Questions about the Books
1. How many books will be in the Heirs of Chicagoland series?
Five books. COLD CURSES was the series finale.
2. Why aren’t there more books in the Heirs, Kit Brightling, Devil’s Isle, or Dark Elite series?
The publisher had decided not to publish any further books in those series. That decision is based on saes.
3. I think the books would make a great { movie, graphic novel, TV series } Can you do one?
I wish! But those decisions aren’t up to me. Someone in the movie/TV/graphic novel industry would have to express interest in the books. If that happens, I’ll let you know.
4. Why are the books published in hardback, paperback or audiobook form? Why do the covers look like that? Who picks the actress who reads the audiobooks?
The publishers, in the US or otherwise, makes their own decisions about how and when the books are printed, what the covers look like, and who performs the audiobook readings. I have no say in any such decisions.
5. Why aren’t your books or audiobooks published in my country? Why are only some of your books published in my country? Why are books released days/weeks/months after books in the US?
Publishers outside the US must purchase the rights to sell the book in their countries. Those publishers decide which books to purchase (or not purchase), and when to publish them. I have no say in those decisions.
Visit the International Release page to see the books currently under contract around the world. If a country is not listed, there no plans to publish there at the present time.
6. Why do your books/ebooks cost so much?
My publisher (not me, or my agent, or my editor) and the companies who sell the books make all the decisions about pricing for ebooks and print books. I have no say in those decisions. Publishers and retailers must make pricing decisions just as you, as consumers, must make buying decisions. I appreciate your rights to do so. And please consider visiting your local libraries, which should have them (even in ebooks!)
7. I don’t have a Kindle/Nook/iPad. Does that mean I can’t read your e-books?
Nope. You don’t need one. Each bookseller provides free apps for reading ebooks on your phone or computer. Read here for information and links.
8. How can I help support your books?
Lots of ways: Share the series with friends, families, coworkers, and online. Preorder the books when you can; they’re a huge help! (See the next question below). Attend booksignings and live events, or online events like Twitter and video chats.
9. Why do preorders matter?
Because they’re lumped in together with first week sales. That final number is a publisher’s first and primary indication of book success–which is how they evaluate the author and the series. Those initial sales also drive NYT and USA Today bestseller status.
10. Can I send you ideas for future scenes or books? Can I send you my books for review?
Please do not send your manuscripts or stories, or offer ideas for future Chicagoland Vampires, Dark Elite, or Devil’s Isle books or stories. Due to legal considerations, I cannot accept or review them.
Requests for Guest Blogs, Books, Bookmarks, Etc.
1. How do I get bookmarks or swag?
Attend an in-person event, or purchase lots of items from the official Chloe Neill store!
2. Can I get an ARC for review?
Please contact Alexis Nixon to request a review copy, or request through NetGalley.
3. How can I get a signed book?
Contact these nice folks for signed copies:
The Bookworm, Omaha
402-392-2877
4. Will you answer interview questions for my blog or send me items for a giveaway?
Maybe! Send me an email.
Please contact Alexis Nixon for media inquiries.
Questions about Writing and Reading
1. How long have you been writing?
I started writing in 2005. I used to hate writing, but as I got more practice at it (in my dayjobs), I stopped fearing it. Here’s the story of how I began.
2. I want to be a writer. Should I take any special classes?
I’ve never taken a creative writing class, so I can’t really speak to that. I think the best ways to improve your writing are to read, and to write, in that order. Read as much as you can, in as many genres as you can stand. Write every day.
Getting published requires a great story AND execution. Your writing needs to be polished–and practice definitely helps. So does editing. Lots and lots of editing.
3. Should I get an agent?
That’s up to you. I have an agent (although I got my first contract without one), but I’m very glad I made the decision to invest.
Beware of any agent who requires you to pay up-front fees. Reputable agents make money only when you do.
4. How do I find a publisher? How do I submit a manuscript?
Don’t worry about publication until you’ve finished a manuscript. Then, and only then, should you think about publication in any form.
If you’re interested in traditional publishing (the only type in which I have experience), and you believe your project is complete, error-free, and ready for submission, research publishers in your genre to determine which are accepting submissions and which, if you don’t have an agent, accept “unagented” or “unsolicited” submissions.
Once you’ve identified appropriate publishers, research their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. Skipping or ignoring rules won’t help your work stand out; publishers are looking for professionals.
5. How do you write your novels?
I’ve started a series on my blog describing my writing process from beginning to end. You can now read Part I (Brainstorming), Part II (Outlining) (Also here), Part III (Completing the Manuscript), and Part IV (Editing). You can read about how I plot my novels here.
6. Do you write everyday?
I typically write two novels per year. The rest of the time I’m at my day job or editing, marketing, etc.
When I’m writing, I typically use a per-day word count goal–typically between 500 and 1,500 words for weekdays, 3,000 words per day for weekends–depending on how close I am to my deadline.
7. How do I get more people to read my books?
Lots of folks ask how they can get more sales, more publicity, or more “author readers” for their own novels. Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to sell more books. Having a consistent social media presence, engaging folks in the reading community, buying advertisements, and offering free copies for contests and blogger reviews are common ways to increase word of mouth.
8. Where do you get your inspiration?
There’s no simple answer. Everything can be inspiration, and sometimes nothing is. Books, people, television, movies, songs, and dreams–and pretty much everything else–can inspire something in a novel. Keep a notebook or journal of articles, photographs, and ideas and be sure to refill your creative well occasionally with a good night’s sleep, a long walk, a trip to an art museum, or a great read.
Questions about the Web site
1. Why is there a delay between my posting a comment and it appearing on the website or Facebook?
Most comments are held for moderation to avoid spam. Comments should make it through the moderation process within twenty-four hours. I have a day job, and I clear comments as soon as possible in the evenings.
If you’re commenting for a contest, all comments are moderated before a winner is picked. But the winner must still have met any other requirements for contest entry, which are posted.
2. Do you delete comments?
Very rarely. However, I reserve the right to delete any comments which are deemed inappropriate, including those containing spam, those which are not courteous, those which are offensive, and those which include spoilers.
3. Disclosures
I am an Amazon affiliate and may earn a commission if you buy goods at Amazon through one of my links.
Contest Rules
Winners are randomly selected from valid entries.
To be valid, entries must meet any and all rules set out in the contest description (i.e., they must be entered by a particular date, one entry per household, you have to enter the contest while standing on your head, whathaveyou). Entries which do not meet the giveaway rules will be deemed ineligible.
If you’ve won a giveaway on chloeneill.com in the last 90 days, please abstain from entering so others have a chance to win. Entries received from individuals who have won a giveaway on chloeneill.com in the 90 days preceding the contest deadline will be deemed ineligible.
Unless otherwise specified in the contest rules, please don’t enter any individual contest more than once.
If a prize is not claimed within seven days, a new winner will be selected. Please allow two to four weeks to receive your prize.
Questions about Booksignings and Events
My current schedule is listed on the Events page, and updated as new events are scheduled.
If you’re interested in a signing in your area, please talk to your local bookstore, tell them you’re interested, and ask them to contact Alexis Nixon.