One year ago this week I published my first short story collection, One Day For Me, on Amazon Kindle.
The book has amassed some great reviews on Amazon and Lee Ashford of Readers’ Favorite said, “Sally Jenkins knows how to build a story. She takes the mundane, and makes it intriguing. She hooks the reader, and reels him in. She proves her talent in each of these eight short stories, making this collection one you will be glad you read.”
Since publication lots of things have happened in my life including a health scare (early stage breast cancer – make sure you go for those mammograms, ladies!) and a complete upheaval in my day job (I was transferred from one company to another under TUPE legislation – don’t ask, it’s complicated!).
I’ve also learned a few things during the past twelve months, such as a book of short stories, all written by the same person is a collection. But a book of short stories, all written by different people is an anthology.
Am I the only person who didn’t know that?
I’ve discovered that I’m not much good at book cover design and also that writing stories is much easier than marketing them! But over the last few months Amazon KDP have introduced a couple of features that make both of these difficult tasks a little bit easier:
- Amazon Cover Creator, which I’ve talked about previously here, makes it very easy for anyone to create an eye-catching cover for a Kindle book
- Kindle Countdown Deals which allow authors to discount the price of books for a limited period
So, to celebrate the first birthday of One Day For Me, it will be half-price (99p) from now until Saturday 25th January.
And those of you in the US can buy One Day For Me for only 99c until 12pm (PST) on Wednesday 22nd January and then at $1.99 until Saturday 25th January.
I hope you enjoy it!
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by Morton Gray on January 19, 2014 - 9:04 am
I loved it Sally. As you know it was on my blog list for best books I read in 2013!
#2 by Wendy Clarke on January 19, 2014 - 9:29 am
How quickly a year goes by, Sally. I already have your book but am interested to read your post on Cover Creator again – thanks.
#3 by Sally Jenkins on January 19, 2014 - 7:44 pm
Does this mean you’re thinking of e-publishing, Wendy? Let us know how you get on.
#4 by Wendy on January 21, 2014 - 1:48 pm
Thinking of bringing out a collection of some of my published stories for next Christmas.
#5 by Sally Jenkins on January 21, 2014 - 6:42 pm
Sounds like a good idea, Wendy. Hope it goes well!
#6 by Morton Gray on January 19, 2014 - 9:34 am
Fingers running away with brain! Meant to say, sorry about the scare. I was recalled this time, but thankfully only badly taken slide suggesting something there! Hugs. Mx
#7 by Sally Jenkins on January 19, 2014 - 7:44 pm
Glad to hear it was nothing more sinister, Morton!
#8 by Tracy Fells on January 19, 2014 - 11:33 am
Sounds like 2013 was a challenging year, Sally. Hoping 2014 is more relaxed for you, but not on the writing side! I read your first collection, great stories. And thanks again for sharing all the steps of getting an e-collection published – incredibly helpful tips. I will be coming back to read them all when I finally pluck up courage to collect mine together.
#9 by Sally Jenkins on January 19, 2014 - 7:45 pm
You don’t need courage, Tracy – especially not with a story competition track record like yours!
#10 by Anne Harvey on January 19, 2014 - 4:28 pm
I can’t believe it’s a year since, Sally! Well done, though, for getting such excellent reviews. I must confess I haven’t done much promo for my own little collections. I deserve a slap, i know! All the best for your continued success.
#11 by Sally Jenkins on January 19, 2014 - 7:47 pm
Many thanks, Anne. As regards promo – I wish I knew how to reach readers rather than writers, sometimes I think we’re all just trying to sell to each other!
#12 by Julia Thorley on January 20, 2014 - 9:35 am
What a year! When I put my little ebook on Kindle my son devised the cover for me (not sure how: some sort of sorcery). When/If I do another, I might take a look at Cover Creator. Here’s to a splendid 2014.
#13 by Sally Jenkins on January 20, 2014 - 7:27 pm
I’ll drink to a splendid 2014, Julia!
#14 by Linda on January 20, 2014 - 6:33 pm
I enjoyed Old Friends very much so I’m looking forward to reading this collection too, although I’ve put it on the end of my ‘to read’ Kindle shelf (behind Karen’s Story!) I will get round to it one day – promise!
#15 by Sally Jenkins on January 20, 2014 - 7:27 pm
Hope you enjoy, Linda! And thanks for your support!
#16 by swanview on January 25, 2014 - 8:57 pm
I’ve just bought your book. I look forward to reading it and wish you all the best for the coming year. Let’s hope we all learn lots and grow as people and writers. All the best Sally – Rachel
#17 by Sally Jenkins on January 26, 2014 - 3:35 pm
Thanks so much for your support, Rachel. Very best wishes to you for a happy, healthy and successful 2014.
#18 by Harliqueen on January 26, 2014 - 4:58 pm
Will definitely take a look at this, congrats on getting something out there and published into the world 🙂
#19 by Sally Jenkins on January 27, 2014 - 7:23 am
Thanks, Harliqueen nd I hope you enjoy it.