IR: What are your expectations now that you’ve signed with Amazon’s T&M?

JCB: Let’s see…my expectations. There are no sure things in life, but I am very optimistic about Thomas & Mercer.  I’ve seen firsthand how amazon works – and when they help you, they really help you! Their algorithms are to die for.  I think they’ve done a lot of research, a lot of trial and error, and they know how to push a writer. Further, I am thrilled to have my books come out in print as well.  Amazon has proven to be smart, savvy, and nimble in taking things to the next level, and they are now consolidating their power and scooping up authors. As far as potential goes, I think the sky’s the limit.

IR: You mentioned in your earlier interview with IR that you would not sign with a traditional publisher. How/Why is Amazon’s Thomas & Mercer different?

JCB: I did mention I would not sign with a traditional publisher, and I meant it.  I don’t see Thomas & Mercer as a traditional publisher. I have to admit that I dearly wanted to clarify that point, but we were in the middle of negotiations and I didn’t want to blab.  Traditional publishers may see what amazon is doing and find ways to change, but the great thing about amazon?  It doesn’t have to change. It’s starting fresh.  They have locked up distribution in a huge way, and I have to say I’m in awe of the brains behind this outfit.  I don’t believe they’ve put a foot wrong.

I will say that when I first put THE SHOP up on Kindle at the end of March, I was hoping to sell big, with an eye toward impressing a New York publisher.  But as I experienced the joy of controlling everything on my own—covers, product description, marketing, etc., and I started making money—that dream fell away.  I realized I did not want a New York publisher.  I felt I was doing fine on my own, and that my marketing (and amazon’s incredible algorithms) were more than enough to see me through.

IR: Will you still self publish other titles on your own?

JCB: Yes.  The only KDP book I have sold to Thomas & Mercer is THE SHOP. That leaves my Laura Cardinal books intact, and if I could speed up  my writing, I’d write a fourth Laura Cardinal. I also have more books in the pipeline that we will be putting up in the fall.  Two historicals, a romantic suspense mystery, and some short stories.  Right now, though, as far as new writing, I have to concentrate on my book, ICON, which is about an actor who escapes rehab in the Arizona desert, has been brain-washed in terrible ways, and now realizes someone is coming to kill him.  That will be a Thomas & Mercer book.