Hello my wonderful readers! It has been a while, hasn't it? 2021 came in like a wrecking ball, I swear.
Wasn't this year supposed to be the year that made up for 2020? Maybe that was just wishful thinking. It hasn't been all bad. Actually, this year has just been a whirlwind of work. I haven't had time to stop and catch my breath. And that, even if a little stressful, is really good. I have a lot of good things to share with you, as well as some good news for those of you thinking, "When is Katie going to write another book?"
The News
Back in November, you might remember me mentioning a little something about the #AudibleGate issue. For those that don't remember, let me sum up really quick.
Audible provides creators (like myself) a platform to put our books up in audio form. To do that authors (like myself) usually have to work with a narrator (Voice artist) and audio producer (sometimes they are the same person) to turn the written word, into a form that can be listened to. Audible doesn't do this for us. All Audible does is provide the platform. They also control the pricing. So if you're wondering why audiobooks are priced so high... That's an Amazon...er...Audible decision. (Ppst. They are the same company).
The Issue: Audible promotes its membership via a "Great Listener Guarantee." You, the consumer can return a book, even if you have listened to it, no questions asked, for up to 365days. And when you return it, you get a credit back allowing you to pick up a new book, which you could return again, no questions asked, ad nauseam. The thing is, when you make that return, audible already has your monthly membership. They lose nothing. But, while they lose nothing, they pull back the author's royalty for that book (pocketing all the money, both the author's royalty and the membership fee every month). And they don't even tell authors it is happening. They lump our sales into a "net sales" category, hiding the truth of how many books are sold vs returned, so we are none the wiser.
The only reason we figured it out, was a glitch back in October. That was when Author Susan May exposed the truth and (needless to say) we authors were horrified to learn what had been happening right under our noses.
Now that Amazon...er...Audible...er...ACX got caught with their hand in the cookie jar, authors and narrators (the right's holders) are fighting for fair rights, royalties, and transparency in accounting.
We're now heading into the middle of February, and though Audible has made some (minor) concessions, they have not yet provided the big ticket item. The transparency we desperately need.
So, long story short, I will be highlighting this issue on Spilling Ink, Saturday Night, 5pm PST, by interviewing the people who did us all a favor by exposing this issue and took up the pitchforks to fight the Zon. Susan May and Colleen Cross.
"When's the next book, Katie?"
I know, I know. It has been a long time since I released a new fiction title. But, that will soon be remedied. I am in talks again with J.E. Taylor. You remember our last co-writing trilogy, right?
The Running from the Devil series.
Yeah that was fun. So much fun that we are nailing down the specifics to outline a new trilogy adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and mystery. There will be potentially three new books by the end of the year. Worth the wait? I hope so. I can't share too much now, we don't have the contract written yet, so I don't know how much I can say without getting into trouble. But soon as I am allowed to share what we have so far, you know you guys will get all the details.
And yes, I am still working on book 5 in the ASSET series. I hit a wall there and I am not happy with where the story went. And if I am not happy, I know you will not be happy. So I am not going to release this book before all the kinks are worked out. My goal is to always deliver a story worthy of your time. So it will be a little longer before that one is ready. And, just like with the super secret trilogy, the moment I have something to share, you my favorite readers, will be first eyes on it!
Sending lots of love.
I hope everyone is safe, happy, and healthy.
"Route 666"
by Sarah Johns
The ghosts of two husbands. Two sisters. A ritual gone wrong.
It's one hell of a road trip, for sure!
Route 666 is the first instalment of the Dade Sisters Adventures as they reconnect on the road trip of a lifetime. It’s an urban fantasy filled with love, laughter, and some out-of-this world goings on that neither could have imagined. Come join them for the ride, just don’t mind the rat and the chihuahua sitting in the back!
Free Sample
https://storyoriginapp.com/swaps/87216d9a-6174-11eb-8e0e-1bdc34e20375
