Two Things…
Thing #1:
Editing is done. So, now it’s time for the pre-release feedback. Been a while since I’ve done this for sure. š Need to write more.
I’ll go through the requests I’ve received on previous posts and pick a few people to read the novel. Hopefully, they enjoy it. š But looking for anything I can make better. Any feedback at all is appreciated. Anything from a word that doesn’t sound right, or an entire scene or chapter.
After that process, it’s release time. š
Thing #2:
I’m done with the back cover text. This is always a challenge. Basically, it can’t be too long. It can’t be too short. It needs to be engaging, capture interest and attention. But not give TOO much away. Shoot me now.
Let me know what you think.
Four-hundred-year-old vampire Victoria couldnāt be happier that Kevin Mishnar has returned to her inner circle. Life wasnāt quite the same without him. But after his self-imposed exile, he brings with him an unusual request that leads to a rare find. A young female witch.
Kept in a prison nearly all her life, Victoria would like nothing more than to help her. But another case needs her attention.
She can think of only one person to ask for help.
Jack Kursed didnāt expect Victoriaās call. His oldest friend needs a favor. Jack has his own problems, his own family to look after. But he could never say no to Victoria.
She wants him to look after a witch for a few days.
December 2, 2020 @ 2:42 pm
It sounds perfect to me.
December 2, 2020 @ 2:52 pm
About the back page blurb, the start of the second paragraph made me think for a second that Victoria was the one who had been kept in a prison. And I think you can cut out the last sentence entirely. It’s clearly implied what favor Jack will be doing for Victoria, but I think leaving that for the reader to conclude on their own gives it a little more oomph. (I assume ‘oomph’ is a technical writing term.)
If you’re still looking for test readers, well, as they used to day in my youth, ‘pick me, Monty!’
December 2, 2020 @ 2:53 pm
Dammit. *say*
December 2, 2020 @ 4:51 pm
Yes, I agree, that is how it struck me as well.
December 2, 2020 @ 3:11 pm
Hmm good feedback. Thanks.
December 2, 2020 @ 3:03 pm
Works very well for those already following the series. Probably not tempting enough for readers new to the characters though.
Personally looking forward to it!
December 2, 2020 @ 3:12 pm
Yeah, that’s definitely another issue. Basically trying to grab two different sets of readers.
December 3, 2020 @ 12:11 am
I would suggest maybe reaching for those unfamiliar-with-your-books readers. Most of us that have read your work are huge fans and will grab the book regardless of the back cover content.
December 3, 2020 @ 8:23 am
I would agree with this. I don’t read backcovers for anything past book 1s unless its been more than 5 years since I read the last book.
December 2, 2020 @ 5:05 pm
What is Jack going to nickname her? Locasta? š And guess who will love having another girl around the house!
I’m really looking forward to this, Glenn!
December 4, 2020 @ 3:40 pm
I had to Google Locasta, figure out the reference. š
December 6, 2020 @ 12:25 pm
“Doesn’t anyone watch ‘The Wizard of Oz’ anymore?” š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£
December 7, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
Oh man. Talk about walking into your own trap.
December 2, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
I would love to be a test reader. The book sounds amazing. Besides, you can’t go wrong with anything written about Jack, Victoria, and Kevin.
December 2, 2020 @ 7:02 pm
OK, gonna tell yeah how it goes in my head:
—
Victoria would like nothing more than to help the girl, whose been kept in a prison nearly all her life, but another case needs her attention.
She can think of only one person to ask for help.
Jack Kursed didnāt expect Victoriaās call. Jack has his own problems, his own family to look after. But his nearly only friend needs a favor, and he could never say no to Victoria.
—
I think inverting the order in the sentences cleans up the meaning of the references. Also I think changing the stressor from the age of their relationship to the fact that Jack is perpetually isolated, feels more right. But I don’t know the contents
December 3, 2020 @ 3:22 pm
This is good stuff. That’s why I love you guys. š Only having one set of eyes on content can get crazy sometimes. What sounds right to me might just not be “right”.
December 3, 2020 @ 5:24 am
I look forward to the book. I might just have to reread the series because I love it so much.
December 4, 2020 @ 8:45 am
Absolutely pleased that you are well and still writing. Especially this series. But I would have read anything you wrote.
I agree I don’t read those blurbs except on the first book.
What helps me with a new author is a “Special” on their first book. If you are still getting lots of first time readers on your first book, nevermind. But I never start a series with the fifth book.
December 4, 2020 @ 6:37 pm
I have a suggestion similar to “perverseness” Rearrange some of the sentences. See what you think of this:
Four-hundred-year-old vampire Victoria couldnāt be happier that Kevin Mishnar has returned to her inner circle. Life wasnāt quite the same without him. After his self-imposed exile, he brings with him an unusual request that leads to a rare find – a young female witch who has been kept in a prison nearly all her life.
A sympathetic Victoria would like nothing more than to help her, but another case needs her attention.
She can think of only one person to ask for help.
Jack Kursed didnāt expect Victoriaās call. His oldest friend needs a favor. Jack has his own problems, his own family to look after. But he could never say no to Victoria.
She wants him to look after a witch for a few days.
December 6, 2020 @ 12:31 pm
Glenn, I wanted to tell you how much I love the Jack~Tiffany relationship.
I have previously worked in child protection services here in England, and I just love how you draw her indomitable character that fits well with Jack’s insouciance.
December 18, 2020 @ 12:30 pm
Alright guys, I took your advice and rearranged the sentences a little. You all write better than I do. š
Good news, that was the last piece of the puzzle.