ABOUT MICHELLE
Q: Will you answer my email?
A: Maybe. Please look over the FAQs first and if you still have questions, I’ll do my best to answer your email. I do/have answered questions about writing, my books, and most things on a professional level.
Q: Who is your agent?
A: Scott Miller at Trident Media Group.
Q: Who is your publisher?
A: Currently, there are two: Skyscape and Autumn Hill Press. My traditional books are published through Skyscape while Autumn Hill Press are my indie books.
Q: Do you really have a Beelzepup?
A: Yes. His name is Ronan, and his real breed is called a Shikoku. We just call him a Beezlepup for so many, many reasons. The character Devlin in The Book of Lost Souls is the only fictional character in my books with a real life counter part.
BOOKS
Q: Do you have a new book coming out?
A: Yes! Diary of the Damned (The Possession of Allison Giles), is due out this fall. It’s the sequel to my best-selling novel, The Haunting Season. If you’d like to be one of the first to know when it’s up for pre-order and sale, along with excerpts from the novel, sign up for my newsletter.
Q: Which book should I read first?
A: That’s entirely up to you. Read the description of each and see what interests you the most.
Q; Are your books a series?
A: Currently, only The Haunting Season has a sequel—Diary of the Damned.
Q; What order did you write your books in?
A: The Book Of Lost Souls, Don’t Fear The Reaper, The Haunting Season, Nature’s Fifth Season, Of Shadow & Stone, Diary of the Damned.
Q: How do I download your books for free?
A: Please don’t ask authors this. We work hard for a living, spending months, even years, writing. Think about what you pay for a latte. Then think of all the time/effort/cost that goes into producing a book. If you love books, pay for them. Authors have bills, too. If you want us to keep writing, support our work. My family and I appreciate every sale.
Q: I love your books! How can I help you?
A: You are music to my ears, my friend! First, thank you. I’m both honored and humbled. Here’s how you can help me and all your favorite authors: Tell others! Word of mouth is the best advertisement. Write a great review. Take to social media – let your friends and followers know that you’ve enjoyed a book. You can click Share on any of my posts, which makes it easy!
Also, sign up for my newsletter!
BLOG POSTS/CONTEST GIVEAWAYS
Q: Do you do interviews or contest giveaways?
A: Yes. If you’re an author or reviewer with a blog, contact me. Note that I only donate ebooks to contests, via Smashwords in Kindle or epub format.
Q: Do you do guest posts?
A: Rarely. Between social media, marketing, and answering emails, posts for the Indie Chicks and for The Indelibles, I think the best use of my time is writing the next book and spending time with my family. I hope you agree.
ON WRITING
Q: Will you review my book?
A:. No. I’m a writer, not a reviewer. If I’m reviewing, I’m not writing.
Q: I’m writing a book. Will you beta read for me? Will you be my crit partner?
A: Sorry. I already have the world’s best betas and critique partners and I’m not taking on any more of them. For legal reasons, I cannot read your manuscript.
Q: I’m writing a book. Any advice?
A: Keep writing. Rewrite. Revise. Get beta readers and critique partners that are not comprised of family or personal friends.
Q: I wrote a book. Can I email your agent?
A: I can’t recommend you, so you’re on your own if you do. Before querying any agent, be professional and be sure to read this first.
Q: How do I get started in publishing?
A: Write. Revise. Use Google. Check out the links in my Resource For Writers section at the bottom of my blog.
Q: I have a great idea for a book. Will you write it?
A: I can’t tell you how often writers are asked this. I have more ideas than I could possibly ever write. If you believe in your idea as much as I believe in all of mine, then I encourage you to write your own novel. If you can’t write it, consider contacting a writer for hire. Google and writing communities are your friend.
Q: How long does it take to write a book?
A: I can’t resist giving a Steven Wright answer: The whole time. Okay, seriously, each book and each author have their own pace. No two books or authors are the same. It can take many months to several years.
Q: How does the publishing process work?
A: Nathan Bransford has this on traditional publishing. If you’re interested in indie, Google is your friend. Check out some of the links in my Resources for Writers at the bottom of my blog.
Q; I’m an editor/copyeditor/artist/book formatter. I’d like you to hire me for your next book.
A: I don’t have control over my traditionally published books. For my indie titles, I already have a great team of people. But thanks so much for thinking of me!
Q: What kind of computer do you use?
A: I write on an iMac and sometimes, on a 9-yr-old MacBook Pro.
Q: What software do you use?
A: I write using Scrivener and edit using Word.
Q: What books on writing would you recommend?
A: I wrote an entire blog post on this. Read it here.
Q: Do you a pantster or plotter?
A: Plotter.
Q: Why plot over write-by-the-seat-of-your-pants?
A: I just found it works for me. Each author to their own and all that.
Q: What other advice can you give me?
A: Write. Real writers write.
Q: But I’m afraid! I’ll get rejected. Maybe no one will like my stories.
A: Yep. It’s going to happen. All of those things. It’s the nature of the biz. Also, some people will be downright mean. If it’s too scary to put your butt in a chair and write anyway, then writing isn’t for you. Who are you writing for, anyway? If you’re writing to be rich, you’re better off buying a lottery ticket.
Q: Do you participate in NaNoWriMo?
A: I haven’t yet. Maybe one day. Maybe not.
Q: Self-publish or traditional?
A: There’s no right or wrong on this. It’s entirely up to you.
Q: I have so many questions on publishing and writing! Can I email you with them all?
A: I used to do this, but found I was answering the same questions over and over. Plus, at some point, all the research on writing is nothing more than procrastination. Write! Okay, okay… I’ve written quite a few posts on the subject and you’ll find them in the category On Writing. I hope it helps.
Michelle Muto 