Amazon & The Destruction of a Career Part 2.

As you've probably imagined, not only have I not stopped trying just because it's the holidays, I've also had a bit of a strained holiday because my dream and career are in tatters. If you're seeing this first, part 1 is here.

That said, I will not be kept down, and I've got a few updates in the case and what comes next to share with  you. While I'm not trying to cram information at people, I do want to share timely updates as timelines and to keep things from snowballing into giant updates.

At last count last night, I had 17 different "we're not telling you more, your count is over, bye" emails from 6 people total. All overseas, no supervisor, and none responding to my request for a phone call.

Last night, it also occurred to me that with them completely locking me out of my account, I've lost access to my 1099 - which, with my earnings, would put me in legal trouble in about 30 days when it's time to file. Keep in mind, it's possible they will automatically send me it versus the standard "1099's are in your account" email that is standard. I'm not certain, since it wasn't stated, so I'm not condemning them for that just yet.

Thanks to someone's suggestion, I was able to back door into the extinct author central going through the old link - which was supposedly no longer useable per an email from KDP awhile ago. The better news? When I hit "contact us" the ability to call comes up! I haven't tried it because it was the middle of the night and I truly want to speak to someone stateside with a firm grasp on what I'm trying to explain and why I care so deeply. That is in no way meant to be rude. I managed an overseas team for 5 years, I love the working around the clock method, but know first hand how tricky communication can be since I'm not cool enough to be bilingual any longer (not important but I was in Spanish for a few years until I stopped using it in college).

So, starting on 12.27, I'm going to see if that button works and if I can't back my way into a phone call. I truly feel with a phone call, the error will be obvious. Regardless of whether I will or won't use KDP again, my larger dream of finding an agent and joining a publishing house is likely impossible without an amazon presence and I still don't know if I can upload new titles through a third party or not.

Today, around 3pm, I received two more rejections for more information, both slightly polieter and from the same person (though this was a brand new person in general).

To which, I'm taking a slightly harsher response because now it's been going on for ages with my request for more information and a phone call not working. Did I get a little emotional? I did, but I remained polite and relevant. Some people won't agree with what I did, but this is my journey and I'm sure I'll make mistakes.

All drama aside, I'm going to keep fighting for my backlist, but begin to move forward with new releases. First, I want to share my very first published novel with everyone as a thank you. This book was wide to be permafree on Amazon, but I doubt anyone knew that, so here's a link to all retailers! *note it is not free on audible, but I have gift codes should someone be interested.

Read for Free

While I normally like to give each book it's own "cover reveal" and blurb announcement, I'm going to do things a little differently. So, I'm happy to present 3 of the 12 releases I have planned for 2022! To see the rest, consider joining my street team. Since Christmas & The Lamp was in KDP, I'm afraid to put it up wide presently.

These may end up on amazon via D2D In the future if It turns out I can place new titles I just can't replace or place via KDP. For now, I'm staying away.

Preorder

Preorder

Preorder

The Race 3.3.22
Cover By: The Illustrate Author
Blurb: When all your hopes begin in the sky.

The world is not what it once was, but Rose cannot seem to convince her mother of that. Steam powered airships, mechanical carriages, and a far less constricting type of fashion are not enough to free Rose from her mother's hand. Headed toward London and a suitor she's never met, all Rose wants to do is captain the airship her father left her upon his death. While not impossible in the new world order, it's certainly not fathomable to her antiquated mother. In order to live her dream, Rose will have to take matters into her own hands.

Two tragedies left Wyatt nearly destitute and an emotional rogue. When he hears of the big race that could win him a title and land, he's ready to push life savings on the line. Unfortunately, he had no ship of his own and no way to enter, until he meets the beautiful Rose.
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Their only hope of seeing both their dreams become a reality is each other. From London to Paris and more, the duo must trust in one another if they are to win the race. Trust comes with quite a cost as adventure can easily turn deadly and losing the race isn't all they have to worry about.

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Slay Bells Ring 7.15.22
​Cover by: Fantasia Cover Designs
Blurb: Vampires and Christmas. Not in her city.

Annika James grew up with the weight of the world on her shoulders. As one of the last surviving Vampire Hunters, she's traveled the world to end the lives of all vampires. Spending time home in New Orleans was rare, but Christmas always meant going home.

Connor Logan protected his people. As the elected vampire king, he was judge, jury, and executioner when vampires stepped out of line. When a sect in New Orleans gets too brazen, he travels there only to be attacked and left for dead.
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Annika should have staked the pale-white man on sight. Only, something stopped her. Instead, Annika saved him only to find out who he actually was. When he asked for her help, she hesitated. Working with bloodsuckers had never come up, but if the pair worked together to stop the killings in time for Christmas, she'd wait to kill him until after. Too bad Connor's deep gaze and strong moral guidelines send them down a path neither prepared for.

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Trapped in Wonder 9.27.22
Cover by KDS Concepts
Blurb: For two years Alyss has searched for her sister for two years. Despite villagers whispering and jeering that Annie ran off with a man, Alyss doesn't believe it. Unfortunately, all leads led to nowhere, and it seemed Annie might have vanished because she wanted to.

That is, until Alyss got a break. Another woman in the village - Scarlett - seemingly runs away as well. Only, Alyss knows the truth. Scarlett didn't run anywhere, she was taken. Just. Like. Annie. Renewed, Alyss sets off down a dangerous course into Under Forest.
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In Under Forest, everything is different. Up in down. West is east. Monsters are friends. Everything is dangerous. With help from a man Alyss knows only as Hatter, she plans to find her sister before she becomes lost as well.

While I'm fairly certain an author who has self published for 3 years and been attacked by amazon isn't appealing, if anyone know any wonderful small presses with a focus on romance and unagented submissions I'd be forever grateful for any tips as I've learned being out on my own has some disadvantages.

Let's keep the momentum going - I want this procedure changed so badly for the next author to suffer at the fate of "the content review team". Please comment if you have any suggestions for next steps or contacts you have!