Free Book Friday Feb. 16: Newest Project Sneak Peek

Leon Stevens

February 16

Reader often ask: "Do you read all the books that you promote?"* To which I say: "No."** To which they reply with: "Why not?"***. For my response, which is often never considering this conversation rarely (never) takes place, I say: "Because. That's a lot of books."****

I do however look at blurbs, read the sample that most platforms offer, and peruse the reviews. Do I ever refuse a book? Not often, but If I feel it isn't a match my readers and subscribers would like, then I will politely decline.

I try to offer a variety of books, not just in the genres I write, because most readers don't stick to one.

My newest project: Euphrates Vanished

My goal for my next book, Euphrates Vanished, is for it to be 50 000 words, thereby classifying it as a novel. My trilogy, if you mash all the books together is also a novel, but since I released each book as a separate novella, I don't count it as one.

Currently it is the alpha reading stage. The draft is essentially complete, the characters have gone through their trials and tribulations, and the story's ending has been written, so it is off to a reader I trust to give me their first impressions of it. I hope to learn what areas need more explanation/detail, if there are and glaring continuity errors, or the worst case scenario, if it sucks.

Some of you are probably wondering how to get in on an early sneak peek. I will be looking for beta readers next (I already have some lined up from previous books), which will help me polish the story before sending it to my editor.

After that, The ARCs (Advance Review Copies) will be made available. I'll be sending out requests in the coming months, so if you are interested, keep an eye out for those emails. I would prefer that you have read The View from Here trilogy (or at least the first one) so I know you are familiar with my style.

So....what's the new book about?

Well, here is an early mock-up of the book blurb and covers:

"This is not a drill!"

He wakes up to the sound of his alarm and the announcement blaring.

Looking around the room, he realizes he is a member of a starship crew. There's only one problem: he doesn't remember who he is or how he got there. With no time to think, he finds his way to the bridge, while being careful not to call attention to his predicament.

The first problem is piecing together the puzzle of his missing memories to reveal his knowledge, rank, and friendships. Another problem is being stranded on an alien planet during his first away mission.

I hope this intrigues you! Feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts.

Leon

^{*That's a lie.}
^{**That's the truth.}
^{***If the first question was a lie, then...}
^{****If all the books I feature were laid end to end, people would probably give me weird looks as I was attempting the feat.}

Lines by Leon Magnificent Bi-Weekly Newsletter Extravaganza

Can it be that good? Only one way to find out.

The story behind Free Book Friday:

I've met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can't do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?

Readers don't just read one author - they stick with their favorite genres. Therein lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other's sales? Why not. It's called karma.

Some free book offers require a newsletter sign-up, which is a small non-monetary price to pay to try out a new indie author.

Featured Authors

Featured Author: Julia Huni

Julia Huni grew up in the Pacific Northwest. After college, she served nine years in the US Air Force. Over the years, she's been an IT guy, a stay-at-home-mom, a college professor, a NASA executive assistant, a NATO branch director, and that lady at the information desk in a tourist town

Featured Author: Tom Dell'Aringa

Tom Dell'Aringa is a science fiction writer from the Chicago area who loves great characters. Rick Deckard. Dirk Gently. Ellen Ripley. Roland Deschain. You know who these people are, right? His stories have believable worlds populated with people you'll learn to love - and possibly hate. Either way, his readers call his books "page-turners" for a reason. Each chapter is like the end of that latest Netflix show you are binging... just... one... more

Reads From StoryOrigin and BookFunnel

StoryOrigin and BookFunnel allows authors to advertise their books to each other's audience. I hope you have been able to discover a new favorite!

Kindle Unlimited

Sales/Purchase Links

Current promos: Discover New Authors

Review Copies (These are free!)

Review copies: Like reviewing books? Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words

Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.

My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/