Walk The Sweeter Side
Walk The Sweeter Side
It is no secret the publishing industry is going through some pretty major changes. With the ever-growing popularity of e-readers (Kindle, Nook, etc.), the bigger publishing houses find themselves having to conform to what their readers want.
While the smaller e-publishers are reaping the benefits while they can, authors are exploring the option of self-publishing their electronic versions of books. Amazon Kindle is only one of many venues making it very easy to do so, giving authors 75% of the listed price as opposed to 35-45% or less they usually take in.
Another shift in the e-publishing world is the influx of erotica and the growing demand for it. One has to wonder where that leaves those who enjoy the sweeter side of romance and other genres.
Under the guidance of best-selling author, Diana Castilleja, I’ve taken over the reins of a group, Sweeter Romantic Notions. I have committed wholeheartedly to breathing life into this group. Over the past three years or so, my role at S R N entailed coordinating online chats for the core group of authors.
Carol Ann Erhardt, Elaine Cantrell, Celia Yeary, Diane Craver, Diana Castilleja, Denise Patrick, Nell Dixon, Lindsay Townsend, Jane Richardson, F L Bicknell, Cindy K Green, Brieanna Robertson, Maggie Toussaint, Judith Rochelle, Stacy Dawn, and Adelle Laudan.   I believe now more than ever, authors like us need a place to shout out about our books and interact with our readers.
In an effort to help our authors find a home for their stories, I have organized a Pitch Day, set for January 20th, 2011. What is a Pitch Day? It is a pre-determined time frame of which a select group of publishers offer their time to read pitches from authors who write in their genres. If your pitch intrigues a publisher, they will ask for one, or a combination of the following; a synopsis, first 3 chapters, or full manuscript.
Once they’ve read over your submission they will offer contracts to those they feel are the right fit for their publishing house, and possibly request revisions from others with an invitation to resubmit.
A fresh face in the world of e-publishing, Astraea Press, will be one of the participating Publishers on Pitch Day. You might want to book mark this website, if I’m right, this new e-pub will be a force to be reckoned with in the e-book industry.
Who can pitch their manuscript? All published authors and those who aspire to be. All you have to do is join Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo Group and adhere to the PG14 rating.
My vision for Sweeter Romantic Notions is to be a safe haven of sorts, where authors have a place to talk about their books, and readers will be given the opportunity to interact with their favourite authors.
On December 15th you’re invited to join us at Sweeter Romantic Notions for a Christmas Open House. This will be an all-day event, offering the perfect opportunity to hop on board and take a look around. Authors will share Christmas stories and traditions, talk about our new and upcoming releases, and maybe a surprise or two to be won.
Please bring your favourite cookie recipe. You’ll have to stop by to find out why. Trust me, it’s all good. I love surprises! Hope to see you there!
Dear Adelle,
As an author who has spent over a decade before finding a publisher willing to even read my submission, I say the time is long overdue for the traditional publishing houses to open their doors to the many thousands of excellent story tellers out here in the real world.
For far too long now they have operated on the premise that unless the author in question was, or is, a best seller, or else some brain dead celebrity whose blather was ghost written, then they would never ever consider new authors.
I joined the happy family of authors in a ‘small press’ and have never regretted it.
Regards,
Jack
Kudos Adelle! I’ve always thought that there was room and readers for all kinds of stories. SRN is a fabulous platform and with a new voice and energy *cheers for the new Queen*, I know it’ll prove its worth again.
Hi Jack
I think every author becomes frustrated with trying to reach for the elusive Big House contract. I too have gone the route of small press and am now dabbling in the world of self-publishing. I tell ya, I have garnered a newfound respect for everything that does go into the publishing of a book.
I’m glad you found a place to hang your author hat. Big or Small, home is where the heart is.
I hope you drop by our Christmas Party. Nice to ‘meet’ you.
Happy Holidays.
Adelle, we are happy to have you handling the reins and look forward to some new opportunities. Hope to see you at our Christmas Open House, Jack!
Hi Diana and Carol Ann
So nice to see you ladies. Thanks for the kind words.
Looking forward to the Christmas party!
I agree with everything you say, Adelle, and I endorse Jack’s comments 100% too. Publishing is opening up more and more and challenging the traditional model – quite rightly. Sure, there’s a place for all kinds of writing and writers, but I know how hard it is to find what you really want to read (and write!) so I for one am right behind the concept of SRN in providing a place for readers to find good quality stories. More power to you!
Jane x
Adelle–and all the SRN authors. Thanks to Angie’s Diary for this great article–I appreciate both so much! Celia
Great article, Adelle! I’m happy that SRN will continue to be a force for readers and authors writing the sweeter romances and for small book publishers!!!! I have read tons of books by small presses and they are fantastic stories.
Jack,
Glad you’re one of us. 🙂
Great article, Adelle, and thank you so much for being willing to take the reins of SRN. It’s a wonderful group, and I think it’s only going to get better.
How heartwarming to read all of your posts. This is why I do what I do. There is such an amazing group of authors at Sweeter Romantic Notions, and I can only hope we continue to grow and flourish.
Happy Holidays!
I’m excited to have you take the helm at SRN, Adelle. You have such an upbeat attitude and can-do mentality that inspires me to do more.
Great article, Adelle. Surely, in the world of publishing there’s room for all types of romances. Sweeter authors just have to keep together.