News and Media
Richard Bard Inks Book Deal for Self-Published Thrillers
By Maryann Yin on September 17, 2012 12:30 PM
Thriller writer Richard Bard has landed a three-book deal with Amazon Publishing’s Thomas & Mercer imprint for his Brainrush series.
Bard had previously self-published Brainrush in July 2011; The Enemy of my Enemy followed in February 2012. The publisher plans to re-release both books in February 2013. The conclusion title, Final Judgment, will come out in June 2013.
Bard wrote on his site: “I couldn’t be happier with the new relationship. The team at T&M has an author-centric philosophy that is refreshing and inspiring … It’s an exciting time for this new author!”
Announcement – Sept 15, 2012
I’m thrilled to report that I signed a 3-book publishing deal with Thomas & Mercer (Amazon’s Mystery & Thriller imprint). They plan to re-release the first two books of the Brainrush series in February of 2013, setting the stage for the launch of “Final Judgment” in June. (I completed the first draft a week ago.)
I couldn’t be happier with the new relationship. The team at T&M has an author-centric philosophy that is refreshing and inspiring. Plus, it’s supported at the very top. In a recent letter to literary agents, Amazon Publishing VP Jeff Belle wrote, “We are as determined as ever to make sure that Amazon Publishing authors reach a huge audience. In particular, we will continue to heavily market and promote them to our 180 million customers around the world, through online and offline advertising, our websites, through email, and on millions of Kindle and non-Kindle devices.”
It’s an exciting time for this new author!
Press Release March, 2012
Indie thriller “Brainrush-II” hits #1 two weeks after release
Author Richard Bard’s sequel to the bestselling international action adventure novel “Brainrush” maintains a steady hold on the Amazon top-rated list
LOS ANGELES – Indie author Richard Bard made a splash recently when his second thriller “Brainrush-II, The Enemy of My Enemy” (ISBN 1468006002), became the best-reviewed Action/Adventure on Amazon only two weeks after its release.
“I’m blown away by the response,” says Bard, who has received thousands of emails and over 600 reviews on the popular series, the sequel earning an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. “It’s both humbling and inspiring.”
Book-1 of the series was listed in the Wall Street Journal at the top of the Bestselling Action/Adventure list in their “Readers Guide to Self-Published Big Sellers” (Dec 9, 2011). Book-2 is hot on its heels.
“This could never have happened five years ago,” says Bard. “I credit it all to Amazon and their author-friendly Kindle Direct Publishing program.” Bard recently joined the select list of indie authors who have sold over 100,000 books through the online giant.
As a young pilot in the Air Force, Richard Bard was faced with a serious health diagnosis that threatened to take his life away. In “Brainrush” he adds drama and adventure to his personal experiences in what “Publishers Weekly” describes as “an inventive and compelling hybrid of science fiction, adventure and political thriller that is terrifically entertaining.” The story continues in “Brainrush-II”:
Former combat pilot Jake Bronson believed the worst was behind him. But when a sophisticated terrorist cell shows up in his home town, he’s drawn into a conflict that threatens the heart and soul of every mother in America. The bonds of love and loyalty are tested as Jake and his friends are swept into a deadly chase that takes them from the beaches of California, to the depths of the world’s longest underground river, and finally to the remote jungles of the Venezuelan rain forest—where Jake discovers that it will take far more than his enhanced abilities to prevent what is coming.
Bard discusses a variety of contemporary topics such as terrorism, technology and autism in the “ Brainrush” series. He hopes the heroic actions and dangerous journey of Jake Bronson will draw thriller lovers while shining a light on the growing epidemic of spectrum disorders in children and teens. For more information, visit www.richardbard.com. Both books in the series are available in digital, print, and audiobook formats at Amazon.com.
About the Author:
As a young Air Force pilot, Richard Bard was faced with some scary news: he had cancer and learned he had only a few months to live. Thirty-six years later he’s still going strong. He earned a management degree from the University of Notre Dame and after leaving the Air Force, he ran three successful companies involving advanced security products used by U.S. government facilities worldwide. Book-3 is scheduled for release later this year.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Richard Bard
Email: Richard@richardbard.com
Website: www.RichardBard.com
Phone: (310) 974-2552
REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
December 9, 2011 Brainrush listed #1 in the Wall Street Journal
Brainrush, a Thriller was listed in the Wall Street Journal as the #1 Bestselling Action/Adventure in their “Readers Guide to Self-Published Big Sellers” (Dec 9, 2011). Although the WSJ won’t allow non-subscribers a direct link to the article’s location on their site, you can paste the following into a Google search to link to it: Readers Guide to Self-Published Big Sellers
Press Release September 24, 2011
Indie debut thriller “Brainrush” hits bestseller list days after release
Author Richard Bard draws a stampede of readers with his new Air Force action adventure novel, through eBook promotion
LOS ANGELES – Indie author Richard Bard made a splash recently when his debut thriller “Brainrush” (ISBN 1463534922), rocketed to the Amazon Action/Adventure Bestseller List in only two days—all because of a very unusual promotion.
“I’m a big believer in my book,” says Bard. “I simply needed a way to make it discoverable by readers, figuring the story would take care of the rest.”
And he was right. Readers were more than willing to give his $2.99 eBook a try in return for his gift of the #1 and #3 bestselling Kindle thrillers on Amazon: “Caribbean Moon” by Rick Murcer, and “Stealing Faces” by Michael Prescott.
“Reaction has been better than I ever dreamed,” says Bard. “Many readers said they read the book in one or two sittings. I even received an email from singer David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash saying he loved the book. Now that was a brain rush!”
As a young man in the Air Force, Richard Bard was faced with a serious health diagnosis that threatened to take his life away. In “Brainrush” he adds drama and adventure to his personal experiences in what “Publisher’s Weekly” describes as “an inventive and compelling hybrid of science fiction, adventure and political thriller that is terrifically entertaining.”
When terminally ill combat pilot Jake Bronson emerges from an MRI with extraordinary cognitive powers, everyone wants a piece of his talent—including Battista, one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. To save his love and her autistic child, Jake is thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan— where he discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.
Bard discusses a variety of contemporary topics such as terrorism, technology and autism in his novel, “Brainrush.” He hopes the heroic actions and dangerous journey of Jake Bronson will draw thriller lovers while shining a light on the growing epidemic of spectrum disorders in children and teens. For more information, visit www.richardbard.com/promo.
“Brainrush” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author:
As a young Air Force pilot, Richard Bard was faced with some scary news: he had cancer and learned he had only a few months to live. Thirty-six years later he’s still going strong. He earned a management degree from the University of Notre Dame and after leaving the Air Force, he ran three successful companies involving advanced security products used by U.S. government facilities worldwide. Book 2 will be published in December.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Richard Bard
Email: Richard@richardbard.com
Website: www.RichardBard.com
Phone: (310) 974-2552
REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Bestselling Author Brings Action & Adventure to Redondo Beach
Seated at his favorite spot at a local beach-side coffee shop, author Richard Bard writes about what he knows. That’s why his debut thriller Brainrush begins with a terrorist attack down the street from his home. It’s also why this former Air Force pilot—who learned thirty-six years ago that he only had a few months to live—writes about cheating death:
When terminally ill combat pilot Jake Bronson emerges from an MRI with extraordinary cognitive powers, everyone wants a piece of his talent—including Battista, one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. To save his love and her autistic child, Jake is thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—where Jake discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.
An all-out, unrelenting thrill ride that will leave you breathless, Bard’s novel is a spine tingling adventure marrying the political thriller with science fiction to extraordinary effect. An original weave of current events bound by colorful locations and cutting-edge technology, it is a must-read for fans of Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Michael Crichton, and Brad Thor. The dynamic mix of fast-paced action and thought-provoking soul challenges the reader to keep pace with every sharp turn and shocking twist. Acclaimed by fans of action, sci-fi, and political thrillers alike, Brainrush is one of the most innovative and entertaining books of the year.
“A terrifically entertaining thriller with three finely executed set pieces strung together with nice characterization. Especially successful is Bronson, an amiable, low-key tough guy able to rescue his princess, survive brutality, and retain a sense of humor.”
– Publisher’s Weekly*
Cancer killed Richard Bard’s career as a USAF pilot. But it didn’t kill him. Thirty-six years later he’s still going strong. When asked what he hopes to achieve as a writer, he said, “The dream for me is to be walking through an airport and notice someone with her head buried in the book. Many readers have said they found it impossible to put it down. For me, that’s the ultimate compliment.” Bard resides with his wonderful wife in Redondo Beach, California. Book Two of the series is scheduled for release in December, 2011.
Brainrush is available wherever books are sold. Visit www.RichardBard.com.
*PW Review based on the unpublished manuscript.
