Earlier this year, I vaguely alluded to a SUPER SECRET PROJECT and I promised to blog more about that when I could. Friends … it’s time for that post. 

In Trust We Fall was in a book box!

Your Paper Quest https://www.yourpaperquest.com/ is an amazing company who puts together book boxes specifically featuring independent or self-published authors. If you’re a fan of getting LESSER KNOWN BOOKS delivered right to your door, they’re a great way to do that! All the titles are vetted ahead of time and you get TWO per box. 

When I was looking into working with them, there was very little information about what it’s like to be an AUTHOR featured in their boxes. So, I decided I would put together a little bit about my experience. If you have questions, PLEASE ASK. I’d be happy to answer them if I’m able. In the meantime, here’s a bit about my experience. 

How did this opportunity find me?

Twitter, actually. Your Paper Quest is active on social media. I saw a tweet about short story collections asking for authors to recommend one (their own or someone else’s). I responded. The creators of YPQ bought the book, read it, and reached out! I’m sure that’s not how they find all of their authors (although reading the books is ALWAYS part of their process) and they do have a submission page on their website but that’s how it happened for me. 

What did it require?

For me, very little. YPQ actually prints all the books themselves. That meant a little tweaking of the formatting for the size they were requesting, a note on the copyright page about this being a special YPQ edition, and a quick change to the size of the cover art. Then there’s a contract giving them the right to print this, temporarily, where everything is all explained. YPQ handles the ordering, boxing, mailing, and extras!

Extras?

Yes! Each YPQ box comes with extras. I was asked to format an accompanying notecard that could be sent inside of each box! Fun, right? YPQ also formats a bookmark with a quote pulled from the book to include. There’s an interview component to YPQ that allows the subscribers to get access to inside information. I was asked to complete that questionnaire already and more will be coming soon! It’s all been very easy on my end and professionally handled by YPQ. 

Is this paid?

Of course! YPQ boxes are sold on a subscription basis and authors who are featured are compensated. 

Why the secrecy?

YPQ keeps the titles included in the boxes a SECRET until they arrive at the subscribers doorsteps. So, while I knew ahead of time, no one else could. Subscribers are looking for a unique experience with lesser known books … they WANT to be surprised! YPQ gives them that chance. I was featured in the Literary Tapas box, which started to arrive to subscribers in early June. 

Can I get one?

You can no longer get one of the Literary Tapas boxes but you can absolutely sign up for a box! Subscriptions are offered Monthly, Bi-monthly, or Quarterly. Remember, each of those boxes will feature 2 titles. 

If you’re just looking to snag a copy of In Trust We Fall, the best place to get that is right here from the website (especially since it will come signed). 

Would you do it again?

That’s easy … absolutely! Of course, I have no idea if YPQ ever uses the same author a second time but I’d be willing if they were! If you’re an author out there who is considering submitting to YPQ to be part of a book box, I’d 100% recommend it. They’re an easy to work with company who puts out a quality product you can be proud to attach your name to. 

So, that’s the big secret project! Your Paper Quest helped bring In Trust We Fall to over 100 subscribers. It was a great experience and I’d highly recommend the boxes to readers and the submission page to other authors. 

Thanks, YPQ, for the opportunity and for being so easy to work with! 

Happy Reading, everyone.