WEP- 'HOW-TO' SERIES II - HOLLY SINCLAIR on HOW TO SELL YOUR #INDIEBOOKS ON #GOOGLEPLAY

 Hello friends! This is Sonia and I am excited to bring to you the second offering of the new segment of #WEP, your foremost online writing challenge site. Denise has put me in charge of the guest posts.

We are already into the fifth month of the year and the results of the second WEP challenge 'Life is Beautiful' have been announced. You can check them here. I loved the entries this time and am sure, so will you!  

This year we are offering a new format to replace the automatic guest post from the winner which some found intimidating -- a 'HOW-TO' SERIES for our readers. These informative posts are by invitation only and will help us all navigate the up and coming challenges as well as changes/innovations happening in the writing world. If you have an area of expertise you'd like to share with us, email Denise - den.covey@gmail.com

For our second post of the segment we are happy to present an informative article on selling your indie books on Google Play. We are grateful to Holly Sinclair for sharing her wisdom with us. I am sure many of our readers will benefit from this piece. 

And now, over to Holly!

How To Sell Your Books on Google Play

You’ve got your book all done. You’re selling it through KDP and a book aggregator like Draft2Digital. Many of the aggregators don’t upload to Google Play (GP). This has to do with restrictions and requirements. From what I gather, it’s because GP requires authors to have an account with them as well.

Note: PublishDrive is the only place I know that publishes to Google Play.

 Pre-pandemic Google Play was difficult for authors to not only get on, but navigate, and there were a few auto-pricing issues. That’s all changed!

 

Advantages of Selling on Google Play

• You don’t have to pay the aggregator. Meaning, you get the full royalty.
• You’ll reach readers in more countries. As of April 2023, Amazon reaches 13 international markets. Google Play reaches over 75 countries.
• You’ll reach Android users worldwide. (2.5 billion people own an Android device.)
• Google Play Books pays authors 70% on eBooks in most countries.
• Google Play Books has an affiliate program.
• They also take audiobooks.
• At Google Play you can run discount promotions and promo codes.
• You can just make a preview available on Google Play.

 

Google Play VS Google Books

Google Play is an online store where people buy books. Google Books is an index of books. It shows previews of books, which are searchable.

 

How to Get Your Books on Google Play

Setting Up Your Account

• If you don’t have a Gmail or google account, get one. Agree to the conditions, etc. (https://accounts.google.com/signin)
• Go to the Partners Center (https://play.google.com/books/publish/) and log in. Add your details, continue, review and agree to terms. Add your financial details (tax information, link your bank account), so you can get paid. Which is the point!
• Note: You can skip this step until you make $$. However, it may take a couple of weeks for all your payment information to go through.

                                                                           

Uploading Your Book

Step 1: + Add Book

• Have your epub and book cover ready for upload. Login to https://play.google.com/books/publish
• Click on “Book Catalog” in the left navigation menu.
• Click on the “+ Add Book” blue button in the upper right corner.
• The drop-down menu will give you three choices: Sell eBook on Google Play, Create an auto-narrated audiobook, Offer a preview on Google Books only. Choose Sell eBook on Google Play.
• A second dropdown will appear. Here you can add an ISBN if you own one or have Google assign it a unique identifier. 
• Save and Continue.

Step 2: About the Book

• This will include a publication date and an “On-sale date”—if you put it up for presale, a preview will still be available for view unless you turn that off.*
• This is where you add a publisher or use your author's name.
• Save and Continue

Step 3: Add Genres

• Google Play does not use keywords. Select as many BISAC that work for your book.
• Save and Continue.

Step 4: Add Contributors

• Add author name(s) and a bio (optional)
• Save and Continue.

Step 5: Create or Add to a Series

• Or skip by clicking continue.
• If you create a series there, once done, you’ll need to go back to your book using the links on the left as it doesn't take you back automatically. It won’t allow you to add the book until after it’s published.
• Fill out the settings. Be sure to look at the Advanced settings on this page for more options.
• Save and Continue.

Step 6: Upload Book

• Upload your cover and epub.
• You can upload pdf, epub, zip, jpg, png, webp, and tiff files.
• This threw me at first. They upload to the same area and then give them new titles (a bunch of numbers).
• Continue.

Step 7: Add your price.

• Save and Continue.

Step 8: Publish

• Review your information and click publish.
• In your Book Catalog, it will say “Action Needed.” It will take 24 hours for that to disappear and your book to go live. If it’s there longer, click it. It will tell you about issues they need you to fix.

 

*Pre-orders Previews

• Turn off preview for pre-order books
• Select Book Catalog from the left navigation area.
• Select your title > select Book Info > Settings > Show advanced settings > Under "Allow preview before on sale date," select "No".

 

About H. R. Sinclair (blog)

Join her newsletter which is called ...

H. R. Sinclair is a left-handed hermit prepping for the squirrel apocalypse. She writes fantastical stories and visits cemeteries for inspiration. Here's an article on her blog about some Google Play perks. Her latest book is A Writer’s Guide to Crystals & Gemstones.

See the book on Google Play.

 

                                                                          ***

Thank you, Holly! This article is so informative. I'd also like to say thanks to WEP for putting together all the up-to-the-minute writing advice.

We would love some feedback on this article by Holly and any questions that you may have, dear reader. Drop them all in the comment box. Are you enjoying the 'How-to' series? Is there an area of expertise you'd like to share with us all? Then write to us and add to our 'How-to' repertoire.

If you like this post, how about sharing the information with the writing community? Spread the love! 

PLEASE SHARE TWEETS AND ADD ONE OF THESE IMAGES BELOW- TWITTER LIKES IMAGES! (SORRY, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EMBED IMAGES IN TWEETS YET!)

The all-new HOW-TO SERIES! #No2'HowTo'series #guestpost  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-how-to-series-ii-holly-sinclair-on.html @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @jemifraser @SoniaDogra16, @SouthpawPOV #GooglePlay, #Indiebooks, #amwriting,#writersoftwitter #self-publishing

Navigate your writing journey! #No2'HowTo'series https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-how-to-series-ii-holly-sinclair-on.html @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @jemifraser @SoniaDogra16, @SouthpawPOV #GooglePlay, #Indiebooks #writersoftwitter #self-publishing

Sell What You Write! #No2'HowTo'series https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-how-to-series-ii-holly-sinclair-on.html @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @jemifraser @SoniaDogra16, @SouthpawPOV #GooglePlay, #Indiebooks, #writersoftwitter #self-publishing

And, before you leave, here is everything you need to know about the June WEP Challenge. Flex your writing muscles with this prompt. 

We repeat, there is no need to have seen the film or look up the plot summary unless you so choose! Just use the title if you wish! Give us some sort of close encounter and we're sure to love it!

And if you go over 1,000 words, that's okay. Anything up to 1,300 is fine and even more if you can't help yourself. Just let the readers know!

Dreamstime images (above) of close encounters.

Look up the detailed Challenge blurb here. These ideas are purely to get you going if you're having trouble with which way to go here!

There are a gazillion ways to interpret this sci-fi classic of a film - use the genre as a base to write your own sci-fi flash. Or riff off the idea of first contact. Celebrate cross-cultural communication between groups without a common language/reference points like the film. Use kidnapping, a failing marriage, a paranormal event turning life upside down - any or all to build your flash around. Maybe use three characters' experiences of an event. The basic human hankering for exploration, connection, for finding a place in a community, even up to a galactical community. Maybe take up the story from where it ends - what happens after first contact. How the alien lifeforms and humanity build a relationship and navigate it in the future.

Can't wait to read your stories/poems/essays!

Post - June 21st to 23rd 2023

Sonia, signing off for now but I'll look forward to reading you in June.

#WEP WINNERS : APRIL 2023 CHALLENGE - LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL - but our writers are beautifully talented, and boy, do your entries prove it! 

Thank you, everyone, for the amazing entries for Life is Beautiful. Sadly, our numbers were down by half again, but we see a drop off in blog activity across the blogosphere. We hope this is only temporary as the more who write to the WEP challenges, the better.

Hello, this is Renee with you, to sum up the April challenge results. But first a round-up of the entries via Jemi:

Yolanda Renee - Life is beautiful, family is everything

Olga Godim - Even after a tragedy, life could be beautiful

Nilanjana Bose - Colour it beautiful

Denise Covey - Life is beautiful, but death can be better

Jamie - Two girls in Nazi times, one Jewish and one not, are separated

Sonia Dogra - Pickle, Bicker, Smile!

Jemi Fraser - Even when sirens shatter the night

Hilary - Ugliness and cruelty are unnecessary

C. Lee McKenzie - The German Goose

Beth Camp - Regardless of how it may begin, life can be beautiful

J. Lenni Dorner - A father prepares his son to leave with him in hopes of surviving

Sally - That will be her mantra – do not interfere and then life will be beautiful for everybody.

Roland R. Clarke - Night Witches find family, new friends and allies

Kalpana - The Journey

Damyanti Biswas - In a halo of the senses

Shortlist

Such a bunch of awesome entries! It made the shortlisting super difficult this month even though the entries were down. Each of the team brings a slightly different perspective to the shortlisting process. Someone gives a tad more weight to the creative interpretation, another to the execution, yet another to reader engagement, but all of us are looking for the same final result - a thundering good story, well crafted and well told. We each shortlist and defend our choices passionately, there's a lot of back and forth that doesn't show up here before we pass them on to Nick, our judge. 

And Nick takes his time even though he also "felt all the stories were really on par in terms of quality and impact. It was hard to leave one out. Brilliant stuff. All the entries were so moving. This challenge was a great one!"

Here's the shortlist we sent on, but only three can win!

Beth Camp

Damyanti

J Lenni

Kalpana

Jamie

Sally

Commenting:

Thank you to all those who comment widely, especially those who read and comment even when they do not have an entry in the ring or are unwell. Our top supporter and commenter, Elephant's Child is having health issues and could not be present this challenge. We send our thoughts and prayers to you, Sue. Commenting is the lifeblood of WEP both as feedback towards the improvement of writing craft and as a communication channel for community building.

Sadly, this month as in months past we've had commenting issues. No one's quite sure what is going on, but it is not just a WordPress/Blogger issue. Please check the comments on the WEP post or the C-Box where we posted comments that wouldn't take on blogs. 

Please note that due to incessant spamming issues, we have had to keep comment moderation on. So your comment may not show up right away, but we will get to it soonest possible. We value your comments, please keep them coming. 

THE APRIL PRIZE

This month's prize is a first chapter critique from our IWSG liaison, friend, and ofttimes participant of WEP, multi-published author C Lee McKenzie.

Check our previous post for more information about C Lee McKenzie.

Three winners! Three Oscars!

AND NOW IT'S TIME TO CONGRATULATE THE WINNERS!

WE HOPE YOU AGREE THE BADGES ARE BEYOND AWESOME!

THANKS, OLGA GODIM!

THE WINNER OF THE APRIL 2023 CHALLENGE 

~ LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ~ 

IS 

CONGRATULATIONS, Jamie! 

Jamie's story, Pearl and Sarah brought hate and prejudice to us through the eyes of innocent children. Masterfully done, Jamie!

Nick said, "Hatred and prejudice seen through the eyes of an uncomprehending child. If only that innocence could be preserved. Devastating, in a quiet way."

Jamie, if you will please post this badge on your blog and link it to your winning entry. Tweet it! Share the love! Use the critique prize or pass it on to the next winner if you can't avail yourself of it in the next few months.  Remember that this story will be considered for a place in the WEP anthology to be published next year. Details will follow.

THE RUNNER-UP OF THE APRIL 2023 CHALLENGE 

~ LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ~

IS 

CONGRATULATIONS, Kalpana!

Kalpana, The Journey broke our hearts as we read this horrific truth, but love and hope survive all.

Nick said, "This is beautiful because it shows how those who survive horror can still find meaning and beauty in life. Love has to win."

Kalpana, please post this badge on your blog and link it to your entry. Promo any way you wish! This flash also will be considered for a place in next year's WEP anthology. Details will follow.

THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR THE APRIL 2023 CHALLENGE 

~ LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ~

GOES TO

CONGRATULATIONS, Beth!

Beth's Poem, Life is Beautiful highlighted the journey from despair to happiness.

Nick said, "Short but very effective. Shows resilience and how we can make the best out of life no matter where we come from."

Beth, please post this badge on your blog and link it to your Flash. Promo any way you choose! You also will be considered for a place for this story in WEP's anthology scheduled for next year. Details will follow.

Thank you to all our participants for each of their captivating entries! 

We had such a varied and creative bunch of flashes this month. Each one a gem!

Please share this across your social media sites.

We announce our WEP APRIL‘23 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL #winners @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @jemifraser @SoniaDogra16 #amwriting #writingcontest #flashfiction #wepwinners https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-winners-april-2023-challenge-life.html

#WEPFF APRIL ’23 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL #winners announced @DeniseCCovey @SoniaDogra16 @yolandarenee @jemifraser https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-winners-april-2023-challenge-life.html #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners #writingcontest

Come congratulate our APRIL ’23 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL #winners! #WEPFF Challenge @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @SoniaDogra16 @jemifraser #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners #writingcontest  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/05/wep-winners-april-2023-challenge-life.html

PLEASE JOIN US IN JUNE FOR THE NEXT CHALLENGE 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

OF THE THIRD KIND

Your hosts will be Nilanjana and Jemi!

WIN  A CRITIQUE PRIZE! 

BE INVITED TO SUBMIT TO OUR ANTHOLOGY!

Look up the detailed Challenge blurb here.

There are a gazillion ways to interpret this sci-fi classic - use the genre as a base to write your own sci-fi flash. Or riff off the idea of first contact. Celebrate cross-cultural communication between groups without a common language/reference points like the film. Use kidnapping, a failing marriage, a paranormal event turning life upside down - any or all to build your flash around. Maybe use three characters' experiences of an event. The basic human hankering for exploration, connection, for finding a place in a community, even up to a galactical community. Maybe take up the story from where it ends - what happens after first contact. How the alien lifeforms and humanity build a relationship and navigate it in the future.

Post - June 21st to 23rd 2023

Please join us for another fun prompt in June

See you then!

Renee, signing off for now but see you in JUNE!