Some good news I would like to share with all of you.

[Joe Fields]

I'm finally a published author. I wish I could say I'm with a heavyweight publisher, but with the publishing world in a tailspin, a first time author has little or no chance. But this was a project I believe is a strong work, and I'm proud of the finished product. The title of novel is "The Bradford Conspiracy." Without giving too much away, it is a "no-holds barred thrill ride of political conspiracy, espionage and intrigue. Embittered ex-C.I.A. agent Matt Case is reluctantly hired by President Harrison Bradford to find his recently kidnapped son, Julian. While those responsible for the kidnapping misdirect the investigation at the highest levels, Matt manages to zero in on Julian, but not before master conspirator, oil tycoon Grantland Tyler, can implement his real plan to use the young Bradford to murder his own father!

It's hard not to get too excited, as this is my first time around. It's a quick and enjoyable read for anyone interested in this genre. My sales are going to be limited to online only, but you can find my book at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Bradford+Conspiracy&x=0&y=0

[ZombieHorde]

1. Good for you, I hope the zombie scenes are brutal. K&R

[Joe Fields]

26. Zombies? Ha! I have scarier people in this book...politicians!

[Soylent Brice]

112. mom, is that you??? n/t

[YDogg]

2. Congratulations!

:bounce:

[Joe Fields]

27. thanks, YDogg.

:toast:

[JitterbugPerfume]

3. congratulations Joe!

that is great news

[Joe Fields]

28. thanks, Jitterbug. It was a long process.

[jwirr]

4. Congratulations.

[Joe Fields]

30. thanks.

:toast:

[JuniperLea]

5. You should get too excited! It's called for!

Well done! Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

32. thanks, Juniper. I'm enjoying the moment. The book, the way it

was packaged, everything about it turned out the way I wanted. I just hope I don't get too optimistic.

[JuniperLea]

72. I think the Zen thing would be to stay in the moment...

And keep oneself free of desire for a specific outcome. Hard to do; we're so human, right? Still, it turned out the way you wanted! That is huge! There's always a possibility that it will go bigger than your optimism, which is in keeping with staying free of desire for a specific outcome... you could be downplaying;)

I'll be holding successful thoughts for you!

Love the Bucky quote, BTW. I think it fits what you are doing... garnering awesome experience.

[liberal N proud]

6. Congratulations

[Joe Fields]

33. thanks!

:toast:

[Sydnie]

7. Congratulations Joe! n/t

[Joe Fields]

35. thank you!

:toast:

[madaboutharry]

8. Congratulations.

That is a great accomplishment.

[Joe Fields]

36. thanks. It feels good.

[LisaM]

9. Hooray for you!

Nice cover, too.

[Joe Fields]

37. thanks, Lisa.

:toast:

[DrDan]

10. congrats Joe - great to see you name in print, isn't it

[Joe Fields]

39. It is good to see it, and I hope it isn't the last time.

thanks.

:toast:

[Heidi]

11. I'm very, very happy for you.

The fewer starving aspiring writers/artists there are in this world, the better for everyone. Proud to give you a kick and a recommend, and will order your book in the next weeks.

:kick:

[Joe Fields]

41. a big thanks, Heidi!

I hope you enjoy it!

:toast:

[sinkingfeeling]

12. Congrats! Hope this will improve your life greatly!

[Joe Fields]

42. Thanks! I sure would welcome it.

:toast:

[Ichingcarpenter]

13. Gratz Joe.....

I wish you success

[Joe Fields]

43. thanks, Ichingcarpenter. At least it's a step in the right direction.

:toast:

[Lemonwurst]

14. Congratulations to you !!

I've always believed that writing a book, no matter where it goes or what it's about, earns you a little slice of immortality. The effort involved - even if writing comes easy to you - is literally awesome. A few of my close friends have written books and I envy them for their vision and perseverance.

I'm already a bit backlogged on my reading list, though I've Wish-List'd yours on Amazon for future reference. Good luck to you !!

[Joe Fields]

45. thanks for the sentiment, Lemonwurst. If, or when you are able to

get to it, I hope you enjoy it.

:toast:

[sazemisery]

15. Congratulations!

My stepdaughter had her first novel published last year. It is an exciting experience. I hope all the best for you.

[Joe Fields]

48. It's a gratifying experience. Thank you. I hope your stepdaughter

had great success with her book.

:toast:

[terisan]

16. Great news!!!!

[Joe Fields]

49. thank you. It's a great feeling.

:toast:

[JerseygirlCT]

17. Congrats! That's great news! nt

[Joe Fields]

50. Thanks, JerseygirlCT. I've got my fingers, eyes, legs all crossed.

:toast:

[BlueJac]

18. Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

52. thanks!

:toast:

[Stinky The Clown]

19. Good news is hard to find. Good news like this is even better!

[Joe Fields]

53. thanks. I appreciate it!

I've got my fingers crossed. It would be nice to be able to write for a living.

[City Lights]

20. Wow! That's fantastic! Congratulations, Joe!

:toast:

[Joe Fields]

54. thanks, City Lights!

:toast:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

21. I'm curious

How much does it cost to self-publish a work like yours? I only know the traditional "publisher buys your manuscript" world, but I know a lot of people just have a need to fill and so they go the self-publishing route.

Is your work POD or do you have a distributor who gets it into bookstores? How does that work?

I looked at some of the "packages" offered by Book Surge, and they're not cheap. I hope you sell a bunch of books, and would like to know how that works, too. Do you split profits with Book Surge, and,if so, what are the percentages?

This is something I've always wondered about, but I only know traditional authors, so you're my big chance to learn something about this new world.

Good luck and thanks in advance for your assistance.

[Sandrine for you]

40. Great !!

[Joe Fields]

51. I'll PM you with all the info. Thanks for asking.

:toast:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

76. Thank you -

I appreciate that.

[Fireweed247]

130. can you PM me the info too

My kids are aspiring writers and I want to give them some info to inspire them.

[Javaman]

22. That is so cool! Big Congratulations!!! nt

[Joe Fields]

55. Thanks, Javaman. I know you know the feeling.

:toast:

[barbtries]

23. that's great

i'm still a wannabe. one never knows. :)

[Joe Fields]

57. thanks! One never does know. It took me until now...

[applegrove]

24. Way to go!

[Joe Fields]

58. thanks!

:toast:

[qb]

25. I'm low on cash, but I made a request at 3 libraries to purchase your book.

I look forward to reading it.

[Joe Fields]

59. that's great! I'd love to place it in libraries.

[H2O Man]

29. Very good!

Keep up the good work!

Nominated.

[Joe Fields]

60. Thaks much, H2O Man!

:toast:

[asjr]

31. Wonderful news. I will be on the

lookout for it as it seems to be my kind of fiction. Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

61. thanks, asjr. I'm hoping it will be MY stimulus package.

[pacalo]

34. I love this type of thriller, so I'm particularly impressed.

Congratulations, Joe!

[Joe Fields]

62. thanks! I'll be interested in getting your feedback from it.

:toast:

[Greyhound]

38. Congratulations, I hope you sell a ton of them. n/t

[Joe Fields]

64. thanks, Greyhound! It would be so nice.

:toast:

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

44. Work on getting the movie deal. Look into that - it sounds like a winner plot. nt

[Joe Fields]

65. Thanks, Phoebe. I actually wrote it like a movie.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

71. I think that's what John Grisham does. Works for him

Hope it works for you too!

[leftchick]

46. hey a New Robert Ludlum!

I love that genre and will be sure to get yours. Congrats!

:)

[Joe Fields]

66. bless you, leftchick! I really hope you like it!

:toast:

[foxfeet]

47. Congratulations! Enjoy the ride.

:party:

[Joe Fields]

67. thanks, foxfeet!

:toast:

[Fire1]

56. Congratulations! Always glad to rejoice in the success of others.

[Joe Fields]

68. thanks!

:toast:

[ColbertWatcher]

63. Congratulations! k+r, n/t

[Joe Fields]

70. thanks, CW!

:toast:

[ColbertWatcher]

73. You're welcome! I hope someone makes a movie out of it! n/t

[havocmom]

69. Congrats! And a genre Havocdad loves to read and his birthday is coming up...

also, I buy books for a little library. Looks like you made a couple sales ;)

[Joe Fields]

81. Havocmom, thank you so much!

bless you! I hope havocdad enjoys my book.

:toast:

[Blue_In_AK]

74. Congratulations, Joe.

This is great news. :)

[Joe Fields]

82. Thanks, Blue. I'm hoping it's the start of a new and profitable career.

:toast:

[Blue_In_AK]

88. I really admire you for your discipline.

I hope you sell millions of copies.

[renate]

75. ROCK ON!!!!

That's so exciting! Congratulations!!! :party: :woohoo:

[Joe Fields]

83. thanks, renate!

:toast:

[DemReadingDU]

77. Congratulations!

:party:

[Joe Fields]

84. thanks, dem. I feel like partying.

:toast:

[Liberal_in_LA]

78. congrats!

[Joe Fields]

85. thanks, Liberal!

:toast:

[roguevalley]

79. Congratulations. There is nothing better than finding your creativity

has a market. Bravo!

[Joe Fields]

86. thanks. Although I must say my timing could have been a little better. lol

[EFerrari]

80. Yeah, baby! That's excellent!

:applause::applause::applause:

[Joe Fields]

87. EFerrari, how ya doing! Thanks. Can an unknown 52 year old rookie

hit a homerun his first time up? I certainly hope so!

:toast:

[EFerrari]

89. I am SO happy for you and SO jealous!

Kick some @ss, Joe!

lol

:toast:

[Control-Z]

90. Wow!!

How great for you!

Just happen to love the genre. I'm going to put it on my wish list at Amazon so I can purchase it after I've replenished my bank account.

Congratulations, and good luck on very high sales and future books.

[Joe Fields]

109. thanks, Control-Z!

:toast:

[20score]

91. Congratulations.

[Joe Fields]

110. thanks!

:toast:

[20score]

115. I'll also buy one.

And if you're doing autographed copies, let me know where I can get one, please.

(After going to the Bookfest ever year, my collection of autographed books is something I'd like to keep growing.)

[gratefultobelib]

92. Wonderful! I am a library user and will also ask my library to purchase a few copies.

[Joe Fields]

111. I appreciate that. I hope they purchase one.

:toast:

[chollybocker]

93. Awe. Some. Ness. Joe. Field! Congratulations. (I bow.)

[Joe Fields]

113. thanks, chollyblocker.

:toast:

[classof56]

94. A thousand congratulations!

As an inspiring novelist (published here and there, but first time getting a novel to the ready-to-be-published stage), I am well aware of the daunting world of book publishing, and then comes the fun part--marketing! I'm active in a writers and a critique group, attend workshops, conferences, trying to "build my platform", master queries, one-pagers, synopses, find agents, etc. Knowing you have navigated and succeeded in these turbulent waters is encouraging indeed. Just checked your book on Amazon, heard about the Amazon/Book Surge v on-demand publishers awhile back, so glad it worked for you. I'll order your book as soon as I can (won't wait to sell mine to do so, I promise!), but again I say, congrats and hope you sell a million!

[Joe Fields]

116. you said a mouthful. we picked a bad time to write, but it is the only time

we have. If I can eke out a living in these hard times, though writing, then I'll be on top of the world.

:toast:

[kaygore]

95. Congratulations

[Joe Fields]

117. thank you!

:toast:

[spanone]

96. congratulations, Joe Fields

that's great!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joe Fields]

118. thanks, spanone!

:toast:

[emilyg]

97. Good for you.

[Joe Fields]

119. thanks!

:toast:

[LiberalHeart]

98. You should upload it to Kindle, too! Congrats!

[Joe Fields]

120. I've been wrestling around with the idea. I may do it.

:toast:

[noiretextatique]

99. congrats, Joe!!!

i need a book for a road trip in a couple of weeks, so it might as well be yours.
i got published a couple of years ago...a few poems in anthology. it's a great feeling :7

[Joe Fields]

121. Thanks. I appreciate it greatly. And congrats to you on getting

published. It IS a great feeling. The feeling right now is more gratifying than the money part of it. It's more than I thought it would be. Again, thanks, and I hope you enjoy my book.

[Tsiyu]

100. How cool is that!

It's a lot of work but you did it. What an accomplishment!

:applause:

It's nice to hear some good news. :)

[Joe Fields]

122. I didn't realize how much of an accomplishment it was, until I was

able to see it for sale online for the first time.

[tblue37]

101. Congratulations! nt

[Joe Fields]

123. thank you.

:toast:

[NikolaC]

102. Congratulations!!

:applause:

[Joe Fields]

124. thank you!

:toast:

[kestrel91316]

103. Congrats from a minimally published magazine article writer!

[Joe Fields]

125. Here's hoping you become a maximumly (I know) published

magazine writer! Thanks kestrel!

:toast:

[shaniqua6392]

104. That is so awesome!!

What a great accomplishment. It sounds really good. I will head over to Amazon to check it out.

[Joe Fields]

126. thanks, shaniqua! please do. my stimulus needs you!

:toast:

[Bluenorthwest]

105. Excellent...

and I'll read it too.

[Joe Fields]

127. Thanks, Bluenorthwest!

I hope you enjoy it.

:toast:

[GinaMaria]

106. Wow. that is huge. congratulations,

[Joe Fields]

139. thank you. It is pretty cool.

:toast:

[williesgirl]

107. Congratulations! I'll definitely buy it as this is my kinda book! Just the 1st of many I'm sure.

rec'd

[Joe Fields]

141. Thanks for your support. I hope you enjoy it.!

This is the first of three Matt Case adventures. (Well, three is all I've planned, but who knows?)

:toast:

[Flying Dream Blues]

108. Excellent! Congratulations and I'll definitely check it out. nt

[Joe Fields]

142. thanks! If you do, please let me know what you think of it,.

:toast:

[nadinbrzezinski]

114. I have a question Joe

I want to get it, support a fellow author, electronic form?

Don't ask, dad... sony reader.

LONG STORY

[Joe Fields]

143. no problem

:toast:

[nadinbrzezinski]

146. So will look for it in electronic form

where?

Just ordered it in paper

Hell, I can loan it to brother in law when I'm done, so you may get two readers

An actual paper book, WOW

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

128. Congrats! if I buy a copy, will you sign it?

I will send it fedex to your office address along with a paid return. PM if if you are up for it

[Joe Fields]

144. Absolutely.!

:toast:

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

173. That's great. Thanks and I look forward to reading it.

[Michigan-Arizona]

129. How wonderful & a huge congrats to you!

[Joe Fields]

145. Thanks. I'm hoping this is the change I need!

:toast:

[Fireweed247]

131. wow, looks good! I'll add it to my wish list....

kinda broke right now...

[Joe Fields]

149. thanks!

I know broke!

[merh]

132. I want to buy your book -

can I buy one and then ship it to you so that you can sign my edition, your first novel, first edition?

that would be so cool.

Congratulations!! :toast:

[Joe Fields]

150. Wow, I'd be honored. Thank you.

:toast:

[merh]

159. I will order it and then pmail you

to get your addie - that will be so neat.

I can't wait to read it - I'll let you know when I get it.

thanks so very much and again, congrats - :toast:

[myrna minx]

133. Congratulations! I can't imagine how elated you must be.

:toast: K&R

[Joe Fields]

151. Thanks! Seriously, I can't imagine it, either.

It's more overwhelming and gratifying than I imagined.



:toast:

[GOPisEvil]

134. Ordered!

Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

152. Thanks, man. Hope I don't disappoint!

I DEFINITELY am humbled by the support, of not only you, but everyone who has responded today. This is a gratifying experience.

:toast:

[HughMoran]

135. Congratulations! I added it to my cart

I'll give it a read.

[Joe Fields]

138. Great, Hugh, thanks. I hope I don't disappoint!

:toast:

[Truth2Tell]

136. Outstanding Joe!

Huge congrats! I just ordered it.

Question: My dad is blind and listens to tons of books on tape, and this is exactly his kinda book. Any chance in the world it's available on tape? It would be so awesome to share a book with him from an "internet friend." :)

[Joe Fields]

153. A big thanks to you! I wish it were on audio, but it isn't.

I can look further into it and see what it would take to get it on audio. I'll find out and pm you later. Again, thanks.

:toast:

[Hekate]

137. That's terrific! Congratulations!

Congratulations and many sales,

Hekate

[Joe Fields]

154. thanks, hekate.

:toast:

[calimary]

140. YAY!!! Congratulations!

We have some FINE writers here on DU! And you are on that list!

:toast: :patriot: :woohoo: :applause: :yourock: :thumbsup: :headbang:

[Joe Fields]

155. hi, calimary! Thank you very much. I'm grateful that a place like DU exists,

so that fine writers with interesting ideas can get together and learn and appreciate from one another. The responses that I've received from this thread are a prime example of the fine people we have here. It truly is a community where people look after each other in various ways. Again, thank you.

:toast:

[calimary]

161. Things have been a little hectic around casa de calimary lately, so I did not discover

this thread til just before I posted here. I am kinda late. But getting published the first time is a sweet thing! SUPERB accomplishment - it took LOTS of work and you should be justly proud.

[Wheezy]

147. Congratulations, Joe, from a fellow author.

[Joe Fields]

156. Thank you very much, Wheezy. I can only hope to have a modicum

of the success that you have enjoyed. I'm liking your website a lot. It's very cool! I wish continued great success on your upcoming book!

[neuvocat]

148. Congrats!

[Joe Fields]

157. thank you!

:toast:

[Left Coast2020]

160. I'll second that motion!

I love CIA-spy stuff. I'll get book since I just saw "Bourne Ultamatium" the other day. Why don't you send autographed copy to Obama? :toast:

[Joe Fields]

177. thanks!

:toast:

I hope you'll like it.

[dmr]

158. Congratulations!

I like novels like this.

Soon to be at a theater near you ...!

:)

[Joe Fields]

178. thanks.

:toast:

[dmr]

193. Your welcome. I ordered it earlier this morning!

:)

[ananda]

162. Wow. Sounds like the next plot of 24.

You go guy!

[Joe Fields]

179. thanks, ananda!

they'll steal it from me eventually! lol

[northofdenali]

163. "Good news"???!!!11!111 THIS IS HUGH!!111

I would be a moran not to read it because the genre is one of my favorites - and you are hereby added to my official Amazon wish list (I have a gift card coming according to the little bird that is my spouse).

Joe, this is really terrific. Congratulations, and I am truly thrilled for you!

Big :kick: and giant REC!!

:toast::toast::thumbsup::toast::toast:

For those who (like me) are book-cover elitists :rofl:, here's the photo on Amazon:

[Joe Fields]

180. wow, thanks for the HUGH!!!111 support, northofdenali!

I hope you pm me to let me know what you thought of it, good and bad.

Joe

[rosesaylavee]

164. Very cool!

Hurray and huzzah for you!

[Joe Fields]

181. thanks!

:toast:

[graywarrior]

165. You make us proud!

Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

182. thanks, graywarrior!

:toast:

[peace13]

166. That is great.

Congratulations!

[Joe Fields]

183. thanks!

:toast:

[Evoman]

167. If I can find it, I will buy it. Let's support or DU writers, I say.

[Joe Fields]

184. thanks for the support, Evoman. I hope you enjoy reading it.

If not, then if you have a bird it will come in handy.

[pmorlan1]

168. Way to Go!

Congratulations! I bookmarked the Amazon page so I can buy your book once I'm employed again.

[Joe Fields]

185. that's kind of you. I hope you have some good fortune come your

way soon, in the job hunt. Thanks for the sentiment.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

169. Congrats, Joe

Good luck with it.

[Joe Fields]

186. tvym, tuesday!

:toast:

[snappyturtle]

170. K&R Super news! WOW! You should be very proud of yourself! nt

[Joe Fields]

187. thanks!

:toast:

[onlyadream]

171. That's awesome..

My dream is to write a novel, but it's so difficult to have a full story (that's good) - with all the little details. My hat is off to anyone who can do that!

BTW, I'm in a writer's group and one of the ladies got published. It's interesting to me to see how she does compared to what I've done; a POD book on Lulu.com. Her book is fiction, whereas mine is educational (totally different), however, the marketing isn't too different. So far, from what I see, she has to hustle her book as much as I do AND share more of her royalties. That's why I think that TODAY, self-publishing is the way to go. I made $6000 last year with my book :).

[Joe Fields]

188. I'm glad to hear you had success with POD, that's encouraging!

thanks for the support!

:toast:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

172. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Ya know, it is so good to know that good stuff is happening too! It's a reminder for me that the good exists.

Yay YOU!
:hi:

[Joe Fields]

189. thank you, Blanche!

:toast:

[JFN1]

174. So how many words is your book?

Just curious...

[Joe Fields]

190. approx. 75,000 words.

[w8liftinglady]

175. Congrats,Joe-just bought a copy

I'll leave a review after I read it.

[Joe Fields]

191. awesome, w8liftinglady! very much appreciated.

:toast:

[nichomachus]

176. I just put it in my wish list

The next time I have an Amazon order, which should be soon, I'll pop it into the cart with the rest of the stuff. The mention you in the same league with John Le Carre and Ian Fleming. That alone is worth framing and putting on the wall.

[Joe Fields]

192. lol Oh man, now you know I can't live up to such high comparison..

[wellstone dem]

194. You sold another one today!

Can't wait to read it.