When an Author Make Changes to an eBook on KDP, does it get Updated?

 

I asked my son that question and he said that it’s possible that the eBook updates on Kindle devices and the reader will have the updated version, however I searched for the answer and found this:

An eBook updates on KDP when an author uploads a new manuscript, but these changes generally only apply to new purchases. Existing customers who already bought the book keep their original, unedited version, as KDP does not automatically push updates to previously purchased Kindle devices. 

Anyone purchasing the book after the update goes live (usually within 24-48 hours) receives the latest version. Customers who already own the book do not get the update automatically.

Users can sometimes see "UPDATE AVAILABLE" on their "Manage Your Kindle" page if it is a major update, but this is not guaranteed for minor typos.

Technically, if a reader purchased the un-edited version and reviews the book as saying it had typos, another reader won't see the typos because they will have the updated version. 

It's unfortunate, but some authors, me included, occasionally spot typos and other errors in their eBook manuscripts that require immediate updates, no matter how minor. For instance, on my recent uploads, I discovered a couple of typos that prompted me to revise the file and re-upload it to KDP. I want to extend my apologies to those who downloaded the book before these corrections were made. My heart sinks when I come across errors, no matter how minor they may be. Nevertheless, it happens and all I can do is fix it. Indie authors understand what I mean.

Author's Website

Using Images in Your Book

Chandra's Quest Paperback Book

 

I’ve just re-uploaded the paperback edition of Chandra's Quest, and it should be available for purchase in just a few days. I want to mention that I had to raise the price of the paperback due to its substantial length of 567 pages. Unfortunately, KDP has some restrictions that prevent authors from setting their own prices, making it challenging to offer a lower cost. For those interested in getting a copy, I plan to buy some and sell them through my eBay shop. As you can see from the image, the book has a thick spine, reflecting its considerable content, so be prepared for a lengthy read!

I’ve combined parts 1 through 3 of A Time Traveler's Companion for release on Google Play, and I’m excited to share that the audiobook will soon be available there as well. I’m currently working on merging parts 4 to 6, which will also be accessible on Google Play. It’s important to note that this book contains sexual content, so there are appropriate disclaimers and warnings included. In a few weeks, the eBook version will be launched on Amazon, and you can find the link on my Facebook page and other social media platforms, though I won’t be sharing it on this blog. Additionally, the link will be featured on CG Heandez's blog, so keep an eye out for that!

 I’m currently immersed in the writing of A Path Less Taken: The Phoenix Files Vol. 2. This next installment promises to delve deeper into the intriguing world of the Phoenix Files, and I can’t wait for readers to experience it. You can look forward to its release next year on Amazon, where it will be available for purchase. Additionally, for those who prefer listening to their stories, the audiobook version will be accessible on Google Play, making it easy to enjoy the narrative on the go. 

NOTE: Flare is now available through KDP Select and the audiobook is available on GooglePlay. Visit Linktree to access CG Heandez website. 

Trigger warnings: FLARE  has 18 & over content.

LINKTREE

New Paperback!

Chapter 1 Excerpt from, In the Company of Elves

 

(An excerpt from the first chapter of In the Company of Elves)

As she walked along the path, she sang a tune from a song she heard on the radio:

“Hey, soul sister
Ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair, you know
Hey, soul sister.”

Melissa walked east from the patio towards the old oak tree and spotted a white rabbit sniffing along the wall’s bottom edge. She paused and gazed intently. Her brow furrowed, and a perplex look crossed her face. When she moved nearer to the rabbit, it glanced up at her and began to dig wildly, as if trying to burrow beneath the wall. “What is it doing and how did it get into the yard?" she mused.

“Hey little fellow, what are you doing here? Where did you come from?” The rabbit stopped and stared at her. Its nose twitched, and the rabbit went back to digging, determined to get to the other side. Melissa scratched her head. “You must be one of the neighbor’s pets. How curious,” she said. As she inspected the wall, she noticed a door obscured by vines.

 "Where did this door come from? I never noticed it before." The rabbit froze, its black eyes looked up at her. She leaned in closer and started pulling the vines off the door and uncovering it.

Her hands ended up with a few scratches, but what she found was amazing. Her eyes widened; her mouth dropped. “Wow, this door looks ancient,” she exclaimed and touched the door. An unsettling realization washed over her as she beheld the indiscernible writing etched across the upper edge.

“This is weird, maybe grandma didn’t know about this door, I guess,” she pondered.  “This door seems to be pretty old little fellow," she said as she looked down at the rabbit. The rabbit looked up at her and twitched its nose. Suddenly the rabbit scratched the door, as if it was trying to tell her to open it. She got the impression that it understood what she was saying, and she sensed intelligence behind those black eyes. Melissa spotted a lock on the ground, picked it up and looked at it carefully. “Wow, how weird!” she paused.

 “I wonder how old this is?” she said and sighed, “I guess someone must have unlocked the door. But who? This is truly a unique lock.” She had butterflies in her stomach and felt a little uneasy, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why. A wave of dread washed over her, but it was tangled up with a strong sense of curiosity. Melissa raised her eyes and stared at the door for a moment. It beckons her, coaxing her to open it. Something about it piqued her curiosity even more than normal. She gulped, "You know, I wonder what’s on the other side," she said out loud. One of the rabbit’s ears twitched as Melissa slowly opened the door.  

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Updates: FLARE A New Book & Audiobooks

 

Updates on my books: I have recently published a new book called, FLARE. It is available on Amazon and GooglePlay. I will be working on the audiobook version and in a couple of months, a link to the audiobook will be available on this blog and the website.

I am currently editing a book titled A Time Traveler's Companion, which spans more than 400 pages. Once it is published on Amazon, a link will be provided on the website and this blog. In the meantime, it will be available on Google Play starting this month, where I have chosen to release it in segments. Those eager for an early preview can download or listen to the audiobook version on Google Play. The complete book will also be published on Amazon.

Saints and Sinners: Affairs of the Heart has been revised and is available on GogglePlay. I will upload the revised version on KDP over the weekend. The same goes for The Stranger Things: Paranormal, Supernatural and Unusual Phenomenon, (revised)

FLARE GogglePlay

FLARE Amazon

Saints and Sinners GogglePlay

Excerpt from In the Company of Elves

 

Chapter 5: Melissa & the Seven Elves

 

   Morning broke, and Melissa was the last one to rise. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. Keefe’s bed was made, and Fagan’s sleeping bag and pillow lay neatly on a chair in the corner of the room near the window. She found her dress on Keefe’s bed. Arowyn and the others were not in the room. Everyone was up early. Melissa could hear talking and the sweet smell of breakfast.

 “I wonder what elves eat,” she thought as she slipped on her dress eager to find out. She found a brush on top of a chest drawer in the room and combed her hair.

 “I hope they don’t mind me using this,” she said to herself. “After all I came unprepared for this trip.” She grimaced and rolled her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. A soft knock sounded at the door.

 “Milady, breakfast is ready.” Nolan said. Melissa smiled. She joined the elves at the table. Breakfast was interesting. There were vegetables, lightly toasted mushrooms, along with large grubs and freshly baked bread. A pitcher of water was next to another pitcher with raspberry juice. Scrambled eggs were on a long platter ready for eating. Melissa is intrigued.

“Where do you keep your chickens?” She asked. “The chickens belong to the community, and they are in a chicken coop in the far side of the village.”

She did not see bacon or ham. “Don’t you guys ever eat ham, bacon or sausages?” Nolan’s eyes shot open, and he shook his head. “We do not eat meat,” he responded. “Most elves are vegetarian, however in this community, we occasionally eat fish,” Adain added.

“Oh, so you are Pescatarians?” asked Melissa.

“I suppose we are. We Elves are a race of beings that have a great respect for life,” said Nolan. “Paradoxically some of the greatest assassins and knights in all of history have been elves, not to

mention some of the best archers in the world,” Keefe said. “Wow I didn’t know,” said Melissa, intrigued by what he revealed. She ate her breakfast as if she had not had breakfast in a long time. “Going through that wormhole or whatever it was, really made me hungry,” she stated. The sauce is quite good, made of natural herbs and vegetables. Melissa did not touch the wine. She drank the raspberry juice that Nolan made instead. Something tastes like tofu, but she isn’t quite sure what it is, nevertheless she enjoyed her breakfast very much.

“Who cooked the breakfast? It is good.” She said, as she finished her drink.

“Arowyn cooked this meal,” said Demetrius. Melissa smiled at Arowyn and winked approvingly. Arowyn smiled back with a twinkle in his eyes. Later Melissa spoke to Arowyn about her stay with them.

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Can You Copyright Titles, Names and Slogans?

 

What can be copyrighted?

Recently an author published her book called Chandra’s Quest. I can’t believe the shock I felt. Yes, I was a bit irked by the fact that someone else used the same title as my book but upon looking up the copyright rules, well here is what I found:

Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks. In general, book titles are not eligible for copyright protection. The U.S. Copyright Office views book titles as “short slogans,” not intellectual property. The underlying theory to this notion is that there may be other instances where the same or a similar title is equally appropriate.

Yes, it’s true even though an author copyrights their written work, it doesn’t mean the author owns the rights to the title, and names in the book. Slogans & short phrases is different and might be protected by trademark. 

The difference between the Chandra's Quest by Barbara A. Miller and my book is that they both are of different genre. My Chandra's Quest is sci-fi/fantasy, Miller's book is general fiction/romance. I read a few pages from the sample book, it seems to be a western type of romance book. 

After I revised, In the Company of Elves, I published it on KDP. A few years later another author published her book using the same title. However she did write a fantasy book much like my book but there are significant differences between the two. 

I copyright my books with the Copyright Office so I am not worried. Bottom line is that names & titles are not copyrighted even if the author sent their manuscript to the copyright office. 

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Books I am Working On Now

I've been busy these past couple of months with my writing and other craft projects. The company I worked for has put everyone on hold until the housing companies decide whether they want people to advertise for them or not. I have more time to write. I am still upset not being able to work during the summer but that's not what I want to talk about in this blog entry. 

Anyways, lets talk about my books. Lost in the Backrooms: The Phoenix Files Vol. 1 has been downloaded more than any of my other books which says a lot, thank you to the readers that are interested in my version of the Backrooms. That's a big deal to me. Also, two people actually bought the printed version, double thanks, I appreciate it. 

I do write under another pseudonym and I am going to reveal what the name is and where you'll be able to download the books I will publish under that name. 

Future books by CG Heandez

Womens' Stories: A Collection of Unbelievable Short Stories (General Fiction)

Through the Eyes of a Sign Twirler

(Nonfiction)

Where to find them: Google Play and Apple Books.

I am currently working on, A Twist in Time:  a prequel to Chandra's Quest, and Vol. 2 of the Phoenix Files and Womens' Stories: A Collection of Unbelievable Short Stories. This book is considered general fiction, much like one of my other books called, Saints and Sinners: Affairs of the Heart.

Please do visit my YouTube channel and subscribe. Also, please do follow me on my website.

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The Hypocrisy: Early Reviewer Program?

 

As I stated in a previous entry, Amazon is biased. I have read other Author’s complaints regarding reviews that have been either blocked or removed by Amazon because they don’t fall under their dictatorial rules. Here’s a screenshot of those rules.

I would like to know in what reality was it when the only thing Amazon looked at when it came to reviews, they would scan for indecent & malicious reviews that had curse words or had nothing to do with the product. Those are the reviews they would block or delete.  

What bothers me is this one rule: 

“A review by someone perceived to have a close personal relationship with the product’s owner, author, or artist.”

Again, as I stated before, what the fuck? How the Hell would Amazon know who is who? The author doesn’t personally know everyone who follows them. Several years ago, I remember a person who posted online that Amazon will delete or block reviews coming from people that the author knows like neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, followers, etcetera.

 I laughed because I couldn’t believe what I read. It’s unbelievable. I wonder what their bases for comparison is. I want to go back to the reality where Amazon wasn’t crazy. By the way, I stumbled across something that I found curious. While looking online about why Amazon blocks reviews, I came across this: 

Reviews are harder than ever to get, so why not take advantage of an Amazon-sanctioned review service?

The Early Reviewer Program is an initiative in which Amazon offers small incentives to buyers to leave a review for a new product. The program costs $60, and Amazon will continue to ask for reviews for 12 months, or until you get five reviews through the program (whichever comes first).

So, tell me, why would Amazon offer this? Now, that’s a bit hypocritical, don’t you think? They don’t want reviews coming from people who were paid to post a review but yet, they are encouraging sellers, indie authors and indie artist to pay $60 to get reviews on their products. Does anyone see the hypocrisy here? 

Well, I don't know where it all leads for the Indie authors. It just seems that they can't get a break. 

In addition, I want to add that I have seen that some indie authors have resorted to paying an outside source for reviews. It's true. I've seen it online. I would never do that because you don't know who you're sending the money to. Take for instance one person who suggested a site owned by someone in Nigeria. No way would I even consider anything from another country, especially Nigeria. But I fear that some indie authors are so discouraged and irked over the fact that their reviews are begin blocked, they will consider going to outside sources and thus, Amazon will delete their accounts. My advice is don't do it. There are other ways to obtain reviews. GO to other websites. Goodreads, Book Thing, and other places are not picky. And yes, I know that Amazon is the first place a person looks to when they want to buy a book or something else, I get it but find other places. Be happy if your book gets a 4 or 5 star on any website because that really means something--it does. 

For those who wish to purchase my books elsewhere please follow the links below: 

GOOGLE PLAY

Barnes & Noble

Lost in the Backrooms

On Barnes & Noble you can only purchase paperback versions of the books I'm selling.

WTF: Kindle Removed Ratings, Why?

 

Two months ago, I received an email from KDP claiming that they supposedly detected accounts attempting to manipulate Kindle services by simulating reading or borrowing activity on my titles. So now here we are, they removed the 5-star ratings that a ‘verified’ buyer posted on some of my books! 

In the Company of Elves, Chandra’s Quest, (book 1) & Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart ARE NOT affected but the others were. As far as I’m concerned, a verified buyer is a verified buyer! If they purchased the book & rated it, it's valid. What's the problem?

 The problem is that when there is toxic jealousy involved, the person who is hating on you will do anything to hurt your chances of feeling impowered and happy over small or great accomplishments. They do things underhandly, and the worst part is that they will never admit that they’re jealous of you, even if you confront them. They will deny it big time. Now, I don’t know why KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) knocked off some of my 5-star ratings on some of my books, but I feel it is unfair and unjust. You’re wondering how one person can cause such a mess, well they can especially if that person complains and sends a red flag on you even though you have no idea what happened and you’re innocent. It's happened in the past to me but under different circumstances, not about my books.

Sure, KDP claims that there was an account trying to manipulate KDP services by simulating reading or borrowing my books, but I think it’s Bullshit. Chandra’s Quest, In the Company of Elves and Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart are not affected, however Gypsy Heart did lose a one 5-star rating, probably because the rate came from the same person who downloaded that book and the others recently. Older rates and reviews are not affected.

 Nevertheless, it is unfair to remove what I feel came from a verified buyer, period! Haters will be Haters and Indie Authors who don’t have haters, are lucky.

Below I added a video I found on YouTube explaining what jealousy is and how it can affect your life, also I will add a link to my Author’s YouTube channel, please subscribe to my channel. 

Jealousy

My YouTube Channel

What is This?

Stranger Things: Paranormal, Supernatural & Unusual Phenomenon Chapter 12 Excerpt

 

Stranger Things: Paranormal, Supernatural & Unusual Phenomenon

Chapter 12 excerpt

Chapter 12: Night Crawlers

What are night crawlers? Where do they come from? Well, the first sighting that I’ve heard of was several years ago, posted online and on YouTube.

*Fresno, California, might not always be the most exciting place in the world, but it has one claim to fame that's out of this world. The Fresno Nightcrawler sightings began back in the 1990s and have only occurred a few times since then. These strange creatures look like pants walking but are only a few feet high and are seen just wandering around. There are only a few eyewitnesses in Fresno,

but the Nightcrawlers do pop up on other surveillance cameras, startling whoever checks the CCTV tapes. Much video footage of cryptids is easily debunked by video analysis, but the weird thing about the Nightcrawlers is that the videos seem to be legit. 

What I think: Yep, I have never seen a Night Crawlers, I would love too though. When I was a kid, my family and I went on vacation trips to different states and national parks. Never once did I see anything unusual but then again, we never ventured outside at night without my parents beside my brother and me. I do remember once when we were camping somewhere at a campground in Arizona in a forested area by a lake, there was an unusual looking deck, like for boats and stuff. What was unusual about it was that the deck was made of wood, kind of old looking, but there were large rocks extending from the lake’s floor upward, close to the deck where you can just step on them and continue walking on them until you reached the edge and can look out to the lake. One day as I was at the edge, I peered downward to see how far the large rocks go. The water was semi clear and as I strained to look down, I saw two large snails making their way up alongside of the rocks! One was as big as a basketball the other a bit smaller. My eyes shot open. I have never seen anything like it before, so I quickly ran back to the campsite. No, I did not tell my parents. I found the large snails unusual, and I was scared. But of course, this has nothing to do with the Night Crawlers so let’s continue. Many people have seen Night Crawlers. Native Americans have encountered them.

*According to tribe members that live near Fresno, the Nightcrawlers are beings that have pretty much always lived on earth, even before human beings got there. According to these myths, the Nightcrawlers have long legs that allow them to move through difficult or boggy landscapes because they are swamp-world beings.

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Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart Chapter 1 Excerpt

 

Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart Chapter 1 Excerpt

Life doesn’t present stones to bruise your soul,

But challenges to leap, to make you whole.

Embrace each dawn with eyes anew,

With a heart wide open, and goals to pursue.

May tomorrow's light guide you on your way,

Bringing you nearer to your goals each day.

Chapter 1: Serena

If you’re reading this, it means I’ve passed on. I’m Serena Raye Sanchez, and I penned this diary back when I was in my late 30s, a time when my hair was starting to grey, and my body was beginning to show signs of aging. In my youth, I was considered quite attractive, sporting light brown or sometimes burgundy hair, depending on the dye I chose at the time. Honestly, I can’t even recall what my natural hair color is anymore, but I can confidently say I was never a blonde.  I’ve always had a slim figure and striking hazel eyes, a trait I got from my mother. 

My mom, Maria, had a rich heritage, being both Irish and Mexican, while my dad, Scott, was of Caucasian descent. I also have a younger sister, Caroline, who is happily married and has two kids of her own.  As I pen down these thoughts in my diary, I can't help but reflect on the fact that both my parents have passed away, may they rest in peace. I have three daughters: Sarah, Salem, and Shari. It’s funny how all their names start with an S, just like mine.  Before diving in, I should mention that this diary covers all the crushes and romances I've had over the years. Think of it as a bit of a confession, though I’m pretty sure some people wouldn’t forgive me if they stumbled upon it. I may be dead, and it doesn’t bother me, but it will hurt my family. Despite everything, I am and always will remain the person people knew and loved regardless of my flaws. No one’s perfect and not everyone walks the righteous path so I do have Haters that will always judge but that doesn’t matter, not anymore.  There was a time when I believed everyone had a soulmate, a spiritual twin somewhere out there. Finding him or her may take a person a Lifetime but people do find each other, some do that is. When I was younger and single, I was totally into soap operas and really enjoyed them. I often found myself daydreaming about meeting my Knight, my Angel, or my Soulmate. But before diving into that, I should mention my first crush, which might not excuse my later choices but definitely gives a glimpse into who I used to be. So, let’s rewind to high school, where I encountered my first major crush on a guy named Alex Romero. He had a bit of a following, with dark brown hair, light hazel eyes, and clear skin, he stood around five foot five back then, but I’m sure he grew taller as time went on. I used to think he was flawless, but looking back, I realized I was wrong. As for myself, I had my own struggles. I was a bit on the heavier side, especially in the rear department, what I affectionately called, "junk in the trunk." Combine that with my low self-esteem and a hefty dose of shyness, and you’ve got a recipe for some seriously awkward times during those years.

I wasn't really the kind of girl Alex would notice or date; I was pretty average in looks. Still, I had a huge crush on him. And no, we never had sex, and I didn't even think about it. Why? Because I was brought up in a strict conservative Mexican family. Yes, there are conservative Mexican families out there, contrary to what some may believe. I didn't look like the girls he was into, and I wasn't eager to lose my virginity, so I held myself back. I believed that when I met the person, the right one, I’d know it. The first time I laid eyes on Alex: It was like a refreshing gust of wind ruffling my hair, that one instant when a new thread was added to the intricate fabric of my life, a moment that would forever hold significance for me. Alex and I were in the same English class, and there I was, caught without any paper to jot down my essay.  So, I turned to him and asked if he could spare me a sheet. He said, “Hi,” and handed me a few sheets of paper. Our eyes met and something happened, at least for me it did. “Who is this guy talking to me? He is so cute,” I thought to myself. My mouth dropped, my heart skipped a beat, I got that feeling in my stomach, butterflies. I've definitely had my share of crushes on guys before. Back in middle school, I liked two boys, Chuck and Simon, but they always went for the thinner, cuter girls. I thought Alex was different, or at least I hoped so. If I had looked like those other girls, he liked maybe we could have been a couple and gotten closer, but my low self-esteem always held me back.

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Life of a Dasher Excerpt Chapter 1

 

Life a Dasher Chapter 1 Excerpt

Chapter 1: Bring it On

 

My name is Mary, and I'm a contented wife and mom of two wonderful kids. On the weekends, I take on a part-time gig as a project manager at an advertising firm that focuses on promoting new homes constructed by big housing developers. My role involves overseeing a team of folks of all ages who stand at busy intersections in various cities and towns, proudly holding signs to draw attention to these exciting new properties. I was once in their shoes, but after a few years, I decided to step up and request a role as a supervisor or project manager. I wanted to escape the constant exposure to the elements while twirling signs. A lot of folks underestimate how tough this gig can be. Being a sign twirler or Human Directional comes with its own set of challenges and benefits, but honestly, I just couldn't handle the random insults from strangers anymore. It's wild how some people can be so out of touch. It's often the case that those who come off as mean or rude are younger, typically under 20, but during my time as a Human Directional, I saw plenty of adults behaving just as immaturely. When I first took on the role of supervisor, I assumed it would be a breeze and not too chaotic, but I quickly realized I was mistaken. In 2019, my town decided to crack down on housing companies by slapping fines on them for using Sign Twirlers at busy intersections, where they would enthusiastically wave their signs. The town officials claimed it was too distracting for drivers and pedestrians alike. As the area manager, I found myself in the thick of controversy, having to navigate the fallout from this decision and address the concerns of both the companies and the community. The entire situation complicated things for the company when it came to positioning the sign twirlers in the best spots for maximum visibility. Just a heads up, some of the housing communities throw a grand opening sale, people can go and enjoy the free snacks and drinks the clients provide, even if they’re not going to buy a house that day. I just wanted to let people know about that, so the next time you see a grand opening, go and get yourselves some free food. So, it was December 2019, and many housing companies were shutting down because of whispers about a virus from overseas that was expected to hit the U.S. Before I knew it, I found myself unemployed. That extra cash was a nice boost, so now what do I do?

This is an excerpt from Life of a Dasher, you can download the book through Kindle unlimited. Please rate & review. Thank you.

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