Sunday 12 February 2012

Spotlight on Success: Author C.K. Gray

Welcome to my first Spotlight on Success! Periodically, my weekly post will focus on someone who has found success in his/her field. We will talk about what they have accomplished and how they have become successful, and we’ll try to tap into that success and pass along some advice to help you succeed, too.

This first spotlight focuses on C.K. Gray, author of Eye of the Storm and the soon to be released sequel, After the Storm. Born and raised in California, C.K. now resides in Ontario with her family. Until recently, she was a full time interior designer with an itch to write a book. Now, with thousands of sales under her belt, she is transitioning into becoming a full-time author.

C.K. said that she had a lot of fun writing her book and that she really loves her story. “It’s a passion,” C.K. tells me of her writing. “If you have a passion for anything in life, don’t ever give up that passion.”

One of the most difficult things she found about writing her book wasn’t writing it, but promoting it. As a self-published author, C.K. not only wrote her book, but now has to sell it as well. Fortunately, she has a very dedicated sales rep: “If you’ve written a book and poured your heart and soul into it, who can sell your book better than you?”

One of the most important things she learned through the process is to have a good editor. While it can be expensive to hire an editor, people want to read a book that is well written. Having a second party go over your work can help you catch all of those awkward mistakes you make that you won’t notice yourself and is well worth the money.

A good cover is also very important. C.K. feels that the old saying “Never judge a book by its cover” just isn’t true. After all, until you start reading a book, what else do you have to judge it by?

A last bit of advice that C.K. leaves to other authors is to consider self-publishing. She used a self-publishing company to publish her book and was very happy with the experience. The problem with traditional publishing companies is that it can be years, if ever, before your manuscript is read by someone. If you choose to self publish you can have your book ready to go much sooner. There are several great self-publishing companies out there that can help you get your book out in print and e-book formats.

Having read her first novel, I can say that C.K. truly has a talent for drawing the reader into the story. One of the things that has impressed me most is the number of positive reviews she has received from men, despite her book being a romance. Guys, don’t be afraid of this one!

I would like to congratulate C.K. on her success and thank her for agreeing to be my first spotlight on success. To learn more, visit her website: http://www.ckgrayauthor.com/ or better yet, read her book!

2 comments:

  1. Loved this! Can't wait to keep reading more about other "success" stories. :)

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  2. Thanks again Matt for posting this. My website is www.ckgbooks.com and my FB Fan page is Love Story-Romance novels by ckgbooks
    My second novel has now been released "After the Storm" is available on Amazon.com
    Please follow me on Twitter CKGBOOKS I will keep you posted as to my upcoming TV and radio appearances.

    C.K.Gray

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