From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksI have been struggling with three questions relating to my writing and marketing, then it occurred to me: why not consult the wonderfully supportive and helpful people who follow my blog?

So, please keep reading if you’re in the mood of offering some advice. I’d like to pick your brains on the following:

Runaway Smile

I’m immensely proud of Runaway Smile. So proud, that I want the whole world to read it, which is why I’ve posted it online in its entirety. However, possibly as a result, I’ve only sold maybe a dozen copies since its launch last month.

From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksOn the other hand, it already has seven great reviews (thank you so, so much guys, you know who you are). Asking for a review in exchange for a free read sounds like a good deal for both parties (in marketing, it’s called an ethical bribe). I’m certain that I wouldn’t have these reviews, especially in such a short time, had I not made it available online.

So, my question is: should I continue to give it away in its entirety on my blog? I have been considering removing the final couple of chapters (the story resolution), so as to offer visitors the majority of the book without cannibalizing my sales. This, however, makes me feel like a mercenary. And it might deter people from leaving a review – something even more precious than sales at this point.

So, what do you think? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Pearseus: Vigil

From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksNext item: the next installment in the Pearseus saga is ready! I expect it to be published mid-February (by the way, if you want to beta-read it, just drop me an email or let me know in the comments). This is the penultimate book in the series and offers me an interesting opportunity.

You see, I wrote Schism, the first, short book in the series, as a bit of an experiment. I was still finding my voice, and it’s probably the weakest book in the series. Rise of the Prince, the second book, is much stronger, both in style and content, and I believe it’s much more likely to “hook” readers into the series.

Therefore, I was thinking of relaunching Rise as book number one, and rebranding Schism as “a novelette from the universe of Pearseus.” My question is: is it too late to rebrand the books? Do you think existing readers will be confused and put off?

And one last question: how do you like the name I have chosen for the new book? Is Pearseus: Vigil a strong name?

Thank you in advance for your help! Your always precious feedback and comments will be particularly appreciated 🙂