I think most of us can relate to the concept of economic self-sufficiency. There is a definite appeal to the idea of having a home business or at least making money from products we create ourselves. I want to encourage you to explore avenues this year for unique handcrafted or independently produced items as gifts for family and friends. It's the best way to optimize your spreading of holiday goodwill and cheer. You'll not only bestow it on the receiver of the gift, but also on the maker of the gift.
Of course, as an indie author, I include myself in that category. Still, I realize not everyone is looking for books or perhaps not my books; therefore the appeal to consider buying from indie producers in all categories. Or, leave a good review. That's a gift in itself.
My own offerings include an eBook that has been out of print for a while - Goat Tales. It's one set of tales from my paperback Critter Tales. Click that link to get a "Look Inside" at Amazon. If you're an Amazon Prime member, it's free! Anyone who loves goats or farm animals in general would enjoy this, I think.
My other offerings include Prepper's Livestock Handbook. Best current price for the paperback is at Amazon, where it is now 30% off list price. Also, Amazon is offering a $5.00 off coupon when ordering $20.00 worth of books. But you'll have to hustle because that offer expires at 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec 1st. It's a good deal for a book lover!
Prepper's Livestock Handbook is also available for Kindle and NOOK. If you are a Barnes & Noble shopper, they are offering a 10% discount coupon, details here, but it ends Dec. 2nd.
5 Acres & A Dream The Book is also nicely discounted at Amazon. Currently 40% off, it's at the best price I've seen so far. Combine that with the soon-to-expire coupon and you can stretch your gift dollars.
Unfortunately, with Amazon's print-on-demand publishing department switching from CreateSpace to Kindle Direct, they are recommending price hikes. This is because KDP apparently uses a more expensive printer. I think many authors are raising prices, so now is the time to buy books (especially with the coupon I mentioned above).
This might also be a good time to mention that next year Acres & A Dream The Book will become Book 1 in a series. So much has changed since I published that book that a sequel is in the works.
Critter Tales, is not discounted. 😞 But I still think it's worth it, LOL. It contains tales of animal antics along with much of my research into sustainable livestock care and how we've implemented it.
How To Bake Without Baking Powder is another of my prepper books and the only one in my How-To series that is available in paperback as well as ebook. Amazon hasn't discounted it either, but it's not unreasonably priced. I notice that shipping is free, even if you buy the one book! Combine it with that soon-to-expire discount I mentioned and you can have books for gifts as well as yourself. If you choose the Kindle edition, you can get a 75% credit toward more Kindle books.
The rest of The Little Series of Homestead How-Tos are a collection of ebooks. You can see a complete listing plus where to buy, here. They are $1.99 each, but the first volume, How To Preserve Eggs is always free!
Well, I had to get in a plug for my books at least once this year. I never wanted to turn my blog into one big ad, and I haven't, because as much as selling books makes me happy, I value my online community even more. I don't want to be constantly pushing things at you just so I can make money. If you do buy my books, however, a hearty Thank You!
So spread some holiday cheer this year, and support your favorite authors, weavers, woodworkers, spinner, knitters, blacksmiths, potters, (etc.) with uniquely special gifts for family and friends.
17 comments:
I didn't know about your Little Series books. I think you should plug yourself every once in awhile to remind us....I know I need a reminder. My only problem is that at this time of year I have little to spend on myself and I'm the only one interested in that sort of thing. My family isn't...go figure after all the gardening and canning and organic and homemade that I did while they were growing up and I had a career too. I do have 2 gardeners but they don't can...a little freezing but no organic purchasing. I don't say anything as I know they are doing the best they can and it's their life.
I've been watching lots of self-sufficiency podcasts. Have you ever thought of you and Dan podcasting? You have so much knowledge to share. These people seem to make money at it somehow. I'm not sure of all the details but I've watched You Can't Eat the Grass, Roots and Refuge Farm and a few others. I will be listing them on my blog and also directing them to yours for those great discounts!
I love to see what you have been writing.
Sam, never thought about podcasting. Or making videos. Time and the learning curve are the two big deterrents! LOL Thank you so much for directing a little holiday cheer my way. :)
Kristina, thank you! I do write for a niche audience, so I know my books and blog aren't of interest to everybody. When someone emails me to thank me and tell me how they've been encouraged, however, that's the energy in my Energizer Bunny.
Great post Leigh. I think it's good to plug your books once in a while. I wish you every success with your home business!!! :)
Oh don't get me started on the KDP vs CreateSpace debate. As both a traditionally and indie author, Amazon just wants their fingers in all the pots. Jo
Although I don't own any of your books, I have referenced them to other people who share some of your designs in life.
Rain, thanks! Although it's more of a hobby than a business. :)
Jo, yes, it's all about money. I really liked CreateSpace and am sorry to see it being dissolved in favor of KDP. I'm in the process of transferring my paperbacks from CS to Ingram Spark.
Ed, thanks! I appreciate that!
I would suggest placing a post occasionally between your content posts that features a book that goes with the topics you are presenting. Or maybe add a small picture and book description at the bottom of a content post if it will give the reader somewhere to go to get more information. - Margy
Congratulations on all the books you have published and all the things you and your husband has accomplished even with him hurting his hand. Nancy
Margy, you know, I used to do that and kinda forgot about it. It is an effective way to keep the word out. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you Nancy! Yes, Dan just keeps on keeping on. He's not a sit and do nothing kind of guy. :)
No harm with self promotion Leigh. It is expected of the independent artist/practitioner.
I am having the same problems with the Createspeace/KDP switchover. Not sure how happy I am about it.
TB, promotion has always been hard for me; probably for a lot of authors. My philosophy is to give people the information and then step back to let them decide. I'm not always sure how to do that and not seem pushy.
Have you actually started the CreateSpace migration process? I haven't but decided to wait and see what kind of glitches others ran into. Since KDP doesn't seem to use as sophisticated programs as CS, I was concerned about passing their criteria. There have been a number of complaints about that. I read on the CS community forum last night that CS/KDP staff are going to start moving the remaining books to get them all over to KDP before the end of the year. IS tells me it will take about that long to get my paperbacks transferred to them.
Thanks Leigh...Your post reminded me that I was going to get your latest. Knowledge is value, and I am very appreciative that you share your knowledge so freely with all of us. Thank you.
Wyomingheart, you just made my day!
A sequel to 5 acres and a dream? I can't wait!!!
Leigh, I did not really have any problem at all. It took maybe a week? Everything seems to be available over at KDP now. As I am a very low volume author, I have no idea well the actual process are going to go in the event of an order.
Devon, what a nice thing to say, thanks!
TB, I'm glad you didn't have a problem. I will still be curious to try KDP for paperback publishing at some time in the future.
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