If it weren't for Google Alerts, I might not have seen this one pop up as soon as I did. I'm ecstatic that the reviewer over at Blogcritics.org enjoyed the story as much as she did! Get a load of this:
"The Venom of Vipers is a fast paced read with an interesting kick, exciting characters, and a unique story. I really enjoyed the pace and the believability of a future time and place in our possible history. In addition to being a futuristic thriller with a bizarre twist, the book is a great read that will keep you turning the pages and following the characters."
Read the full review at http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-venom-of-vipers/
She was kind enough to post this as a 5-star review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Shelfari, too! This makes the fifth (out of five) 5-star review for Venom so far.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Another 5-star review for Venom!
On his blog, Kindle Books Reviewed, Greg reviewed The Venom of Vipers. He begins by writing, "When I started reading K.C. May’s The Venom of Vipers, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The book does not fit neatly into a specific genre. It has a little science fiction, a little mystery, and a little thriller aspects to it. May neatly combines elements of those genres to develop her story that stands out in its own right." Read the rest at http://kindlebooksreviewed.com/2010/12/01/the-venom-of-vipers/
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
The Venom of Vipers - SciFi - $2.99
Ryder wants to be more than a lab rat; he wants to be free. Katie wants him to save the world. Purists want him dead.
I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest novel, The Venom of Vipers, a science fiction story about a genetically engineered human subspecies.
A supervirus threatens to wipe out the human population.
The only hope for the future is a cure hidden inside Ryder Stone. Created in a lab and brutalized, betrayed and hated by humans, Ryder yearns for freedom. On the outside, a group of human genetic purists want him dead.
When Katie Marsh, a brilliant young geneticist, discovers his secret, she must fight to protect Ryder, gain his trust...and convince him to save humanity before the purists destroy them both.
This 89,000-word science fiction has been called "captivating" and "compelling." Check out its first three reviews at Motherlode, KindleBooksReviewed and Readers Favorite.
It's available in ebook formats ($2.99USD) at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EBT3HW
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31714
B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940011901249
and in paperback ($9.99USD) at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Venom-Vipers-K-C-May/dp/1453802746/
I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest novel, The Venom of Vipers, a science fiction story about a genetically engineered human subspecies.
A supervirus threatens to wipe out the human population.
The only hope for the future is a cure hidden inside Ryder Stone. Created in a lab and brutalized, betrayed and hated by humans, Ryder yearns for freedom. On the outside, a group of human genetic purists want him dead.
When Katie Marsh, a brilliant young geneticist, discovers his secret, she must fight to protect Ryder, gain his trust...and convince him to save humanity before the purists destroy them both.
This 89,000-word science fiction has been called "captivating" and "compelling." Check out its first three reviews at Motherlode, KindleBooksReviewed and Readers Favorite.
It's available in ebook formats ($2.99USD) at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EBT3HW
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31714
B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940011901249
and in paperback ($9.99USD) at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Venom-Vipers-K-C-May/dp/1453802746/
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Amazon gift certificate giveaway on Facebook
In celebration of the Dec 1 release of my science fiction novel, The Venom of Vipers, I'm offering a $5 Amazon gift certificate to five randomly-selected Facebook users who "Like" The Venom of Vipers fan page. All Likers as of midnight EST on Dec 1, 2010 will be entered into a drawing that will be held on Dec 1 at 12:00 noon EST. Winners will be sent their Amazon gift certificate via Facebook. Tell your friends!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Today monkeys. Tomorrow... humans?
Transgenic monkeys help in the cure for Alzheimer's
According to this Nov 1, 2010 article at themedguru.com, "China is the third country in the world, after US and Japan, to have successfully genetically engineered a monkey."
If the genes from one species are being spliced into another species to help cure diseases, it's theoretically possible that we could come up with a new human subspecies that's immune to a disease that would otherwise wipe out Homo sapiens.
That's the premise of my new science fiction novel, The Venom of Vipers, scheduled to be released Dec 1, 2010.
According to the article by Neha Gupta, "So far only mice and rats have been genetically engineered to contain certain diseases which has helped scientists to test their theories before implying them on humans.
However, similar usage of monkeys has been a controversial issue worldwide due to the fear that it could eventually lead to the creation of genetically-engineered humans in future."
The possibility is real. The story is fiction. Look for The Venom of Vipers at Amazon, B&N and Smashwords on Dec 1.
According to this Nov 1, 2010 article at themedguru.com, "China is the third country in the world, after US and Japan, to have successfully genetically engineered a monkey."
If the genes from one species are being spliced into another species to help cure diseases, it's theoretically possible that we could come up with a new human subspecies that's immune to a disease that would otherwise wipe out Homo sapiens.
That's the premise of my new science fiction novel, The Venom of Vipers, scheduled to be released Dec 1, 2010.
According to the article by Neha Gupta, "So far only mice and rats have been genetically engineered to contain certain diseases which has helped scientists to test their theories before implying them on humans.
However, similar usage of monkeys has been a controversial issue worldwide due to the fear that it could eventually lead to the creation of genetically-engineered humans in future."
The possibility is real. The story is fiction. Look for The Venom of Vipers at Amazon, B&N and Smashwords on Dec 1.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Book marketing tip #2
Join Goodreads.com and become a Goodreads author. Join some groups that focus on the type of book you wrote. Introduce yourself in the intro topic, then see if they allow authors to create a promo thread. Be active -- don't just promote and leave. Talk about the books you love with like-minded people. Those who share your taste in books might like the book you've written.
If you have a print copy of your book, consider hosting a giveaway at Goodreads. That's a great way to get a bunch of people to take a look at your blurb! Some may add it to their to-read list, even if they don't win the giveaway.
Join LibraryThing and become a LT Author. Consider hosting a giveaway in exchange for reviews. They'll let you giveaway ebooks, too.
Seek out bloggers who blog about the kind of book you've written, and ask for a review. You'll need to be able to send them a free copy of your book. Some don't review self-published authors, and some don't review ebooks, so you'll need to research them a little.
Encourage those who've read your book to write a review. Doesn't have to be a long essay -- just a couple sentences on why they liked it and/or recommend it. Word of mouth is the best marketing tool ever, and reviews are one form of that. Don't badger them -- people who've written ONE review, on YOUR book, may be assumed by other readers to be your relative, and their review may be suspect.
If you come across bloggers who interview authors, volunteer! Being interviewed is a great way to draw attention to you and your writing.
Participate in forums that discuss books, like http://www.bookandreader.com/forums/ -- don't promo there (you might get banned), but do put a link to your book in your signature. When you show up regularly, people will get curious and click. Don't be afraid of posting in the Amazon community -- just don't spam those forums with pleas to buy your book (unless you post in threads specifically created for that purpose).
Create a fan page for the book at Facebook. (If you don't already have a facebook account, create one for your author persona.) Invite all your friends to "Like" the page.
If you have a print copy of your book, consider hosting a giveaway at Goodreads. That's a great way to get a bunch of people to take a look at your blurb! Some may add it to their to-read list, even if they don't win the giveaway.
Join LibraryThing and become a LT Author. Consider hosting a giveaway in exchange for reviews. They'll let you giveaway ebooks, too.
Seek out bloggers who blog about the kind of book you've written, and ask for a review. You'll need to be able to send them a free copy of your book. Some don't review self-published authors, and some don't review ebooks, so you'll need to research them a little.
Encourage those who've read your book to write a review. Doesn't have to be a long essay -- just a couple sentences on why they liked it and/or recommend it. Word of mouth is the best marketing tool ever, and reviews are one form of that. Don't badger them -- people who've written ONE review, on YOUR book, may be assumed by other readers to be your relative, and their review may be suspect.
If you come across bloggers who interview authors, volunteer! Being interviewed is a great way to draw attention to you and your writing.
Participate in forums that discuss books, like http://www.bookandreader.com/forums/ -- don't promo there (you might get banned), but do put a link to your book in your signature. When you show up regularly, people will get curious and click. Don't be afraid of posting in the Amazon community -- just don't spam those forums with pleas to buy your book (unless you post in threads specifically created for that purpose).
Create a fan page for the book at Facebook. (If you don't already have a facebook account, create one for your author persona.) Invite all your friends to "Like" the page.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Newbie's guide to publishing
Author Joe Konrath, on his very helpful blog, A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, listed my book along with a couple dozen other "indie" novels. He comes up with all kinds of cool marketing ideas -- anyone interested in self-publishing should definitely check out his blog. He's an example of a success story!
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Venom of Vipers - almost done!
After four revision passes and five editing passes, I'm almost ready to stick a fork in this book! It won't go on sale until December 1, though. I'm going to send it around to review bloggers to try to drum up some pre-release publicity. Want a sneak peek? Chapter 1 is available on my web site!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Featured at Bargain eBooks!
The Kinshield Legacy received a new 4-star review on Amazon today. Julie Ann Dawson of Bards & Sages Publishing started off by writing, "The Kinshield Legacy is a well paced, intricately plotted fantasy wrapped in a beautifully crafted setting. Author K.C. May does an exceptional job of breathing life into the kingdom of Thendylath. The lore and history of her setting weaves throughout the plot, tying everything together expertly." Read more at Bards and Sages.
The Kinshield Legacy is also being featured today at the brand new blog, Bargain eBooks. Check it out!
The Kinshield Legacy is also being featured today at the brand new blog, Bargain eBooks. Check it out!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Book marketing tip #1
From time to time, someone on one of the forums I frequent asks for ideas about getting the word out about their book. Although I haven't had my ebooks out very long, I've been compiling a list of book marketing tips that I've tried or thought of trying or heard about others trying. Someone suggested I blog these ideas, so here I am!
This first tip is for folks who've published a book for the Amazon Kindle.
The Kindle Boards is a very active community of Kindle readers and authors. Join this community at http://www.kindleboards.com
Once you're a member, post an introduction at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,3.0.html -- people at the Kindle Boards want to get to know you as a person. This is a good time to remind authors to be active at the forums you join. Don't just go there to promote your stuff. Contribute to topics, start discussions or ask questions about stuff you're interested in. As an independent author, we're in a great position to connect directly with readers. Here's a terrific place to do that!
Now that you've joined the Kindle Boards and posted your Hi message, post an introduction for the book at the Book Bazaar http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,42.0.html This is the only place on the site that authors are permitted to promote our books. Only make one thread per book -- you can add updates to the thread once per week. Don't "bump" your book's thread.
Next, read this thread: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,27235.msg660219.html#msg660219 and follow its instructions.
Finally, put a link to your book in your signature on the Kindleboards (a how-to is provided in a sticky at the top of this forum: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,29609.0.html) and post elsewhere on the board. Readers use this board, and they may buy your book based on your posts. Make it easy for them by providing links in every post.
This first tip is for folks who've published a book for the Amazon Kindle.
The Kindle Boards is a very active community of Kindle readers and authors. Join this community at http://www.kindleboards.com
Once you're a member, post an introduction at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,3.0.html -- people at the Kindle Boards want to get to know you as a person. This is a good time to remind authors to be active at the forums you join. Don't just go there to promote your stuff. Contribute to topics, start discussions or ask questions about stuff you're interested in. As an independent author, we're in a great position to connect directly with readers. Here's a terrific place to do that!
Now that you've joined the Kindle Boards and posted your Hi message, post an introduction for the book at the Book Bazaar http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,42.0.html This is the only place on the site that authors are permitted to promote our books. Only make one thread per book -- you can add updates to the thread once per week. Don't "bump" your book's thread.
Next, read this thread: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,27235.msg660219.html#msg660219 and follow its instructions.
Finally, put a link to your book in your signature on the Kindleboards (a how-to is provided in a sticky at the top of this forum: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,29609.0.html) and post elsewhere on the board. Readers use this board, and they may buy your book based on your posts. Make it easy for them by providing links in every post.
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Indie Spotlight
The Kinshield Legacy is today's featured novel at The Indie Spotlight. When I submitted the info, I hadn't updated the cover yet, or moved the paperback printing to createspace, but the rest is current. :)
http://www.theindiespotlight.com/
The paperback is available at Amazon, but it's almost 4 bucks cheaper at B&N! ;)
http://www.theindiespotlight.com/
The paperback is available at Amazon, but it's almost 4 bucks cheaper at B&N! ;)
Thursday, October 07, 2010
New forum for ebook readers
Whether you have a Nook or Kindle or Sony or iPad, this forum is for discussing ebooks of all sizes, shapes and formats! Come check it out: http://ebookgab.com/
Book of the Day
The Kinshield Legacy is today's Book of the Day over on the Kindle Boards. If you own a Kindle, or you're thinking of getting one, swing by the Kindle Boards and have a look around. It's full of Kindle fans from across the world!
Monday, October 04, 2010
The End
Last week, I finished all new writing on The Venom of Vipers, my upcoming science fiction novel set in Phoenix in 2023. After working for a year and a half on this book, I finally typed The End. Immediately, I was overcome with emotion: sadness, relief, fear! It's exciting to officially be in the revision stage. I enjoy the writing part. I love the revision part! It's where I get to bring out the detail and get all the ducks lined up. Edits are fun too -- put a nice shine on it and get it ready for the whole wide world. I'm not one of those who writes a pretty first (or second) draft. The revision and edit stages are where my best work happens.
In any event, I'm offering autographed ebooks to all who pre-purchase from my web site. I create an autographed ebook by writing something personal to the buyer on a sheet of paper, scanning it into my computer and adding that image to the manuscript (on or near the title page) before I create the final ebook.
If you're interested, visit http://www.kcmay.com/venom.html.
In any event, I'm offering autographed ebooks to all who pre-purchase from my web site. I create an autographed ebook by writing something personal to the buyer on a sheet of paper, scanning it into my computer and adding that image to the manuscript (on or near the title page) before I create the final ebook.
If you're interested, visit http://www.kcmay.com/venom.html.
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