Imajin that...

Can you imagine being an an author and a publisher?

I've been the beneficiary of writing support from many people over the years, as I've noted in the past few blogs.

I don't know if all authors are generous with their time and wisdom and skills or if I've just been insanely lucky to have met the ones who are.

Author & Publisher, Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Cheryl Kaye Tardif is no exception. This international best-selling Canadian author leapt beyond the bounds of coaching and cross-promoting and rallying authors across the nation and...became a publisher.

Her company, Imajin Books, has offered many an author their first traditional publishing contract, setting eager novice feet on the pathway to writing success.

Although Imajin Books didn't publish my debut novel, they did publish three of the young adult thriller books in my BackTracker series: THE TRAZ (ebook), THE TRAZ School Edition, and FATAL ERROR.

Why would a successful author like Cheryl want to invest in such a risky venture as establishing a publishing house?

Welcome to Magic of the Muses, Cheryl. Tell us...


Briefly describe Imajin Books and what makes it unique.

Imajin Books is a small hybrid publishing company based in West Kelowna, BC, Canada. We publish affordable, quality fiction and select non-fiction by talented international authors. A "green" company that does not order large, wasteful print runs, we combine traditional methods with innovative new technologies, with a major focus on ebooks. Our paperbacks are printed as needed.

We consider our authors as a kind of "team." We offer a private Yahoo Group where our authors can discuss anything Imajin Books related and share their experiences. I am proud of how our authors go out of their way to help each other and learn from each other. All of this is what makes us unique.

What does Imajin Books offer readers?
We offer readers an enjoyable reading experience at an affordable price. We don't believe in overpricing our ebooks. With Imajin Books you'll never see an ebook priced more than its paperback.

Has Imajin Books evolved as you initially envisioned? Where do you dream it will be in five years?
Imajin Books has grown more than I expected in the past four years. I never expected to have a separate imprint for novellas (Imajin Qwickies) or an imprint for children's titles (Ogopogo Books - launching in 2016). In five years I expect we'll see more of our authors' titles in bookstores, maybe a new imprint or two, more distribution, and possibly a more permanent venture into foreign translations.

How can authors become a partner in Imajin Books’ success?
I believe that everyone at Imajin Books succeeds each time one of us succeeds because this brings an opportunity for learning. I encourage our authors to learn from each other, share tips and experiences, and invite each other to events--because we can all learn from each other. We've even had non-Imajin authors tell us they've learned something at one of our online events. We encourage book lovers worldwide to share Imajin Books news via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc. because the more we succeed, the more awesome books we'll be able to provide readers.

Behind every great organization there is a driving force. You, Cheryl Tardif, are the name and face behind Imajin Books. Tell us about what motivated you to create Imajin Books.
Thank you, Eileen. I am truly honored by that statement. Imajin Books was originally formed in 2003 to cover my own self-published works. By 2008 I had seen some success with my books, and many of my author friends began asking me if I'd consider publishing them so they could learn my marketing strategies and have the "umbrella" of a trade publisher. At first I said no. But after two years I started to consider the idea, and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. After the first year of publications, I knew that hybrid publishing was something I was meant to do. It fills a need, and as long as that's there, I'm here, helping other writers' dreams come true. I can't tell you how fulfilling that is. And challenging, in a good way! ;-) (Eileen's note: Oh, oh! I've seen that winkie emoticon before. Could it be that Cheryl's referring to me as being challenging? No, of course not...on the other hand...)

In addition to running Imajin Books, you are an author. Of which personal accomplishment in your literary career are you most proud? (Aside from the creation of your publishing company.)
It's difficult to pick one moment as my journey into publishing has had so many amazing moments that have filled me with pride--or complete shock. Perhaps I am most proud that CHILDREN OF THE FOG made it to #4 on Amazon.com's Top 100 overall Best Sellers list out of about 2.8 million books at the time. Perhaps I'm most proud of the moment Trident Media Group contacted me because they wanted to sign me. Perhaps I am just most proud of all my authors who took a chance on a small publishing company run by an author whom many claimed had ruined her career because she chose to indie publish...

What personal literary achievement/s are you striving to reach within the next five years?
I would love to see a major book deal next year. I am waiting! I do foresee more translation and audio book deals. And dream of all dreams--I hope that 2016 connects me with the person who will help me make a huge dream come true--I want the BIG SCREEN, baby!! For over 10 years my books have attracted movie producers, directors and actors. I can envision at least a half dozen that would make awesome movies or TV series.

Please offer authors and aspiring authors some sage advice.
If you are writing because it's your innermost passion and nothing else makes you feel so complete, then never, ever give up! Write for yourself. Write because you have to write. Learn the business of publishing and promoting--even before you're published. As a writer, you must skillfully dodge the doubters and haters out there. Those are the people who will tell you why you can't make it as an author. Don't listen. Some will say you shouldn't self-publish. (Usually it's because they themselves are too afraid to take risks.) Take the risk. And don't take advice from someone who doesn't know what they're talking about.

I know you’re itching to mention something I’ve neglected to ask about. Tell us what that is.
We recently launched an exciting new imprint--Imajin Qwickies. (Yes, we're having a LOT of fun with that name!) Qwickies are 20,000-30,000 word novellas in our most popular genres. Next year we'll be adding more titles to our Qwickie lineup.

And finally, Imajin Books will be launching a brand new website within the next month or two. We will also be announcing a new kids' imprint in 2016.

Connect with Imajin Books online at:

http://www.imajinbooks.com
http://imajinbooks.com/submissions
http://imajinbooks.blogspot.com
https://facebook.com/imajinbooks
https://twitter.com/imajinbooks

Cheryl Kaye Tardif author link/s:
http://www.cherylktardif.com
https://facebook.com/cherylkayetardif
https://twitter.com/cherylktardif
Cheryl Kaye Tardif Amazon Author page

Imajin that...has been brought to you by:

CHILDREN OF THE FOG ~Cheryl Kaye Tardif

 

"A chilling and tense journey into every parent's deepest fear."

"A nightmarish thriller with a ghostly twist, CHILDREN OF THE FOG will keep you awake...and turning pages!"

"Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones, Cheryl Kaye Tardif weaves a tale of terror that will have you rushing to check on your children as they sleep."

"Ripe with engaging twists and turns reminiscent of the work of James Patterson...Children of the Fog possesses you..."


Eileen Schuh, Author
DISPASSIONATE LIES
FIREWALLS
FATAL ERROR
Schrödinger's Cat
THE TRAZ