44 Comments

Huge congratulations, Ben. I never read this on your stack, partly because I discovered you after (or midway?) through it and I really enjoy being part of the serial process, but I'll certainly grab a copy of this now to read.

What version is going to result in you receiving the most profit (considering I'm in Aus), the ebook or purchasing a print copy? Want to make sure you get as much on this from my purchase, so let me know. 😊

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Thank you, Nathan. You’re such a thoughtful human. Direct from Lulu is by far the most profitable place but do what’s best/easiest for you even if that’s Amazon. The advantage of readers buying from Amazon is they can leave a review which helps boost visibility for the novel.

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Ahhh wish I had asked - I know that my fiancee only gets £2 from every £11 sale of her book she self published last month on amazon print to order. The smile when she held the first print copy of it in her hands was indescribable.... must be a good feeling eh Ben!

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PS you can also review on Lulu :)

(but yes, Amazon for ease is a good option to have!)

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Direct from Lulu it is, then. Along with a review on Goodreads :)

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You’re the best, Nathan!

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Done. Ordered. 🍻

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Huge congratulations Ben, I'd love to listen to the audio on Spotify and share it with my family!

I can't even begin to imagine the feeling of holding an actual book that I wrote in my hands, published and edited and new and holding all the excitement, blood, sweat and tears that went into the writing of it... you must be feeling deservedly proud - I certainly hope so!

I feel proud for you, which is pretty silly but I do!

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Thank you, Susie! I’ll DM you a promo code to access the audiobook in Spotify now.

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I love the thought that “too much Month Python” was an influence over your ability to do voices! It paints the perfect image in my mind and I recall the hilarity of my brother doing the same thing.

While I don’t have Spotify, I appreciate the offer! So many congratulations on getting this one published AND on audiobook.

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Thank you, Teyani. It’s true, I listened to way too much Monty Python as a child.

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That's awesome, Ben! Congratulations! I'm getting it! :)

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Thank you, Silvio!

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Got it yesterday. Expect a note with photo soon! (Hopefully over the weekend) :)

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Yay! Thank you, friend!

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Hey Ben - Since joining substack and "meeting" other writers and artists such as yourself, I've never felt more inpsired to write and follow in the footsteps of others to get one of my own pieces into print and in the physical realm (so I'd better actually finish writing one first...) - Just ordered my copy of your latest novel today and looking forward to reading it - rest assured a review and recommendation will follow.

Very warm regards on a brisk and misty September morn.

Nick

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Hi Nick, that’s the highest compliment you could pay me. I’m glad you’re inspired to work in a book, there’s nothing better. Thanks for buying my novel. I hope it will be a fun read.

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So fantastic, Ben! Huge congratulations. I shall order a book from Lulu 🎉

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Thank you so much, Kate. It’s an honor to have a writer and teacher of your ability read my work.

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congratulations

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So exciting!

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This is so exciting, Ben! I'm order this now. Congratulations!

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Yay! Thank you, Troy. I’ll ship it off to you on Monday.

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Congrats on the book! There's nothing like the feeling of holding your physical book in your hands, is there?

And that feeling NEVER gets old.

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It’s true, there’s nothing like it. Thanks, TK!

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Congratulations, Ben! 🎉🎉🎉

It's a huge accomplishment to complete a novel and you are now one of the esteemed few.

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Thanks, Brian!

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Big congratulations, Ben!! Much as I'd love to hold a signed copy in my hands, I'm in the throes of downsizing and hauling boxes and boxes (and boxes) of books has somewhat discouraged me from acquiring more. Ha! Just the thought of my son having to dispose of all these books when I've departed for the next great adventure. [Dying to put a "see what I did there?" footnote on "departed"]

Really enjoying the listen on Spotify. Just gave it 5 honest stars on the strength of the first 2 chapters. Plus, a little insider knowledge. . .

I really admire your enterprise, Ben. It's inspiring!

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I totally understand about not wanting a physical copy. I wrestled with even going the printed route because it seems audacious to sacrifice trees for my words. My justification is that it’s print on demand at least, so every copy that gets made will belong to someone and not just sit in a warehouse until a day it gets carted off to a landfill.

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This is so exciting!

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Thanks, Rhiannon!

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Did you design the book cover?

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Yes, Caz. I designed the cover a couple of years ago before generative AI. You like it?

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Yes, indeed I do. It took me a moment to interrupt, to see both hands, which lends intrigue.

It's a lovely cover.

Having read the book only recently, I have to remember this is really old for you, much like in traditional publishing. 😁

Spotify won't let me rate until I've listened, we'll get there.

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Yes, I find myself time traveling a lot and not just between promoting older works but in writing new serials. I’m constantly reading, editing, and narrating older episodes while simultaneously writing ten chapters ahead. It can be a head trip some days and I confuse myself.

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Oh, and I don’t believe you have to listen to the entire thing to rate it. I’m sure you just have to skip around and play a bit.

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I figure I can listen at 3x normal speed. 😁

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The audiobook sounds great Ben! I would love to give it a listen.

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Great, Ann! I’ll DM you the promo code so you can access the book on Spotify.

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I just listened to chapter 1 of the audiobook. Incredible.

You know how readers talk about giving a book “the three chapter test” to see if the story can engage them? Well sometimes we get to see a paradigm shift—-when an author gives their reader the “One Chapter Test” and unapologetically asks:

“Are you in?

Is this a world you’re willing to enter?”

I gravitate toward this genre, which I tend to think of as romantic sci-fi. Lush, layered, beautifully written and can also take a sudden dark turn.

The audiobook works for me, because I feel like the narrator is a friend that I can trust.

I’m in.

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Thank you so much, Ann. What a kind and generous thing to say. You made my week. I hope you'll enjoy listening to the rest of the story.

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Binge-inducing. Mesmerizing. There needs to be a warning label! ⚠️

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Yay! That’s great to hear Ann. Thank you.

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Just ordered a few for colleagues who put on a fantastic symposium on AI in the design process. Also, emailed you a question about that. Thanks!

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