Marcy Rachel’s Colorful Indie Blog Tour

The Graphic Designer

HOW IT STARTED

In 2011, for NaNoWriMo, Marcy Rachel didn't finish what she was writing. Instead, she decided to make MOCK covers for other authors that were writing to inspire them to finish. After that, people loved what she was doing and they told her that she should sell her covers. Marcy took up on their word and now has her page Marcy Rachel Designs. ♥ Every November is a reminder of why she started doing this -- indie authors. Marcy keeps her prices very low by keeping Indies in mind. Not only does she make book covers, but also design other things.

ABOUT MARCY

Marcy takes pride in her work and will work with you until you are satisfied with the art.  It's always been said "Don't judge a book by its cover" and, although this is very true, a nice book cover can catch the eye of more readers.  Marcy will always use her skills to her highest to provide you with the best cover she can possibly give you so you can be satisfied. Along with being a freelance designer, working for anyone who needs a great cover, Marcy Rachel is also the official graphics designer of AltWit Press.

About Marcy, From Marcy-

“Since my teenage years, I always liked to look at paintings and sculptures. I loved visiting museums. When I went to college, I enrolled as Chemistry major due to lack of knowledge about degrees and programs offered. I failed Chemistry and moved to Business Administration, where I finished my degree as an Administrative Assistant. While in college, I found out that I could’ve pursue a degree in arts but it was already too late. When I was doing my internship, I discovered a TV show that I loved. I met other fans and learned about fan fiction and graphic design. This was my first encounter with graphic design and video editing and I loved it. I started doing it and taught myself some Photoshop and Movie Maker and I’ve been doing it ever since. Supporting the amazing indie community, whether it be a book cover design, a banner, a logo or even a bookmark is my constant ambition. They are the reason that I now I have my “indie business”, Marcy Rachel Designs.

So this is me, Marcy Rachel, providing just a little insight into how I was inspired and why I design.”

HOW SHE DOES IT

Marcy Rachel Designs obtains most of her resources from stock photo web sites.  She first looks on websites that have been researched and that have images that are completely free.  Unfortunately, most of these websites do not offer good quality pictures worthy of being in a book cover or any design.  This is when she turns to paid images, though royalty free, trying always to find a website where the cost of the graphics is low compared to others.  The cost of these images depends on which, and how many images she ultimately uses in the creation of your cover and/or design.  The cost of the images is paid by the client and it's not included in the labor of creating the cover.  You will always have the option of choosing a less expensive (or more expensive) image. Marcy must have your approval on all the images before finalizing the cover.

PRICING

E-Book covers start at $50! For a full list of services and prices, please visit her website!

REVISIONS

Most cover designers only allow a few revisions.  Marcy Rachel Designs has been allowing unlimited revisions, but this takes a lot of time and it's not fair to other people she am working with simultaneously; it slows down her turn-around time for everyone.  SO, now she is offering 10 free revisions.  Additional revisions will incur in a $5.00 fee per revision.

She will be sending you drafts of the cover as you guys go along and make changes; feel free to suggest any changes you think might make the design better and she will try them!!

WHAT IS NEEDED FROM THE CLIENT

Most authors send a synopsis of their book and/or the first two chapters so that Marcy can get an idea of the concept to portray.  Sometimes an author will send her the whole book and allow her to scan it for exciting scenes to get her imagination going. That’s totally up to you! Some pitch in some ideas they already have so she can work with those as well.

*A note about content: Marcy does not read pornographic material in preparation for designing a cover.  (Romance novels are ok, even if it has sex scenes, but not actual pornography.) She can use images that depict artistic nudity, but none that portray hate or cruelty towards animals or people.

WHEN THE DESIGN IS CREATED

Marcy Rachel works as quickly as possible, often working nights and weekends to complete a commission.  If you have a deadline coming up and need a cover as soon as possible, let Marcy help you out!

WHAT WILL THE CLIENT GET

Marcy Rachel Designs will supply you with two cover files for the web; one for Amazon Kindle's with the new size requirement (2500px on the long side) and a smaller size to use as thumbnail.  If you need a custom size, please let her know before work begins. She will include this file size on your package at NO cost.  When the design is final, Marcy Rachel Designs owns the rights of the final design and will use it to promote her work.  If you want full ownership of the rights, it will require an additional fee.

QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS??

If you have any questions or comments for Marcy, don’t hesitate to contact her at any of the links below or e-mail her at contact@marcyracheldesigns.com

CONNECT WITH MARCY RACHEL DESIGNS

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarcyRachelDesigns

Twitter: @MarcyRDesigns

Website: http://www.marcyracheldesigns.com

The Schedule

February 1

Tyffani Clark

http://www.tyffanickemp.com/

February 2

Caitlin Hensley

www.authorcaitlinhensley.blogspot.com

February 3

Melissa Lynn Simmons

http://lissalynnsreviews.blogspot.com/

February 4

Tich Brewster

http://lovesallthingsbooks.blogspot.com/

February 5

Candy Smith

http://purpleshadowhunter.blogspot.com/

February 6

Ann Snizek

www.annsnizekauthor.blogspot.com

February 7

Ren Reidy

www.alittlebitofrnrreviews.com

February 8

Sarah Princess Graham

www.FaeBooks.co.uk

February 9

Mera Sampson

http://merasyabooklist.blogspot.com/

February 10

Teresa Gabelman

www.teresagabelman.com

February 11

Jacqueline Driggers

http://jdslzone.blogspot.com/

February 12

Anna Dase

http://www.rbtlreviews.com/

February 13

Cassie Chavez

http://cassiesreviewsde-la-mazing.blogspot.com/

February 14

Ashley Ryan Snyder

http://caughtinasnyderwebb.blogspot.com/

February 15

Pauline Jim Creeden

http://altwitpress.weebly.com/

February 16

Sadrina Cassiopeia

http://booksandtheirwordlyrealm.blogspot.com/

February 17

Christina Condy

http://www.recentread.com/

February 18

Christina Baker Irelan

http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com/

February 19

Delphina Miyares

http://www.delphinareadstoomuch.com/

February 20

Tawnya Peltonen

http://onemorechapterreviews1.blogspot.com/

February 21

Sara McCluskey

http://www.serendipity-reviews.com/

February 22

Jennifer Martinez

http://booksnbrownies.com/

February 23

Brianna Lee Reviews

http://www.briannaleereviews.blogspot.com/

February 24

Andrea Coventry

http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com/

February 25

Beth Calloway Edwards

http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.blogspot.com/

February 26

A Page Away

http://apageawaybookreviews.blogspot.com/

February 27

Becky Johnson

http://bexnbooks.blogspot.com.au/

February 28

Tejasvini Rao

http://www.curiositykey.blogspot.com/

Ashes & Ice by Rochelle Maya Callen Release Day Blitz

                                            

                                                                      Title: Ashes & Ice

                                              Author: Rochelle Maya Callen         

                                            Release Day: February 4th, 2013

                                                   Genre: Young Adult

                                             Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:

She is desperate to remember.
He is aching to forget.
Together, they are not broken.
But together, one may not survive.

​Jade wakes up with no memory of her past and blood on her hands.

Plagued by wicked thoughts, she searches for answers. Instead, she finds a boy who doesn't offer her answers, but hope. But sometimes, when nightmares turn into reality and death follows you everywhere, hope is not enough.

LUST. LOVE. LOSS. Sometimes, all that is left are Ashes and Ice

Excerpt #1

Jade

            The girl’s glassy, dead eyes stare into me, through me, pierce me with a fierce urgency, with a wicked accusation. The blood is still on my hands.

            Red hair, blue eyes, a constellation of freckles on pale skin. She was fragile and innocent, a lovely thing. That is what I think until I see the gashes on her wrists and throat. With her blood spilling out, she looks delicious. She’s mine. Possessiveness shocks me, stabs into me. I run, tearing away from a craving I don't understand.

            Breathless, I grit my teeth and run harder, faster.

             

            My feet pound against the earth, away from the lifeless body and toward the lights of the city lingering on the horizon. Rot and death linger in my nostrils. Unscarred skin stretches taut over my freezing bones. Echoes of an empty memory reverberate in my mind, taunting me. The ice chases me, clutches me, and bites at my heels, sending shivers up my spine. The ice wants me back, but I run forward, toward the lights, toward the heat, toward a world that burns me, because I have no other choice.

            The lights are so close. Heat scalds my skin.

            Images race through my mind, paralyzing me. I skid to a stop, my boots digging into the mud. The vision’s blurred edges materialize into solid shapes.

             I gasp.

            A new horror rakes my insides. Desperation propels me forward; the pictures nagging at my seams threaten to tear me apart.

            Scorching fire licks over my skin. In my vision, I contort like a vile, ugly creature, eyes as black as decay. My frame hunches over the small, dead girl, like a demon looming over a defenseless child. Her blood drips from my mouth.

            I lick my lips and taste only salty sweat.

            I run, desperate to trample the vision under my feet, to crush it deep into the ground.

            I refuse to believe the image, refuse to acknowledge the monster within me demanding to be unleashed—and the possibility it has already been unbound. An unrelenting tide of fear washes over me. Past the denial, the fear, and the hope, I think I can still taste her.

            The cold stillness inside me cracks open just as the lights of the city slam into me

Excerpt # 2

He smiles a bit wider and hands out the pin.

            As, I reach to pluck it from his palm, he snatches my wrist with one hand, my bicep with the other and crushes me against his chest.

            His grip is tight—too tight, it hurts—and the bend of him hovers over me, leaning in. I try to shake him off, but he doesn’t let go. I squirm as I feel his thumb trace circles on the inside of my wrist. The touch sends a skitter of sensation over me. Something tinges the air; a sweet, cool feeling brushes over my skin, making my knees want to buckle. He smells like mint, his breath tickles my face. I pull back, hating the sensations that please my skin and curdle my insides. Bile surges in my throat. I tear myself away from him, glaring.

            “What?” He says coolly as if he hadn’t just bruised my arms with his clutching fingertips.

            “That. Hurt.” I say. I don’t say he smells sweet or his breath is refreshing on my skin or his touch sends chills up my spine, delicious chills. I step away.

            His smile is unnerving. “Don’t worry, Jade.” He winks at me. Damn that wink of his. “One day, you’ll like it.”

Amazon/Goodreads/Facebook

Book Trailer for Ashes & Ice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGiOD9DPlSY

Author Bio:

Rochelle grew up dreaming up stories. When she entered high school, she tucked away her creative side and jumped head-first into academics, work, and service projects. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Communication when she was twenty years old. After years away from her writing, Rochelle picked up a pen and started fleshing out a character sketch that she outlined when she was twelve. That sketch was the start of the Ashes and Ice story. Rochelle lives in the DC metro area with her husband and daughter. By day she works as a behavioral therapist. By night, she is a dreamer and is busy tapping out new stories on her keyboard.

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A.L. Burgos Blog Tour: Author Bio & Giveaway

The Book

Sec4rets
By: A.L. Burgos

Synopsis
We all have secrets...

Mark, Tiffany, Kevin and Kim are best friends. When they enter High School together they find out that it's not all fun and games as they find out that drama is involved. They must stick together to get through High School but when they start to keep secrets from each other, ones that can tear them apart, their friendships will be tested as the secrets come out. So will their friendships survive or will the secrets be too much and tear them apart? Let the secrets come out...

Genre:Young Adult Teenage Drama

Length :301 pages

Average Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

What People are saying about it

"This book was amazing. I loved it from the beginning to the end. It keeps you wanting more. From the moment you start reading you can't stop. It has lots of drama and real life issues that everyone goes through. It's better than most books I have read. I will recommend this book to everyone who loves drama and loves to read about real life issues. I can't wait for book 2. This author is awesome." –Beba

“I recommend this book for any one who wants to enter the world of high school they left long ago. From 90210 to One Tree Hill, Sec4rets captures all the issues teenagers faces. From the beginning to end I was hypnotized by the suspense & the possibility of the secrets being revealed. I definitely didn't want it to end! Looking forward to Book 2!”

“…the quartet of Burgos'
protagonists make for enjoyable reading. Topics teens deal with every day -
unwanted pregnancy, cutting, alcoholism, self-esteem issues, and peer pressure are all told in a way that seems fresh; a credit to the author's talent for fleshing out his interesting characters.”

“For a first time Writer A.L Burgos knows how to write! I was captivated by the first page after that he had me at hook-line-and-sinker. This book has a little something for everyone. Talking about the angst is getting me antsy even writing this, that's how good the writing is.”

Links

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Sec4rets-ebook/dp/B009FM33SK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sec4rets-ebook/dp/B009FM33SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355035736&sr=8-1

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16045487-sec4rets

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/249574

The Author

A.L. Burgos

Biography

A. L. Burgos (Anthony Luis Burgos) lives in NYC in the gritty area of Harlem. He never ran the streets of Harlem rather he found the joys of writing. At the age of 10, he began to write and he discovered that it was an escape from the outside world. YA drama and mystery thrillers were his passion; he wrote his first story (not published) titled "Forever Friends" at 11. His dream was to become a famous author one day, so he would be able to move his mother out of Harlem. Anthony has self published his first YA drama "Sec4rets" which is getting rave reviews from readers claiming it’s an edge of your seat ride and amazing, while at the same time tackling real life teen issues. He is working on several new books hoping to be released in 2013.

Links

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/A.L.Burgos2991

Amazon Author

http://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Burgos/e/B00821FSNI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads Author

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477677.A_L_Burgos

Giveaway Info

One PDF copy of Sec4rets. Leave a comment and one winner will be picked by random.org. Winner is asked to please request  a review when they get chance.These winners’ names (one from each blog) will then go in to a draw to win one of five copies of Sec4rets 2 on its release in June 2013.

So effectively the winner gets the opportunity to win two ebooks. 

~Review Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning

REVIEW:
Awesome start to Vampire Academy(VA) spin off series! I did not think I would enjoy it as much as VA but I may like it more and that is hard to do. Richelle Mead took our not so outstanding characters in VA and has brought them front and center in Bloodlines.
Adrian wasn't one of my favorite characters in VA.He was kind of an annoyance,I din't see what everyone saw in him.But in Bloodlines he grew on me and I am loving Sydney and Adrian's growing friendship and snarky comments.
I enjoyed being in Sydney's head and trying to figure things out as she did.I have to say,one conclusion I drew before she did but another one smacked me straight in the face because I never saw it coming.Sydney seemed like a shy nerdy character in VA but she has grown a lot since her encounter with our VA friends.She paid a high price for helping Rose in VA and now she has a chance to prove herself.She does this with flying colors.
Sydney,Adrian and Eddie must keep Jill safe from Moroi who want to remove Lissa from the throne by taking her out.The Alchemist hide them out in the hottest,driest place the can find,Palms Springs,CA.Posing as siblings at a private school they try to blend in with other students.However,things don't go so smoothly and they encounter a threat they didn't perceive. Can they keep Jill safe and hidden? Can Sydney work with vampires while proving she wasn't a vamp lover? Will they uncover the threat before it is too late?



Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bloodlines-Richelle-Mead/dp/1595143173/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart


REVIEW:
I am so in love with this series!So Sydney is getting back into good graces with the Alchemist but at the same time she questions here own friendship with the vampires in her care.A new dhampir is brought in to help guard Jill,leaving Sydney the freedom of her own room.However,this new dhampir is a hand full.On top of keeping Jill safe,Sydney has to keep the new dhampir from causing too many problems that would result in her expulsion from Amberwood.
Lia is still trying to find a way to get Jill to do a photo shoot.Her teacher is still encouraging Sydney to practice magic. Sydney is against both ideas due to Jill's safety and her own beliefs. 
Jill is now dating a human. Trey is adamant about setting Sydney up with the new guy at the coffee shop.Eddie is still pining for Jill while insist she is too good for him and the new dhampir has her eyes set on Eddie.Sydney continues to be oblivious to Adrain's flirting. While all our characters become more involved in their own relationships, a new threat is emerging.Sonya becomes a target for these newcomers in turn putting our whole group in danger.Will Sydney be able to figure out who they are and how to stop them before they get to Sonya? Can Sydney figure out how to she balance her mission as an Alchemist without compromising her Alchemist beliefs?



Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Golden-Lily-Bloodlines-Novel/dp/1595143181/ref=pd_sim_b_2

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood

Release Date: 2-12-12



Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159514319X?ie=UTF8&assoc_ss_swlb=1&keywords=indigo%20spell&qid=1359798980&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

100 + Book Giveaway Hosted by Krystal and Rachel

That's right! 100+ books up for grabs. Krystal and Rachel have been saving up books for this special occasion. Both of them are giving away 50 books to two winners and every day this month there will be a special guest author giving away signed books. In total everyone receives 70 chances to win! Every day they will be updating this post so you can click on different authors if you missed someone. Here's the author schedule:

Feburary...

2nd: Etquette & Espionage, Gail Carriger  -- 10 copies!

3nd: Unremembered, Jessica Brody

4th: Soldier Dog, Sam Angus

4rd: What I Call Life, Jill Wolfson

5th: The Innocents, Lili Peloquin

6th: Shunning Sarah / Stalking Sarah & Missing Mark, Julie Kramer

7th: False Memory, Dan Krokos

8th: The Murmurings, Carly Anne West

8th: Illuminate, Aimee Agresti

9th: Witch & Wizard: The Kiss!, James Patterson -- 5 copies!

10th: When We Wake, Karen Healey -- 5 copies!

11th: Breaking Point, Kristen Simmons

12th: Summerset Abby, T.J. Brown

13th: Ashfall, Mike Mullin

14th: Chain Reaction, Simone Elkeles -- 2 copies!

15th: Midnight City, Mitchell Barton

16th: Override (Glitch #2), Heather Anastasiu

17th: The Nightmare Affair, Mindee Arnett

17th: Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things, Kathryn Burak

18th: Surrender & ARC of Justice, Rhiannon Paille

19th: Monument 14: Sky On Fire ARC, Emmy Laybourne

20th: Catherine, April Lindner -- 5 copies!

21st: Return to Me, Justina Chen -- 5 copies!

22nd: Altered, Jennifer Rush -- 5 copies!

23rd: After Dark, Emi Gayle

24th: So Close to You, Rachel Carter

25th: Weather Witch, Shannon Delany

25th: Touch of Death, Kelly Hashway

26th: The 13th Sign, Kristin Tubb

26th: Fault Line, Christa Desir

27th: Darker Still, Leanna Hieber

28th: Fractured Light and Fractured Soul, Rachel McClellan

Find a list of more books in the giveaway here