The Romance Rag

FOR THOSE PRE-PUBLISHED AUTHORS

2010-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

To the PRE-PUBLISHED:

You know that there are a million things that can happen in this business that can hurt you. If you are thin skinned, this business, I’ll just tell you, isn’t one you need to explore. People see the word “romance” and suddenly, everyone sees the happily ever after and nothing else.

I hate to say this, but GET A GRIP.

There are so many things I want to say to those who have not yet found an editor but I will start with this. YOU DO NOT PAY TO GET PUBLISHED. That is called “self-publishing” or “vanity-publishing.” Let me state this, there is nothing wrong with self or vanity publishing, if you know what you’re getting into. Most people do not. Many people today think that self-publishing is the norm and being paid for your craft is unusual.

Don’t fall for that. Even if you go with a small press (like Always Keepers Press or HopeBridge Solutions) it tells publishing professionals you have worked with another publisher and have something under your belt where you dealt with other professionals. Small presses no longer have a “yuk factor.” It’s like professionals look at them the same way hiring managers look at your first few jobs. Did you have good attendance? Did you play well with others? Editors may wonder, could you keep your deadlines? Were you hard to deal with on revisions? See how those are the same types of questions?

And, no matter what, make sure that you always, even if you must part ways with someone, do everything you can to do it professionally. I can tell you this, and I promise if you don’t believe anything else I say, believe this: publishing is an extremely small community and they all talk. Aren’t publishers in competition? Of course they are, in some cases. But if you think and editor won’t call another editor and ask if you’re hard to deal with, guess again. It happens.

My advice:

1. Read. There are many good books on writing. Just remember that books on industry are just as important as books on craft.

2. Listen. Let those who have gone before you tell you some of the pitfalls.

3. Write. Keep writing. Never quit. When you get that first contract, your editor will ask, “What else you got?” Get the inventory up so that you can say, “Here are your choices..."

Til next time,

Donna

SHERRILYN KENYON

2010-06-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, we are now going to look into the "I DIDN'T KNOW THAT" department. Did you realize that Sherri Kenyon has been on the NYT list AS THE NUMBER ONE SLOT twelve times in the past 2 years? I had no idea.

But, who deserves it more? If you know Sherri, you know she's the sweetest person on the planet. She loves her fans and treats each of them as if they were the only important person she knows. She came up
through the ranks and had both good--and bad experinces--and yet, all you will ever know when you meet Sherri, is that she is an accomplished writer with a heart of gold.

I think we should all raise a cyberglass of our favorite drink to celebrate Sherri and all she's done. Here at the Romance Rag, Sherrilyn Kenyon is tops!

***
In other news, it's official! Gayle Trent's BETWEEN A CLUTCH AND A HARDPLACE is now available at the site: alwayskeeperspress.com. Get over there, Sherry Bigler does a great job reading it and it's just too much fun for words!!

***
Hey, speaking of AKP, we are doing some new things, including we're looking for print books. I'll update you tomorrow.

Keep reading the Romance Rag and start telling your friends about us.

Donna

GET TOGETHER 2

2010-06-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Okay I promised more about the Get Together.

Besides Lori, there is also Dianne Castell. Dianne was so kind to invite me to her beautful home and feed me brunch. Her home is beautiful and her hospitality beyond words. Thanks again for the invitation, Dianne, I won't forget it anytime soon. If you've never read one of her books, you are missing something.

Oh, and the give away baskets were so beautiful. So many wonderful authors gave books and fun things and novelties and wonderful things away for charity. I didn't win anything, tho. That was the downside. :( but, what is that when wonderful charities receive the help they need?

I also got to talk to an old friend, Sarah McCarty. It was so nice to get to chat with her. Ask her how she is at putting together baskets! Too funny, inside joke.

That's all for today, perhaps more later.

Donna

The Lori Foster/Dianne Castell Reader Writer Get Together Part I

2010-06-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

I went this weekend to the Reader Writer Get Together of Lori and Dianne's. I had the best time.

I traveled with Karen Hall and Leanne Tyler. They let me in the car and also allowed me to crash in a room they already had planned to share. So, hats off to them and a big thanks! We were planning to leave from Knoxville much earlier than we did, because I overslept. Big time. But, they loved me enough to wait on me. Thank you again, ladies.

Well, let's see who all we saw this weekend.

First, the fab volunteers who love Lori and Dianne and who just enjoy hanging out with all the romance authors who attended.

Christy, Really Bad Barb (who is really bad, btw) and of course the newly married Lady B, who goes to show that love stories do come true. ;)

Today I'm going to talk about my time with Lori Foster. She is such a great person. I think what makes her so great is her acceptance of every one. She doesn't try to change you, she just likes you where you are. When it comes to her writing, there is no better story teller in any genre.

We talked about everything and just connected, that one time of year when we actually see each other. But, we also shout out occasionally on Facebook.

Oh, speaking of Facebook, I'd like to shout out to Angela James of Carina Press. She was at the get-together but I really wanted to meet her and didn't get the chance.

More tomorrow!
Donna

MASTERPIECE THEATRE

2010-03-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

I always try to keep an eye on PBS because of their wonderful BBC adaptations of Jane Austen works, among others. Tomorrow night they will be showing "Sharpe's Challenge."

It stars Sean Bean. Bean is known for playing bad guys. (Remember Borimir in THE LORD OF THE RINGS? The ring made him mad and he almost killed poor little hobbit Frodo! In NATIONAL TREASURE, he played the Ian Howe, who tried to kill all the good guys who were sort of bad guys who sort of...that story gets convaluted, doesn't it? :)

From what I can tell, this story should be well done. And, he'll get to play a good guy, I think. Nevertheless, Sean Bean is not a bad looking man, and deserves those of us who enjoy romance and good looking heroes and villians a look. (PBS 9 EDT, Sunday 03/24/10)

LOIS LANE TELLS ALL

2010-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Karen Hawkins, who usually brings us the spicey and fun historicals now brings us an excellent adventure. LOIS LANE TELLS ALL unlike most of her hits, this is contemporary. And if you want to know more about it, you can check out her book trailer!

I hear Christina Dodd is thrilled, as well she should be! B&N.com is featuring IN BED WITH THE DUKE as their "Hot Historical." Who else? She's fabulous! BTW, when visiting her Amazon page, there are over 60 books there! Wow...makes my four feel lonely... :(

ANNA CAMPBELL'S GREAT REVIEW

2010-01-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

Anna Campbell is squealing with excitement. The Australian Women's Weekly, a magazine that is an institution in Austraila, gave CAPTIVE OF SIN an amazing review:
No one writes big, bold, gutsy, historical romance like this Australian author. Campbell's writing has an engaging darkness and this tale of the handsome, but tortured, Sir Gideon and a suffering waif who is really an heiress, is hugely entertaining.
WHO WOULDN'T KILL FOR A REVIEW LIKE THIS?

HARLEQUIN DOES IT???

2009-11-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

WHOA NELLY!!!
Harlequin has come up with something that people DO NOT LIKE!!!

It appears that HQ has entered into the Vanity press business, and it ain't pretty.
I am going to back down this week and send you to a great blog that will explain everything.
http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog/2009/11/19/harlequin-horizons-versus-rwa/

After reading her thoughts, check out Jackie on Amazon.

CHRISTINA DODD

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you aren’t familiar with Christina Dodd, then you haven’t lived. I love her website and that book trailer she has up for her re-release of 1994’s CASTLES IN THE AIR, absolutely hilarious. I met Ms. Dodd on 2 occasions. She is a fine person who has so much to offer as far as wit and charm, not just in her brilliant writing style. Visit her Amazon book page and buy everything in sight, you won’t be sorry you did!

Rita Hestand and Lilli Ammann

2009-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Rita Hestand has all kinds of happenings. Recently, she left Writer’s Exchange E-publishing for reasons unknown. She pulled her 10 books with them from 300 sites, but do not fear! If you’ll check out Rita’s link, you’ll see much of it is already available elsewhere. She has resold each and every one. More news on this later!

Also, don't forget to pick up a copy of Dream and Destiny by pal Lilli Ammon. It's just a great book that I really love!

JESSIE VERINO

2009-11-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you like erotica (I'm not a fan, to be perfectly honest, however, good writing is good writing) there is a fantastic author you need to check out. Her name is Jessie Verino and she is a great writer. Let me tell you a little bit about this gal that you probably don't know. She is strange. Hey, I just call it the way I see it. She ain't right. But, she is great. Her mind works in ways that I find absolutely amazing. Now remember, she's strange. But, her work is different than most things you'd ever read. She's different and refreshing. Check her out, but just remember, she's strange. (And, in case you think I'm picking on her, keep in mind, when the RR picks on you, it's good PR :)
Donna

OTHER NEWS...

2009-10-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

News from Jenna Petersen and Linda Mooney

September 5, 2009

Jenna Petersen has made a comment on FACEBOOK that she has an announcement. No one is sure at this time what it is, but I expect something really wonderful. She’s quite the writer. Her historical romances are well done and fun.

I noticed a picture of Linda Mooney on Amazon. How can someone who talks about a grandson, look so young? Give me the recipe of that potion. Looking good Linda!

Since Romance is all about women writing for women and the women who enjoy them, I want to make a statement. No woman should ever be hurt by the man she loves. I’m sitting here watching “Enough” with Jennifer Lopez. No one should have to live in fear. Good movie! Check it out!