Why I Choose E-Publishers

As an author, I am often asked why my books aren't available in print.  I have to admit, there is a small part of me that misses what must be a serious rush experienced by sitting at a table with a stack of your newly-minted print book hot off the presses to the right of you, bottles of water and fresh sharpies in a regimented row to the left and a long, impressive line of panting fans in front of you dying, simply dying to have you, and only you, autograph their barely-a-minute-ago purchased copy of your latest tome.  I mean, COME ONE....that has got to be fraggin' neat-god damn-capital-O!

Alas, that is not the path I have chosen.  Yes, I said it, CHOSEN.  Because I continue to submit my manuscripts to e-publishers and in order for you to understand why, I have to tell you a story.

I have a friend, a really terrific writer, and we had been going down the same I-hope-I-get-published highway.  She went a different route than me.  I chose to submit directly to the publishers I liked and found online.  I WILL admit I was rejected by agents, some who wrote me some terrific rejection letters with great advice, MOST of which I took.  Two I will name here because they are awesome:  I respect and am indebted to Louise Fury and Bree Ogden.  One I met and one I didn't, but both offered the kind of advice and encouragement a debut author can only dream of receiving.  But I digress. 

My friend did get an agent, and they did get a publishing deal and when she told me I was thrilled for her.  In that same time period my publisher released my novel with a killer cover in digital format everywhere.  Then I submitted another manuscript to them and received a contract with them for another novel to release in two months time, and I submitted and received a contract for a novel with another publisher, to be released in another two months time as well.  That meant I would be releasing 3 novels in 5 months.  When I asked my friend when hers would be coming out, she said summer of 2013.

Summer of 2013?  I couldn't help thinking all kinds of macabre thoughts.  What happened if she died?  What happened if they went bankrupt?  And my first thought?  Why did it take so long?

I would still love to be at book signing and it would be cool to see my book on shelves at Target or something, but how hard would it be to wait that long?  At the rate that I write, could a traditional publisher even keep up with me?  Anyway, as promised here are the reasons I choose to publish with
e-publishers:

1. My children will not be in college before my manuscripts publish
2. There is great satisfaction in this process flow only taking two months: Finish-cover art-edit-publish
3. I don't get sick of my own work waiting for the publishing process
4. E-publishing does not add to the carbon footprint
5. The ability to publish frequently keeps your name out there and your fans interested

For the record, my awesome publishers, so far:  for my two YA paranormal romances, www.astraeapress.com and for my upcoming MG horror/thriller, www.aspenmountainpress.com for their new imprint, Aura Speculative Fiction.

No matter what you decide or where you are published, there is only one thing anyone can call you when you publish your work.........Author.  Welcome to the club!

The Detention Demon will be Published!

I am excited to share that The Detention Demon is going to be published!  Remember that I submitted the manuscript to a brand new imprint of Aspen Mountain Press called Aura Speculative Fiction after I asked them to friend me on Facebook?  I had been looking for a home for my little horror book for a while, I didn't think it was because it was not good, I hoped anyway, but because Middle Grade horror is very hard to place.  When I read about the new imprint I got quite excited.  They sounded perfect.  I asked them straight away if they were considering YA and for that matter, MG to YA and they said they would, on a case by case basis.  I queried immediately.

I was mildly surprised when they asked me for the full and totally had my socks knocked off when they offered me a contract this morning.  And I must say, I am more than impressed with how together and organized they are.  Already, I have been directed to a WIP website where I have registered as an author, have been assigned an editor and uploaded the information I would like to see on the cover, and had SEVERAL conversations with an art director in preparation for assigning an artist to me AND I already have a release date.....October 24, 2011....PERFECT FOR A HORROR BOOK!  Just a few days before Halloween.  And I didn't even plan it!

So, all I have to say is, if you are looking for a publisher that has it going on, I would so check out Aspen Mountain Press and their new imprint!  And look for me soon near Halloween!