Hi friends,

I can't believe I'm finally releasing a new book after almost two years!

I also commissioned my first audiobook, by the talented J.S. Arquin. I knew it would be a pricey task, but with a book that is over 700 pages long, the bill came to just under $6k. Eek!

Awakening Horde: Shieldwall Academy Book 1

This will be the test to see if my long-running experiment of using Royal Road (a web serial site) and Patreon will pay off.

Now I get to watch and see if the returns will make the entire venture worth it.

How do you think it'll go?

Some of you have asked how you can help. Here's a quick list of how to support the launch of a new book by a favorite author:

• On Amazon's page, click "helpful" on a review or two that impressed you. (It'll really help the nasty, less helpful ones not be listed first.)
• Post your star rating or write your own review - no purchase required.
• Check out a copy for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
• Buy an ebook.
• Buy an audiobook (Whispersync is enabled, which lets you buy the audio for only $7.49 if you have a KU or purchased copy)
• Post a note with a link anywhere on your social media. Other people talking about the book is a HUGE boost! If you tag me, I'll make sure to comment!

Here's the link to share:

https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Horde-Academy-Adventure-Shieldwall-ebook/dp/B0CC43916J

For those of you curious about how well it's selling, scroll down for the early details:

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Some great reads here today!

Inhuman Pressure by Richard Rimington

On Amazon and FREE in KU!

Cybernetic elder beings control the stars. Haunted wilderness planets offer no safety.

Tons of SFF 1st in Series!!

Albertan Apocalypse by John Keillor

On Amazon and FREE on KU!

THE FLASH CREATED A WORLD-WIDE WAR FOR RESOURCES

After a meltdown of the internet and national governments, Alberta is one of the few stable and affluent societies on the planet.

So many Excellent SFF eBooks!

Amaranth by David M Snow

How do you defeat an enemy that does not exist?

The Flood submerged the world more than a century ago, sinking entire cities and the triumph of modern civilization.

So many SFF ebooks on Sale!!

So many FREE SFF ebooks!!

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A quick shout-out to long-time reader: Sam Stokes

Sam has been one of my readers since 2021 and now has cancer and other medical issues spiraling out of control.

Here is her gofundme if you feel like helping out for life saving treatment she can't get in France:

https://gofund.me/73c8acbd

Sometimes we all need a little help - so thanks!

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Awakening Horde

First 2 weeks

I was so excited to wake up a few days ago to see I got a #1 Best-Selling New Release tag on the book! It really makes it stand out compared to books listed around it.

Here are the stats so far:

• Highest rank so far = #3350 in the entire Amazon Store
• #5 in Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy
• 65 Reviews averaging 4.7 (Want to help me hit 100 ratings?)
• Sold 173 Audiobooks
• Sold about $2000 worth of ebooks and pages read in KU
• Paid Amazon ~$800 for advertising clicks in the US store
• Paid ~$100 for clicks in the Amazon UK store
• Paid ~$50 to Bookbub for an advertising image at the bottom of their emails.
• Paid $250 to Royal Road for advertising.

Yes - it is painful to see more money go to advertising than author earnings, but without it, it's hard to get the book in front of readers.

See how important you are? When you mention the book or post about it, it really helps keep the advertising costs down.

Now you know why I'm so grateful for everything you do!

Thanks for all your support!!

I hope you're having a wonderful summer!

- Misty :)

p.s. See all my books on Amazon here: Misty Zaugg Amazon Page

p.p.s. For a web version of this newsletter and previous newsletters: https://sendfox.com/mistyzaugg/campaigns