CHOOSE Amazon’s Top 100 or Book Sales

For many the joy of being an author begins when they hold their first published book. At least that’s the way it was in the 20^th Century!

21^st Century authors, if published in E-book format only must be satisfied with seeing their words on a screen of some sort…whether Kindle, Nook, a Tablet, or a computer, there can be a feeling of letdown. So what’s an aspiring ‘wordsmith’ to do once they’ve made the leap into the publishing milieu?

While some published in digital format maybe happy to let things progress as they would, those Indie Authors, like me, were gifted through Amazon, Smashwords, and I assume other online E-book publishers the ability to see what was happening as far as their book sales were concerned.

It began simply enough this desire of mine to see what was going on…then seeing sales, I…well to state it plainly I wanted to learn what was necessary so others knew of my book(s). And this, I am certain, is what the online publishers intended.

Having been published, terminated my contract, and self-published, I was eager to dive in, and dive in I did. Along the way I discovered that I don’t know much and felt blessed when other Indie Authors befriended me and shared what they had learned.

So I’m writing this blog to pass along what I know as well as the reality that being in the Top 100 Book Category on Amazon or any other booksellers doesn’t mean anything if your books isn’t … I’m sure you can fill in the dots!

If you, like me, need help selecting the right meta-data words for your book. On Amazon you can find the key words that shoppers are entering in their search for book they want at: https://kdp.amazon.com/help?topicId=A200PDGPEIQX41

Then again there are those times when Amazon’s words don’t apply, so let’s do what the bookstores do and use those words that ‘The Book Industry Study Group’ has accumulated and use the tag words libraries do, which you’ll find here: http://bit.ly/1yYrk1b

Though both sites have what you’ll need neither of them is easy to work with. Furthermore, though the words you use may be best, that does not insure sales. Therefore, I suggest you look upon this as an experiment.

I say this because having finally gotten (I thought) all of my ducks in a row, I changed ‘No Other Choice: The Naomi Chronicles, Book One’ categories from Fiction, Christian, Romance since Naomi isn't a believer yet to the category of inspirational spirituality. Overnight the book was listed in the top 100 sellers in ‘Kindle > Religion > Spiritual Inspiration > Women’s Inspirational > Family > Fiction’ and the book didn’t sell! NOT AT ALL!

Where before, I had seen sales growing, now there were none! The good news for this Indie Author is that I could try again. So if you’re and Indie Author whose work isn’t selling, you can do the one thing an author with a contract cannot do and that is reboot by choosing different categories, or…

Do as I did and put your book back in the category you choose before, which is where I believe God wanted it to be. And if you’re as blessed as I fell now, you’ll know the journey was worthwhile for your book will be selling again.

I think it oddly affirming that my life work, both with founding LAMB Ministries and all this ongoing Christian Lay-Counseling Recovery Program for Women Suffering from Trauma and Abuse entails, and as an author who writes about ‘CHOICES’, how they affect us and what happens when we do or don’t take control, for here again I’ve written about that.

For Paula Rose Michelson’s Books visit: http://bitly.com/1dE3Y8b

More about Paula Rose Michelson at: www.PaulaRoseMichelson.com

BESTSELLER on Amazon Kindle's 'WOMEN & FAMILY INSPIRATIONAL FICTION' NOW 1/2 PRICE!

AMAZED that 'No Other Choice' on Amazon Kindle's 100 BESTSELLERS LIST since the book was published on OCTOBER 7, 2014! Do the math, and I'm sure you'll be surprised like I was to find Book One of THE NAOMI CHRONICLES made this list 43 days after its release when recognized in 'WOMEN and FAMILY INSPIRATIONAL FICTION' for being ranked in the TOP 100 in these areas!

To celebrate this unexpected blessing and in time for HOLIDAY GIFTING, this story of an illegal immigrant who becomes an heiress while hiding who she IS, is NOW 1/2 PRICE, so you might want to pick up a few for William Struse said in his 5 Star rave,

‘This is a soulful story in the tradition of some of the Bible's great heroines for duty, sacrifice, and faith are carried in the arms of love by a courageous young woman, who rises above her own flaws to help others. After reading this touching story, you will be asking yourself, is my life a blessing to others?’ http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

 About Paula Rose Michelson

As a Messianic Jew who wanted to write about life, love, and forgiveness, I researched what befell the Jews baptized into the Catholic faith to survive the Inquisition. I began writing and Naomi started talking to me. 

Though her story is unique, Naomi's issues of fear and hiding are universal. And having an extensive background in recovery, both as a Lifestyle Disorder Councilor, as well working with The Rubicon Center, I know that the issues one first sees in Naomi's character, are very much like the issues seen in anyone who is masking their real pain. That is why six inspirational romances were written, three of which have been published.

In 1988, I founded LAMB Ministries, and continue to mentor women like Naomi the way God mentored me. I published the first Christian Self-Help book stemming from this work, meant to help those suffering from trauma and abuse.

Having an issue ladened life until Christ freed me, I write books and articles to encourage and show God's mercy, love and forgiveness. 

"A Sweet Christian Romance at its Finest," said John Hale (Hamburger Fry) in his 5 Star Review!

'This is such an intriguing story! I couldn't help but want to find out what was going to happen next with Naomi, Chaz, and the others. There's so much I want to say about this story now that I have read the first book. In all honesty, I think everyone should read this story.

‘No Other Choice’ by, Paula Rose Michelson, is a touching story of faith, honor and love. Naomi, and the people that are part of her life, bring a sense of familiarity to the story. I also enjoy the interactions among the other characters.

This is not only a great story, but an ingenious lesson about life and how we can all be a blessing to one another! Naomi has a heart of gold but she carries such a heavy burden. Furthermore, what is the price of Naomi attaining her heart's desire? All the while, certain people plot against her. Can faith and love see her through the trials life has thrown at her?

This is a well written story that will have you cheering for, Naomi, and hopefully leave you with the understanding of, "Everyone deserves to feel valued."

In writing, ‘No Other Choice’, Paula Rose Michelson has created a masterpiece that is like the most resplendent flower fully blossomed.' http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

From the Author

Since John ended his amazing review by lauding it as a masterpiece, I wanted to share that I believe within each of us there are unexplored  caverns of greatness we can only see when we step around or walk through our perceived issues. I believe this for when I asked God to give me something to do for him never in my  wildest  imaginings would I have thought that this profoundly this dyslectic writer would become an author.  

For though I loved to write and have been a dabbler for years aware that I  neither  spelled nor punctuated well, when friends who listened to my stories or heard me talk and declared that I would be an author, I sidestepped that issue. Little did I know then that, and I do believe this to be true, that God gifted me this issue so I could be used of him and not go out on my own as a writer seeking fortune and fame. So when someone lauds you or something you do where you feel ill equipped, look up, wink at God and pray, "In you time, I will do what you ask." And then enjoy the moment! 

“A literary gem! Divinely inspired!” Raved T. Lindsay in her 5 Star Review

This was by far the most personal review I’ve ever gotten and having written a column for a local paper when I was 14, I can attest that never was I so touched, for the author started in a chatty way that from this lovely review a unique affirming friendship grew!

‘Paula Rose, I hope you go by both of your names, it just sounds right! Listen, I'm only on page 32, but I had to stop and tell you, the tender love that you have captured unfolding has brought tears to my eyes! I already find myself wanting to reach out and hold that love, so nothing harms or hurts it!

Writers can put a lot of words on a page, and call it finished, but true writers take those words and weave them in love and mystery, wring them out with pain and anguish, and pet and soothe them softly like a newborn babe, THAT is the kind of writer you are! You layer emotions like a fruit torte, they are delicious, but so beautiful it's a shame to cut them, but you do so knowing it will taste divine!

Not knowing the full story of how your characters met, and got to where they are now, intrigues me! You penned that little bit here, little more disclosure there, perfectly!”   http://amzn.to/1g4WSvF

My thanks to you too, for telling me that the characters were real enough to matter to you in such a profound way…I think this is every authors dream and few of us know when what we wish has happened!

'No Other Choice' Now an Amazon Top Ranked (Kindle)!

Numbers change still this book is in the top 100 in the categories mentioned below! 

Now an Amazon Top Ranked (Kindle) 'No Other Choice: The Naomi Chronicles, Book One’ in Women’s Inspiration #26, in Spirituality, Inspiration Family #31, and in Inspirational Fiction #38!

This snippet of Delores Ayotte’s 5 Star Review says,

‘In this captivating, intriguing, and heart wrenching novel, the reader quickly learns about the necessity to be so secretive when embracing these young women. However, there is an even great mystery that lies within the heart and soul of Naomi.’ http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

The Back Matter Says,

Naomi will be sent back! She left her family and all she held dear, traveled half way around the word while accompanying a blind, old grandmother because they promised to help her enter America and find her uncle. Instead they handed her over to immigration.

What she does now, she does because there is no other choice!

This is Naomi’s journey from adolescence to womanhood, from frightened isolation and captivity to the noble status of heiress. Trapped in a life where all who know her think her a saint, saddled with a mission and responsibility many would shirk from placed upon her shoulders, Naomi agrees to marry because that seems to be the easiest way to sidestep more issues.

As timely as the immigration debate of today is, author, William Struse’s 5 Star Review says,

“Duty, sacrifice, and faith are carried in the arms of love by a courageous young woman, who rises above her own flaws to help others.” http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

Barbara Shelton’s 5 Star Rave for ‘Choosing to Be’

"Full of shame, pain and deeply confused, Naomi fled. Now huddled underneath blankets in the backseat of her friend Alex's car not wanting to be seen by those who shunned her at what should have been a surprise celebration for her, her lifelong secret revealed, she …

As Alex sped her away from the Barrio, she showed no curiosity of where he was taking her. He explained he was taking her to a safe place at Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey, part of the Appalachian Trail. 

From here on Naomi was in strange territory with people like none she had never known. Her closest new friend was Ruth - can it be God's own humor that He would put another Ruth and Naomi together? Will you see the parallels in their lives? Will Naomi believe the truth that Ruth and even Marvin; a little child will tell her when she meets him on the Blessings Rock?

Now wealthy Chaz has left New York in his private jet to Texas where his parents tell him some bitter truthful secrets about his own heritage that agonize him further about Naomi's betrayal and adds deeper confusion to Chaz's self-image. 

Sent to Mexico to talk with his Uncle Hilario, Chaz hears what he never thought to. This gentle man who could hold a dove in his hand and stroke her underbelly so she would coo at him; and feed a morsel to a rabbit at the same time in his garden, this keeper of many truths and surprises, whom Chaz hold in reverence, is about to send Chaz on the journey of a lifetime where he will… 

This metamorphosis is a fabulous brilliant piece on our author's part. What an imagination God has given Paula Rose Michelson, strengthening her story which carries such burdens as this star-crossed couple have until it become joy in the Lord.

What will happen to Chaz during his desert experience? What will happen to Naomi in her mountain top experience? Will their paths cross again during their journey to truth? They both seek love, not realizing they are searching for more than one love. Are they both headed for redemption and salvation in the one true redeemer? Did Paula Rose Michelson have a purpose for writing these two incredible stories about Naomi and Chaz? My answer is definitely yes.

What will your answer be?   http://amzn.to/1zK3rPC                     

                        About Author, Paula Rose Michelson

By way of introduction, as a Messianic Jew who wanted to write about life, love, and forgiveness, I researched what befell the Jews baptized into the Catholic faith to survive the Inquisition. I began writing and Naomi started talking to me. 

Though her story is unique, Naomi's issues of fear and hiding are universal. And having an extensive background in recovery, both as a Lifestyle Disorder Councilor, as well working with The Rubicon Center, I know that the issues one first sees in Naomi's character, are very much like the issues seen in anyone who is masking their real pain. That is why six inspirational romances were written, three of which have been published.

In 1988, I founded LAMB Ministries, and continue to mentor women like Naomi the way God mentored me. I published the first Christian Self-Help book stemming from this work, meant to help those suffering from trauma and abuse.

Having an issue ladened life until Christ freed me, I continue to write both books and articles to encourage and show God's mercy, love and forgiveness. 

To read a tidbit of each book, visit: https://paularosemichelson.com/

Author Delores Ayotte says, “Fiction Laced with Truth!” in her 5 Star Review!

Sometimes you read a book merely for pleasure...other times, you read a book to gather information or increase your knowledge of a subject...and sometimes you find a wonderful book that offers both regardless of your choice for reading it. In "No Other Choice: The Naomi Chronicles, Book One", I must admit that I lucked out. I am very grateful to have discovered this captivating fictional novel filled with historical relevance which is sure to capture the interest of the most discerning readers. It certainly captured mine!

Naomi the protagonist, as a teenager secretly leaves her homeland to start a new life in America where she thinks she will have the freedom to live a full life without religious prejudice. Due to the untimely death of the elderly lady who has hired her as a travel companion and...upon her arrival at the Immigration Office on Ellis Island, without a sponsor, Naomi is about to be turned away. Fortunately, she is "adopted" by Tia Vida, as many before her, who have been swept up by her desire to help these young women in finding a support system in Spanish Harlem. Her every hope is to offer these "ninas" a better life and safe haven until they qualify to become American citizens. Tia Vida has sacrificed her life for this noble cause and has opened her heart and her home to these young girls. Little does Naomi know what Tia Vida has in mind for her future.

In this captivating, intriguing, and heart wrenching novel, the reader quickly learns about the necessity to be so secretive when embracing these young women. However, there is an even great mystery that lies within the heart and soul of Naomi. She fled her country for more than one reason. Not only is she an illegal immigrant, she is also a young Jewish girl who is in hiding because of her beliefs. As a result of the Spanish Inquisition, along with many other people of Jewish faith, she is forced to either become a Catholic convert or at least look like one and practice her faith in the privacy of her own home. Naomi chooses the latter....and so her double life commences as she takes over the Casa when Tia Vida bequeaths it to her upon her death and all the responsibilities that go with it. Naomi is a natural as she is so loving and kind. She quickly becomes a blessing to all in her community and is highly regarded and respected. She even manages to find the love of a life time and marries Chaz who pursues her with fervor and an ardent love that is unexpectedly matched by her own...but then along comes Lola, a new young immigrant teenager about to be turned away and life is never the same for dear trusting Naomi...

Gifted Author Paula Rose Michelson has done a magnificent job of creating a wonderful work of art. Fictional, though it may be, there are many truths that are revealed in "No Other Choice" that are difficult to digest. I would like to thank her for her research, her effort, and her desire to enlighten us. I eagerly look forward to Book 2 in this series...there is such a cliff-hanger at the end of this novel that left me wanting more. No author can ask for more than this nor can any reader!  http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp