great War. Some examples include the use of propaganda against the American Germans (via Liberty Bonds); again, the use of propaganda to boost American support, and the immorality of war.

       Murder Beside the Salish Sea by Jennifer Mueller  WWII, Japanese Internment, PNW

      Brock Harker, World War II fighter pilot returns home to the Pacific Northwest on leave. He’s searching for a little peace once he finds his half Japanese wife who vanished while he was away. What he finds is Murder Beside The Salish Sea by author Jennifer Mueller, who artfully pulls Brock into an intriguing plot that hides the darkest of secrets.

      Wait For Me – Janet Shawgo      WWII and Historical Romance

      The often-unknown role of women in wartime as travel nurses and pilots, as well as the use of herbs for natural healing, add interesting and relative historical content to this engaging American saga.

      The WASP pilots and their active role in the war effort was particularly fascinating reflecting Shawgo’s vigilance with her medical and military history research. 

      A Crowded Heart by Andrea McKenzie Raine   PTS, Veterans, Military, Social Issues

      The wide ensnaring net of the aftershocks of war is poignantly portrayed here — powerful and deeply affecting!

      Raine wisely expands the narrative of the novel to reveal the wide net of war. Willis is not the only victim; the people in his life experience the after-shocks of fighting as well. 

      Not to give up on those who have already given up on themselves is the challenge. Raine reminds us that doing so requires a full heart, indeed, a crowded heart.

      Watch Over Me by Eileen Charbonneau   WWII, Espionage, Code Talkers, Thriller

      In a world of half-truths, crooked policemen, spies, and impersonators, the real question is who to trust. Watch Over Me shows a living portrayal of 1940s New York spinning wildly in the madness of espionage, where secrets and sacrifices threaten the bond of love and the hope of family.

      The Code Talker Chronicles – by Eileen Charbonneau

      Our Duty by Gerri Hilger

      While this book focuses on the nurses, the war is never out of the minds of our characters, as letters and news come in detailing the horrors and heartaches of life and death on the battlefields of war. In the end, Hilger has gifted us with a WWII historical fiction with a lighthearted side and an enjoyable sweet romance on the side.

      The Other Side of Life by Andy Kutler

      A captivating historical military story that blends genres-crosses through time & space – an intriguing story & well-orchestrated action sequences.

      Just a Note from  Kiffer Brown:

      On a personal note, many of my family members have served their country (many of whom have passed) and are serving their country: my father (Marine Corps, deceased), my brother (Army, with us but 100% disabled), my nephew Robert is currently serving in the Air Force,  my dear Aunt Ellen (WWII nurse – she passed away recently), my cousin Billy Wayne (first 100 to die in the USA – Vietnam Conflict), and many other cousins too numerous to mention here.

      This is my small way of honoring and recognizing my relatives along with other Veterans for their service to our country.

      Thank you for taking the time to read my annual Veterans Day blog post.

      Semper Fi – Kiffer 

      My dad, big brother and me.
    • Tellables Voice Driven Stories Selects 4 Chanticleerian Authors for Spooky Halloween Micro-stories

      Tellables Voice Driven Stories Selects 4 Chanticleerian Authors for Spooky Halloween Micro-stories

      We are excited to announce the Winners of the Tellables Writing Contest for Halloween “My Box of Chocolates” micro-stories!

      Tellables is a new way to experience stories! They leverage the technologies of Alexa and Google Assist to help authors and storytellers engage audiences in new and exciting ways.

      As a way of introducing audiences to the new technology, the founders of Tellables held a Halloween contest with CASH prizes for stories to broadcast on “My Box of Chocolates” on Amazon’s Alexa. The story had to be “bite-sized” at 280 words max although sometimes they will do a Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 and Part 2  are each represented in the virtual ‘box of chocolates; by two pieces of the same type of ‘candy.’ The listener will need to hear both candies in order to get the full story. This is a fun thing to do with children (of all ages).

      Here is a link to Chanticleer’s original blogpost sharing this contest with our subscribers:  https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/09/22/a-280-word-halloween-writing-contest-for-alexa-voice-win-and-promotion-in-this-emerging-platform/

      Why You May Want to Give Amazon Alexa a Chance

      At Tellables, they often hear authors say they don’t have a smart speaker and/or they don’t trust them. We understand. But smart speakers and voice assistants are growing tremendously popular.

      Now’s the time to begin experimenting with the possibilities of this new technology that is enjoying rapid market adaptation and will lead the way for more audiobook sales!

      You might have access to an Alexa-enabled device and not even know it. Alexa isn’t only available on an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show. You can access the Alexa voice assistant from most newer model Kindle Fire tablets, from your Fire TV, and from the Amazon Alexa or Amazon Shopping mobile app.

      How to listen to the ‘My Box of Chocolates’ stories:

      The common requirement is that you need to be logged in with an Amazon account.
      If you do have access to Alexa, try out our “My Box of Chocolates” voice app. Ask Alexa to “open My Box of Chocolates.” If that doesn’t work as expected, try saying “Alexa, enable My Box of Chocolates” first.

      Tellables invites you to savor this variety assortment, filled with delicious Halloween tales, on any Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

      To experience this box of conversational stories, make sure to enable the skill by saying “Alexa, enable my box of chocolates.” After that, you can simply ask Alexa to “open my box of chocolates” whenever you have time to relax and enjoy a bite-sized story and matching virtual candy.

      Kiffer’s Directions: Ask your Alexa or Dot or Device: ((Alexa or Computer) Please play “My Box of Chocolates”  and then continue to interact with your device’s questions. 

      The device will say welcome to Chocolates and Stories and then go on to tell you about the Halloween assortment.

      These Chanticleer AUTHORS received all TREATS — No Tricks from the current assortment from My Box of Chocolates from Tellables.

      1st Place:  PJ Devlin – Final Butter Cream – Amber

      Amber gets a surprising and disturbing visit from someone who’s just dying for a bite of dark chocolate buttercream. “I turned on the lights and let an elderly woman enter. Her silky gray dress shimmered.“

      P.J. Devlin is an award-winning novelist and short-story writer. She lives in Northern Virginia, but her heart and stories are rooted in Philadelphia. Follow her on Facebook at PJ Devlin Author.

       

      2nd Place:  Elana A. Mugdan – Encore Dark Chocolate Witch 

      Opal has a special customer, who ends up with a very special Halloween candy. “The moment she takes a bite, there’s a bright flash.“

      Elana A. Mugdan is the author of The Shadow War Saga, a 5-book series of Young Adult fantasy novels. You can find out more about the author and purchase her books from her website at https://www.allentria.com/

       

       

      3rd Place:  Kelly Abell – Coiffed Confection

      Candy mourns the loss of her grandmother but gets an unexpected visitation.  “A loud bang from the front of the store made me jump.“

      Kelly Abell is the author of internationally best-selling romances and romantic suspense. Her characters are filled with passion, power and purpose in predicaments that keep a reader turning the pages. She lives in Florida where she helps other writers by teaching workshops and sharing writing tips on her blog. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

       

      Judges Nostalgia Award goes to Janet K. Shawgo for Dark Bitter Halloween Joy

      A chocolatier gets a ghostly but joyful visit on Halloween night. “He moved around the shop to set a table for two with white linens, and a deepest red rose placed at the guest’s chair.”

      Janet K. Shawgo is an author of the award-winning Look for Me series as well as the acclaimed thriller Archidamus. Born and raised in Amarillo Texas, Shawgo calls Galveston home. She has retired after thirty-six years of nursing, most of those in Labor and Delivery. Janet has crossed the United States as a travel nurse for twenty-three of those years. You can learn more about the author at her website. Follow her on Twitter at @JanetShawgo and Instagram at author_janetshawgo.

      For the complete collection, please visit the Tellables website. 

      These authors won cash prizes and promotions from Tellables for their Halloween stories and they are helping to pioneer a whole new way of engaging readers and audiences. 

       

      Happy Halloween from all of us at Chanticleer Reviews, Editorial Services, and the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards! 

       

      Join in at the next party…

      Tellables next contest (no entry fee) is for their second Holiday 280 Words Writing Contest with cash prizes. Stay tuned for our announcement in early November!