Biographical Historical Fiction: Why should I read it?

Biographical Historical Fiction - Why should I read it?

If you're looking for a genre that combines history with a fascinating story, look no further than biographical historical fiction!

This genre offers readers a chance to immerse themselves in another time period and learn about real people who lived through incredible events.

Here are just a few of the many reasons to love biographical historical fiction:

-You'll gain a new perspective on history

-You'll be inspired by the stories of real people

-You'll learn about different cultures and time periods

-You'll be transported to another time and place

So if you're looking for a genre that's both educational and entertaining, make sure to check out biographical historical fiction!

Check out 'Joan: put on a happy face' by Carol M Mottershead out in paperback now

Joan: Put on a Happy face: Amazon.co.uk: Mottershead, Carol M: 9798683476625: Books

Chapter 7 The Making of JOAN - So you think it's all over?

So You Think It’s All Over?

My journey into authorship has been nothing short of fascinating. To my surprise, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, even discovering an unexpected passion for history—something I never cared for in school. I thought my work was done once the story was written, my journey over. But it turned out to be just the beginning…

The Business Side of Authorship: Marketing

Like many novice authors, I believed the hardest part was writing the story, turning it into a book, and putting it out into the world. I thought readers would naturally gravitate toward it—how wrong I was! Initially, I relied on family and friends for support. Surely, they’d read it, offer reviews, and help spread the word, right? While their help was invaluable, there came a point when I needed to reach beyond my immediate circle. My book needed new readers—new blood, so to speak.

Joan - Puton a Happy Face is now available on over 17 Amazon sites worldwide, some managed by Amazon USA, others by international branches I’m still learning about, even five years later.

My next move was to join Amazon’s Kindle Select program. With thousands of Kindle devices sold every year and a vast subscription library—the largest eBook collection in the world—it felt thrilling to think my book was part of that immense catalogue. Millions of books and mine among them! But being on a digital shelf doesn’t guarantee readers will find or choose your book. The real challenge? Standing out in the crowd.

Libraries and Expanded Distribution

Determined to expand my reach, I explored getting my book into local libraries. That’s where Kindle Direct Publishing’s (KDP) ‘expanded distribution’ came into play. While it didn’t cost anything upfront, it meant sacrificing an additional 20% of royalties, bringing my share down to 40% (after print costs). However, the chance to get my book into more hands made it worthwhile—or so I hoped.

Unfortunately, libraries and bookstores outside Amazon often hesitate to stock indie authors' works, seeing them as competition. But I wasn’t ready to give up. There had to be another way—and there as.

Through KDP’s expanded distribution, details of my book were sent to various channels. Customers could purchase or stock the book like any other title. While I’m still waiting for that magical breakthrough sale, I remain optimistic, keeping faith in the process.

I also attempted to get my book into the British Library, believing it would make Joan - Put on a Happy Face available to libraries across the UK. While the British, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cambridge, and Oxford depositories accepted my book, I later discovered they could only make it available for on-site reading, not for lending libraries. Another hurdle to overcome.

Not ready to quit, I attended a webinar with local librarians to better understand the system. Tight budgets meant libraries were hesitant to invest in unknown indie authors’ books, fearing they might sit unread on shelves. When I suggested donating copies, I learned I’d have to contact each central library individually, submit a copy for review, and wait for their decision. It was a painstaking process, but persistence paid off.

Small Wins and Big Lessons

Today, my book is held in Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and Brent Libraries, with more awaiting fulfillment. It’s also available as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover on Amazon, Blackwell’s, Waterstones, and other online bookstores.

To aspiring authors, my advice is simple: “Don’t give up on your dream.” The road may be challenging, but the rewards are worth every effort.  Happy reading—and remember, as Joan says,

"Put on a Happy Face’ and keep smiling!"

Joan: Put on a Happy Face (Where historical fiction meet true events) (The Elixir Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Mottershead, Carol M: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Part 6 The Making of JOAN - The book is writ - now what do I do?

The book is writ - now what do I do?

I had written a story—a story I never imagined I’d write in my wildest dreams. Night after night, I felt compelled to put these words to paper, as if possessed. But now, having finished it, the question loomed—what was I going to do with it?

First, I sent my manuscript to family and friends who kindly agreed to read it. Their feedback ranged from helpful to, well, less so. After four rounds of writing and rewriting, I finally felt satisfied with the final version. I meticulously checked for story content, grammar, and edits. My book was ready to send to literary agents.

Self-publishing through KDP wasn’t my initial plan. I was adamant that vanity publishing wasn’t for me. My reasoning was simple: If I couldn’t find someone to believe in my story enough to invest time and money into it, I wasn’t going to pay just to feed my ego. My goal wasn’t to write for myself, friends, and family—I wanted my book to tell its story and share its message with the world.

“I want to do this properly,” I thought. My vision was to find a literary agent who would handle the hard work: securing a traditional publisher as enthusiastic about my story as I was, managing the marketing, and, yes, even paying me for the privilege! Only after trying this route did I come to fully appreciate just how challenging it is to market a book in today’s saturated market. There are so many books out there—how do readers even choose? What are they searching for? What draws them in? I felt utterly overwhelmed.

I emailed several literary agents, sending them my story synopsis, an elevator pitch designed to ignite interest, and the first three chapters. Then I waited. Weeks passed. Rejections trickled in—polite, but rejections nonetheless. Eventually, I conceded defeat.

Enter fellow author and comedian Lester Crabtree. During lockdown, he’d written a book about his life as a comedian “Born to Die” [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Die-Real-Life-Comedian-ebook/dp/B08D1H2G93] and he introduced me to KDP Publishing. I was sceptical, but I decided to see what they had to offer. Through KDP, I could professionally publish my book as an eBook, audiobook, and paperback, all tailored to my specifications with their guidance. Best of all, there were no upfront costs. KDP only earns when a book is sold.

In September 2020, with their support, Joan - Put On A Happy Face was officially published through Amazon.

I’ll admit I had reservations about self-publishing. I’d heard the horror stories—poor royalties and wasted time. However, with KDP’s royalties offering 70% on eBooks and 60% (minus print costs) on paperbacks, I thought this arrangement was quite reasonable! No upfront costs were another major bonus. Of course, traditional publishers cover all costs, taking the financial risks themselves—but that wasn’t an option for me. Vanity publishing? Out of the question! So, KDP Publishing was the path I chose.

To my relief, KDP proved incredibly supportive throughout the process, offering prompt responses to my queries. While the technology initially intimidated me, they guided me through it with patience. Their marketing tools, such as free promotions, countdown deals, and “click-to-view” ads (which I haven’t tried yet), add another layer of accessibility for authors.

I wholeheartedly recommend KDP Publishing to anyone struggling to find a traditional publisher. Unlike vanity publishing, there are no upfront costs. However, I can’t stress enough the importance of editing. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation is crucial. Sloppy, error-ridden books tarnish the reputation of independent authors and discourage readers from giving our work a chance.

Today, I am a published author, and there’s no feeling quite like holding your first book in print. It’s simply marvellous!

Take a “look inside” my book courtesy of Amazon, or visit my author page. Whatever you choose—happy reading! And as Joan says, “Put on a Happy Face” and keep smiling