FEATURED: RILEY GEDDINGS AND GOOD EBOOKS

Today, I'm happy to tell you about a fantastic website and its founder, Riley Geddings. Authors and readers will love Good eBooks™, where the motto is: "Bringing Authors & Readers Together Since 2012 
(Not Your Everyday, Boring Website!)" Check it out, if you haven't already, and sign up for the free features the site offers.

ABOUT GOOD EBOOKS:

Good eBooks™ is not only one of the fastest-growing websites on the Internet, but is also very unique !

Why is  Good eBooks™ so different? Most web sites associated with eBooks and books merely display hundreds of book covers pointing the visitor to Amazon Kindle! Let's face it, most of us are capable of shopping there on our own. We can visit Amazon and we can do searches for any book or eBook, category, or author ourselves.

Good eBooks™ has a very good Google search rank, too. When one enters search the key "good ebooks," Google displays us on page 1, near the top! (Our bragging rights!)

At Good eBooks™, we go the extra mile for our eBook and book lovers and for our authors too. We have thousands of repeat customers and over 7,500 associated author friends!

Good eBooks™ advertising writers range from emerging to best-selling authors, which means you have access to an extreme range of good books!

This also means you, our valued customer, have access to a unique niche of fresh, new titles, which you can't find on Amazon, or any other giant book store, all in one place. We have done all the "donkey work" and have assembled a gold mine of new Books for your selections.

Good eBooks™ has recently expanded its operation to include sales in the British Isles, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. These books can be purchased in local currency as well. So now we are truly global, international, world-wide!

The latest winner from Good eBooks™ is the expansion into Canada. Now our Canadian author friends are advertising their writings with us on Amazon Canada!

Our analytics reports show us that well over 50% of our website visitors are repeat viewers . . . thank you ! This tells us we are doing what you want us to do!

We post new titles in all categories almost every day for your perusal.

Interview with Riley Geddings

Riley, tell us about Good eBooks.net.
The primary purpose of our website is to promote books & eBooks for all authors.
Currently, Good eBooks™ is associated with well over 1,000 authors of all writing levels.



In addition, Good eBooks™ presents these writings to our thousands of faithful customers. Over half of our visitors are repeat customers because they know we will offer them new, fresh reads every day.

Good eBooks also strives to be a good source for useful and helpful information such as good links, news, and articles for authors and readers alike.



Good eBooks™ is the best meeting place to bring readers and authors together!

What do you hope to accomplish with this site? 
For GoodeBooks Readers:
Good eBooks™ not only provides the reader with a wide gamut of good eBooks and books, but also provides an unlimited selection of fresh, new eBook and good book titles by fresh, new authors! We have over 1,000 author associates who constantly offer you a broad selection of titles.



Good eBooks™ offers you these unique eBooks and books all in one place, because we have 8 webpages dedicated totally FREE for eBook and book promotion for all authors. This service is offered absolutely FREE as one aspect of our passion to assist all authors with their marketing. The outcome is perfect for the author as well as the reader.



Good eBooks™ has something for all readers . . . "Biblical Gold" pages, which contain wonderful inspirational Christian eBooks and books from our associate Inspirational authors. In addition, we have eBooks and books for children at "Kidz World"!



We have expanded our viewer's selection of eBooks and books, with a poetic page - "World of Poetry".

For Good eBooks™ Writers:
As you know, if you have visited us before, we have a mission, one aspect of which is to assist all authors, especially upcoming emerging authors with their marketing endeavors.



Good eBooks™ maintains a good number of free book-promoting web pages.



If these webpages become fully booked, we offer a very low-cost alternative, which allows an author to place 3-month ads for a reasonable price-range. These ads currently run on up to 17 non-free webpages, linking direct to Amazon, giving you maximum exposure!



In addition, we have a popular, global, Barnes & Noble shopping center, "Shop Barnes & Noble," for authors who have books on B&N ! 

All of your eBook and book ads are full-color, book-cover, and link to Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble Nook direct.

Why did you start Good eBooks™?
Good eBooks™ MISSION:

Because I am a writer and author of published eBooks, I know first-hand that marketing those eBooks is not easy. It has been estimated that 50,000 new eBooks are published every day and counting.



Our Good eBooks™ website has adopted a policy, or mission, if you will, to assist all authors by creating book-cover, promotional advertising for their eBooks/books.

What can authors do on the site?
Authors can promote their books with book-cover, direct-link ads on Good eBooks™.
There are 8 free areas and 4 low-budget areas for them to post ads.

What can readers do on the site?
Our readers know they can find fresh, new titles and authors. Over 50% of our customers
are return book buyers.

What makes this site different from others?
The fast-growing Good eBooks™ website is totally different! Good eBooks™ not only provides the reader with a wide gamut of good eBooks and books, but also provides an unlimited selection of fresh, new eBook and good book titles by fresh, new authors! We have over 1,000 author associates, who constantly offer you a broad selection of titles.



Good eBooks™ offers you these unique eBooks and books all in one place, because we have 8 webpages dedicated totally FREE for eBook and book promotion for all authors. This service is offered absolutely FREE as one aspect of our passion to assist all authors with their marketing. The outcome is perfect for the author as well as the reader.


And at Good eBooks™, you will find four(4) major book sellers at our book shopping centers.

Riley, tell everybody a little about yourself—the mastermind behind Good eBooks.
I am happily married to Maggie Geddings and together have co-authored several eBooks. We are currently writing the Unknown Island Chronicles, a series of thrilling, adventure-fiction ebooks. The first ebook in the series, Unknown Island Paradise was published in October, 2012. The second ebook in the series, Unknown Island Paradise 2 was published in November, 2012; and both are available for purchase at all major online book stores. The third ebook in the series is in process and should be published soon.

As a boy of 12, I started painting in high school, under a great art teacher who saw my potential and gave me top grades. As a young adult, I studied oil painting under a noted art teacher in North Carolina. Living in Florida, the natural beauty is endless and provides unlimited subject matter for my paintings. Most of my work is inspired from actual scenes in Florida and was developed in an effort to stress the importance of saving the Florida Everglades! I'm featured on dozens of well-known international art and artist's Internet websites, and I've produced many commissioned projects for art lovers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain; and I've been involved in large commercial projects as the exclusive artist as well.

I started my adult career as a professional software programmer/analyst. This enabled me to develop my own websites, which in turn provided me with an avenue to pursue my ambition to become a writer and publisher. With the advent and popularity of eBooks, I was ready, willing, and able to launch my dream of becoming a published author. 

In the same way that I created my artistic masterpieces, I also had a desire to create literary masterpieces—and thus a new author was born. I recognized that a hidden force was moving within me to urge me in this new direction. I call upon this same force to lead me and to guide me to wield my words wisely.

I served my country by enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard, where my duties led me to work on a top-secret joint venture project between the USA and England, sailing on a cutter in the Caribbean Sea. During that special mission, I went ashore on numerous tropical islands in the Bermuda Triangle, some of which were uninhabited. It was during those halcyon days that I developed a love for all aspects of tropical island life which ultimately laid the groundwork for my writing the Unknown Island Chronicles series.

What books do you currently have published?
Past Present Future, and 2 Deep-Romance eBooks co-authored with Maggie:



What do you like to do best—write, paint, or work on the website?
It appears now that my time is required in this sequence:
1.    Website
2.    Write
3.    I no longer paint, but do still sell Giclee prints.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
I would have concentrated on helping authors with their book marketing
via my website earlier.

What’s your favorite/most visited Internet site? (Besides Good eBooks!)
Google Search.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Goodies which Maggie and I like!

What is the most daring thing you've done?
As a 3-year-old boy, I was dared to jump on an old piece of roofing tin on the ground.
When I did, to my surprise, it covered an old, abandoned country well, and I fell
45 feet to the water. The tin I jumped on followed me down and sliced my head open.
My father was lowered down by strong ropes and rescued me, a miracle for sure!

Wow. What is the stupidest thing you've ever done (or did you just mention it?!)?
Too many to mention here!

What choices in life would you like to have a redo on?
Mostly on the things I failed to do—such as scuba diving (did snorkeling),
small aircraft pilot, hang gliding and traveling the world.

Do you have any marketing tips for indie authors, besides taking part in Good eBooks?
Yes, writing and publishing your book is the easiest, but marketing is an art and a school of hard knocks which take long experience to conquer. You must have patience!

What's next for you personally and for Good eBooks?
More of the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/SITE ADMINISTRATOR

Ebook author Riley Geddings was born en route to Florida—and now makes his home in Carrollwood Village, Florida. He is married to his lovely English wife, Maggie Geddings and together they co-author and publish eBooks. Riley enjoys writing, especially thrilling-adventure fiction ebooks. Maggie enjoys writing the deep, passionate, erotic, love-making scenarios, which are found throughout their books.

In addition to creating scenes with the written word, he has been a very successful Florida Landscape artist, creating scenes of beauty in art. His forte is painting the natural, endless beauty of the Florida Everglades.

Having had a career as a professional software programmer/analyst enables him to develop his own websites, which in turn provides him with an avenue to pursue his ambition to be a writer and publisher. With the advent and popularity of eBooks, Riley is ready, willing, and able to fulfill his dream of becoming a published author.

He recognizes that a hidden force is moving within him to urge him in this direction, and he calls upon this same force to lead him and to guide him to wield his words wisely.

Connect with Riley:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Fine Art America  |  Google+









Buy the books:
Amazon

FACEBOOK FROM THE READERS' POV

On Sunday I posted thoughts from some of my writer friends on the roll of social media in an author's life. Then I started wondering about the readers' points of view. I didn't get as much feedback as I got from the authors, but the readers who did speak up all had something interesting to say. I'm grateful for their time and input. Thank you, Sharon Vertetis Aguanno, Judy Gardner, Amy Workman, Phylis Carpenter, Joan Falten Somers, and two readers who preferred to remain anonymous. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!

What types of posts do you like to see authors post on social media?

Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: I absolutely love Facebook! Although I have a Twitter account, I am not much of a twitter user! I like seeing personal postings from my author friends. How they are doing with their work in progress from a personal perspective. E.g. Excitement over a character, how many pages written, personal distractions… blocked feelings! Outside of their books, I like to see personal things, pictures, vacations, and even memes (these tend to tell a tale about the personality of the person posting them). Also, announcements of their tours… which I love to follow.

Judy Gardner: Posts of upcoming new books and date coming out.

Amy Workman: Updates on the new book they are writing; the cover for a new book; upbeat posts...inspirational, happy or funny frustrations.

Phylis Carpenter: I like to see posts that show me their books with a small description.  Something that catches my eye as I scroll down. I also like to see giveaways because money here is tight. 

Joan Falten Somers: 
My favorite posts are either funny or simply something the author finds endearing.

Anonymous #1: Updates on their books, and snippets of how their lives are going.

Anonymous #2: I like to see posts about new books/series, special sales, and giveaways.

Do you find new books and new authors on Facebook and Twitter?


Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: Facebook – Yes, Twitter – No.



Judy Gardner: Rarely. Only if Mrs. Must Read Mysteries or Must Read Mysteries posts them and they are new authors (I only get free books because of my lack of funds).


Amy Workman: Facebook, yes.

Phylis Carpenter: I have found a lot of new authors on Facebook. I have also joined their Facebook pages to keep up with their latest news and books.

Joan Falten Somers: I find new authors on Facebook. I'm not very often on Twitter.

Anonymous #1: Facebook, from the groups I am in.

Anonymous #2: I find new books and new authors on Facebook.

What do you think an author can do to attract you to “Like” or follow them? 


Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: Most of the authors that I have liked or followed in the past year, I have done so on the recommendation of another author—usually through an FB posting or a blog posting. The only thing I really look for is that they are interesting. Topics of interest include areas that I know and love, Humor in the Memes and down to earth people! So if I were to offer a suggestion to an author, it would be to share other authors they have read and enjoyed.

Judy Gardner: Put an excerpt of the upcoming book, ask readers to follow for further updates.

Amy Workman: Actually respond to fans. If you’re on FB, it is nice and inspiring that you like and interact with us. I have unfollowed many authors that are on FB, post lots but do not interact with fans. If you add me on FB, then I think you could at least interact also. I know you’re busy but as the saying goes . . . you have time to do what you want.

Phylis Carpenter: If they are doing an event on Facebook I will like that and share it, if it’s a genre that I usually read.  I know writers are busy, but I like those that take the time to answer your questions or just attend a Facebook event that allows you to chat and get to know the author.

Anonymous #1: I connect via the book launch parties. They are awesome.

Anonymous #2: Write good books, respond to questions, have contests/giveaways where they interact with readers.

When you’re scrolling your newsfeed, what types of posts are you most likely to “like” from an author? (About their books, funny memes, personal things . . . )

Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: All of the above, and from the last question, down to earth authors.

Judy Gardner: The ones announcing a new book coming out or that share something quirky about the author.

Amy Workman: Now that actually depends. I will like, luv haha many posts because the author posts as a friend. Others, because they do not interact with fans (friends) I have clicked unfollow. It means more if you act as a friend even though your profession is being an author. You act as a friend not as a celebrity who thinks they are better than the rest. If you want me on FB, act like you do.

Phylis Carpenter: Anything that pops out at me. Again, I love the giveaways or the possibility of a giveaway. Such as if I see one that says "when I reach xx number of likes I may give a book or two away. Then I will like and share the post. If I decide that I don't want to follow that author anymore then I just turn my notifications off for them, but I do not unlike their page when the contest is over.

Anonymous #1: All of the above. :)

Anonymous #2: For me, this really depends on who the author is.

Are there some authors with whom you’ve become friends but don’t follow?

Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: Yes, I have authors on my Facebook page that I friended or they friended me and I love reading and responding to their personal posts, however I do not enjoy their genre. Sci Fi is a good example.

Judy Gardner: Yes, one, because she has never asked me to follow her!

Amy Workman: No. I follow the Authors who actually interact on a personal level on FB with me. I have clicked unfollow on about 20 authors due to no interaction from them. They post that they have drawings to win a book or set of their books, but I am not impressed they only post that type of items.

Phylis Carpenter: No, not that I can think of.

Anonymous #1: I wouldn't say "friends" past FB to an extent, but I don't follow some of them. A few are, well, off-putting, but that can change.

Anonymous #2: This doesn’t happen often, but posts annoy me where the author tells you he doesn’t make much money and “begs” you to buy his books so he can eat next month.

What types of posts from authors annoy you? 


Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: Not just authors . . . I dislike strong political statements and harsh statements about God! And Negative attitudes!

Judy Gardner: nothing from authors annoys me!

Amy Workman: Posting “win a book or set of my books” but do not actually interact with anyone. They only use FB as social media to promote something.

Phylis Carpenter: I can't think of any unless if you count the ones where they put a cute cover and a great description and then I have to wait a couple of months before I can buy the book because it won't be released until then. I hate to wait.

Joan Falten Somers: I avoid any people who post anything political!

Anonymous #1: I'm always happy to know about books, or be reminded of a book. But when I have 15 posts in 15 groups from the SAME author on the SAME day, that is overdoing it a little.

Anonymous #2: If I like and would recommend an author’s books, I will share author posts about new books, special sales, and giveaways.

What types of posts from authors do you share? 


Sharon Vertetis Aguanno: Anything that I personally relate to. A funny meme, for example. Book promotions, book tours, blog postings. It only takes a minute to promote an author or a good book/series. If I can help, I like to do it!

Judy Gardner: Book sales or new books.

Amy Workman: I share a lot of the funny memes, I share about new books coming out or the updates on how the new book is coming. It means I endorse you as an author that I luv luv luv to read and am proud to say I think of you as an actual FB friend.

Phylis Carpenter: Any posts announcing Facebook events the author might be in, or anything that catches my eye, I think it might appeal to my friends as well so I will like and share. I know I keep mentioning giveaways, but I really like reading and read a lot of books. I always try to leave a review and recommend books to my friends as well. It doesn’t have to be print books—ebooks are great because you don't have to wait for them to be mailed.   
 
Anonymous #1: Book launches, book sales, interview links.

Anonymous #2: If I like and would recommend an author’s books, I will share author posts about new books, special sales, and giveaways.


So there you have it. I would have liked a few more perspectives, but you can lead a horse to water . . . In any case, this has been an interesting subject to delve into. Leave a comment if you want to give your feedback on any of the questions. If, by any chance, you missed the post with the author's thoughts, keep scrolling down. Thanks to the readers who participated and to those who stopped by A Blue Million Books. Happy reading!

THANK YOU!

Sharon Vertetis Aguanno is from Kingston, New York, Lawrenceville, Georgia, Tampa Bay, Florida, Sierra Vista, Arizona, and finally San Antonio, Texas.

Judy Gardner lives in Florida.

Amy Workman's hometown is Wadsworth, Ohio. She currently lives in Aurora, Colorado.

Phylis Carpenter is from Frederick, Maryland. She currently lives in Ranburne, Alabama.

Joan Falten Somers lives in Severna Park, Maryland.

SPOTLIGHT ON: BOOKGRABBR

BookGrabbr: A great way for readers to discover new books and an innovative marketing tool for authors. 

For Readers:

BookGrabbr is a social media-marketing tool that allows authors to share both full books and previews of their books with readers. Readers, you can have access to these books by signing in through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and using their ability to share as a form of currency. The “Share” is the payment! Share the book, and it will allow you to read it. Just click the “Grabb this book” button next to the book and our system will prompt you to share in exchange for reading!

BookGrabbr contains books of many genres, so visit today, "grabb" a book that catches your eye and start reading!


For Authors and Publishers:

Through their unique marketing tool and platform, BookGrabbr helps authors connect to readers that they wouldn't generally be able to connect to through their friends and their friend’s friends. The noise in the marketplace is deafening, and at times can be a bit overwhelming for authors trying to promote their books.

BookGrabbr created a way to generate some more buzz by harnessing the power of each individual author’s social media platform.  Once you create your profile on BookGrabbr it allows potential readers to read a preview of your book or the full copy and then directs them to your site of choice to purchase your book in the format that you desire. And since BookGrabbr doesn’t make any money on book sales, you can send them to a retailer, or to your own personal page or wherever you choose! BookGrabbr's purpose is to help you sell more books, gain momentum and generate exposure.


See how it works:

How does iRead Book Tours help?


For Readers: 

We help you discover new authors that have put their profile and books on BookGrabbr through our BookGrabbr Promotion Service.

For Authors and Publishers:

Don't have time to dedicate to yet another marketing campaign? Let us take care of it for you. Through the BookGrabbr Promotion Service we create your profile, help you share your books on your social media and ours too, of course. In addition, we provide you with ideas and the support on how to best use your BookGrabbr profile. This is a cost-effective, efficient way to publicize your books! Contact us to see how we can help you spread the word about your book through BookGrabbr.

Like the idea? Enter the giveaway below to win a BookGrabbr Promotion Service worth $75 and $100 in cash!

Not an author? You can still win the $100 in cash.


Giveaway starts March 14 and ends April 15, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm Thankful for My Readers

Blue Million Books Street Team

Since it's Thanksgiving, I thought I'd let you all know what I am thankful for in my online world. Actually, it's whom I'm thankful for. As a writer, I'm thankful for my readers, of course. I'm thankful for the people who take the time to leave a review, who tweet or retweet about my book, and who send me messages telling me they liked Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction. It's readers like that--not sales--that keep a writer going.

But this blog isn't all about me. (Shocking, I know.) This blog is to help other authors promote their work. Toward that end, there are share links at the bottom of each post. Readers can share the blog features with their Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and Google+ circles, or they can pin it to a board on Pinterest. There is a small group of people who share my blog posts regularly on Twitter, and I want them to know I am #thankful and #grateful for them. I have dubbed them the Blue Million Books Street Team. I am thankful for their support. Tweets come and go for various blog features (thank you!), but below are the people who regularly tweet about a feature on A Blue Million Books. Thank you, thank you! Y'all are better than dew right off a honeysuckle. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

I'm #thankful for:

Colette Saucier @Colete_Saucier
Sandra U. Almazan @ulbrichalmazan
Jon Jefferson @JeffersonJon
Maer Wilson @MaerWilson
Wendy Van Camp @wvancamp
Debra L. Martin @dmartin6
Stacy Juba @stacyjuba
Cheryl Therrien @grandmasdiaries
Teen Readers' Diary ‏@TeenReaderDiary
Feather Stone @FeatherWrites