Books, Chocolate and Wine with Mickie Sherwood

Help Readers Find Your Romance Novels

(Mickie Sherwood's Indie Author's Tip)

Hi all,

I'd like to thank Ruth for sharing her visitors with me today. I'm Mickie Sherwood. I create sweet, and spicy romance—a heartbeat away!

Bringing characters to life for the enjoyment of others is exhilarating. The decision to go "indie" brought a humongous boost to my excitement.  Total responsibility fell on me to ensure a great experience for my readers. Therefore, because I'm not an editor, copyeditor, cover artist, or formatter, I hired professionals for those tasks.

I poured hours of research into the different platforms that offered self-publishing opportunities. I studied the ease of the process. Which ones provided a user-friendly experience for the novice indie author? Amazon, Nook Press, and Kobo Writing Life were my choices.

I learned the importance of using proper metadata during the process. Metadata is not only the book title, subtitle, author's name, and copyright date. Metadata includes pertinent information like CATEGORIES and KEYWORDS. A book without the proper categories and keywords might as well be a footprint in the sand at the water's edge. It'll disappear into the ocean of books around it.

CATEGORIES group books of a similar theme for ease of search. Different publishing platforms have different rules. Amazon's KDP allows you to select up to two categories. B&N's Nook Press allows up to five categories. While Kobo's Writing Life allows up to three.

An author needs to make sure to choose categories that best fit the book. Otherwise, a potential reader could miss the discovery of a great read. For example, look at the information on this link https://www.bisg.org/bisac/complete-bisac-subject-headings-2015-edition. What you'll see is a detailed list of category subject headings and their associated codes.

I write romance. When I click FICTION, and scroll to ROMANCE, a long list of subcategories is available. Authors must keep in mind; the list may differ from what is available on their chosen self-publishing platforms. For example, let's say ROMANCE - Clean & Wholesome is not among the Categories available for selection. Consider using "Clean & Wholesome" as one of the KEYWORD phrases, instead.

KEYWORDS are also important. These words and phrases are specific to your book. Think: What topic might a reader search? Imagine readers want to browse for something about second chance at romance. They might search "Second Chance Romance". If your book is about love the second time around, that's one keyword to definitely use.

KDP allows up to seven keywords. Nook Press allows up to 100 characters. Kobo has no input area for keywords that I found.

These tips aren't just intended for indie authors. Authors published by publishing companies should check the categories listed on their novels. Sometimes mistakes happen. I can attest to that.

Finally, readers, I'll make it easy for you to find my relationship-based, mainstream romances that are set in Bayou Country. Simply search for Mickie Sherwood at your favorite distributor. I would appreciate it if you did.

My romance excerpt today is from Templet's Tasty Tails featuring Bayou Cowboy Booker Templet and Skeptical Surrogate Erika Washington. After you enjoy the included excerpt, I want you to check out "Erika Speaks" found on my Amazon author's page http://www.amazon.com/Mickie-Sherwood/e/B003M0W8SM/.  Come back and tell me what you think.

Mickie Sherwood

~~Sweet, and spicy romance – a heartbeat away! ~~

Will the Bayou Cowboy corral the heart of the Skeptical Surrogate?

Back Cover copy of Templet's Tasty Tails

Web Designer Erika Washington's contract with her childhood best friend covers all possibilities about her pregnancy. But one unpredictable event redirects her future. As a donor-surrogate, what does one do when fate changes the plan and claims the lives of the intended parents? If you're the selfless, strong-willed Erika Washington, you mount a defense to keep your baby.

Entrepreneur Booker Templet, owner of Templet's Tasty Tails, secretly agrees to help his first cousin by being a donor for his baby. However, unfortunate circumstances change the course of Booker’s life. After he learns the identity of the other donor, Booker plans to be a part of his child's life. No matter what.

Will Erika and Booker battle over custody of the baby? Will their horrible loss help them find consolation in each other's arms? Or will fate intervene yet again?

T-e-m-p-l-e-t is pronounced Tom-play.

Buy Links for Templet’s Tasty Tails

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Templets-Tasty-Tails-Mickie-Sherwood-ebook/dp/B010TZCS5K/

Amazon Print - http://www.amazon.com/Templets-Tasty-Tails-Mickie-Sherwood/dp/0692628398/

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/templets-tasty-tails-mickie-sherwood/1122241483?

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/templet-s-tasty-tails

Print eStore - https://www.createspace.com/6047396 (Use 40% off Discount Code DNGP2AS5 only at eStore.)

Excerpt from Templet's Tasty Tails

Scene: Booker makes a secret vow as he cuddles Erika in the gazebo during his family's Fourth of July outing.

Booker sat astride the seat. Instead of the padded chair back, her body rested on his broad chest.

He leaned around her with questioning eyes.

Her actions spoke louder than any words. Erika grooved her shoulders into the semi-circle of his arms. Booker responded by blending his fingers into hers, which rested on her stomach. She sighed in contentment.

"Comfy?" He nestled his chin in her hair.

"As a cool breeze on a hot summer's day."

"Good."

Booker lay back, angling her into a deeper recline. Each breath he took lulled Erika into profound relaxation. The scent of roses was like a spa aromatherapy session. Adding to the attack on her senses was the soothing sound of the bubbling water feature. Positively in her element, Erika drifted off to sleep.

****

Booker inhaled Erika into his system. She felt so soft and pliable as she snuggled into him. The baby she carried, his baby, provided him proof of life. How she slept through the jumping jacks going on inside her astounded him. Yet, she did. He would cherish this intimate moment forever.

"Booker?" His parents showed up in the doorway.

He silenced them with a finger to his lips. June blew him a kiss as Trace steered her out of sight with an expression that confirmed the acceptance of his decision to pursue Erika. Fulfillment rippled the blood flowing in Booker’s veins. His heart lurched. "Don't mess this up."

About the Author

Mickie Sherwood is an author and a novice photographer. Using her backyard as the backdrop for her inspiration, she loves taking pictures of nature. Her love of photography incites her creativity for writing. Spending time with her family and cruise vacations, also stokes her imagination.

With all of her interest combined, fascinating characters and intriguing circumstances can develop.

Mickie also enjoys a good laugh. Revel in the humorous stories she shares about life, at her blog—Mickie's Mutterings.

Website: http://www.bayouloveromances.blogspot.com

Blog: http://www.mickiesherwood.com/blog  

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood

Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/MickieSherwood

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Louisiana_Lady