I’d Throw It at The Wall, But I Don’t Want to Break My Kindle by Mackenzie Crowne

With a single glance, each of you could accurately determine which of the nearly one hundred novels on my re-read shelf are my favorites, simply by the amount of wear on their bindings. However, my shelf of paperback keepers is little more than a testament to bygone days. To a time when physical books were all we knew and a handful of publishing houses set the rules.

Those days are over. Epic changes have hit the book world since the advent of digital formatting. Some of those changes were long overdue. Others, I could live without. In the “Wow, that’s cool” column is the convenience of the “one click” purchase. How sweet is it to no longer have to run out to the book store in search of the perfect weekend read? And I have to tell you, travelling is so much easier these days.

Instead of a dozen paperbacks hogging space in my luggage, my trusty Kindle fits in the pocket of my purse. Along with many favorites, it’s jammed full with books by unknown authors who’ve tempted me into giving them a try via bargain basement sales. There are at least one hundred TBR titles on that sucker that I haven’t had the time to read. Having such an extensive selection, picked up at rock bottom prices—or for free—is another point for the “Wow, that’s cool” column.

Or is it?

One of the biggest changes brought about by the digital revolution is the explosion in self-publishing. As an author, I’m thrilled for the many talented writers out there who can now bypass the time-consuming and seemingly arbitrary submission process common to traditional publishing houses. As for the avid reader in me, a million new books hitting the digital shelves each week is a giddy reality.

Available at the
bargain basement price
(snicker)
 of $.99 

On the flip side of that reality is the “Well, that sucks” column. What’s the old saying? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should? Let’s face it, in today’s market, anyone can self-publish. And before you freak out, I’m not saying anyone who self-pubs writes crap. Believe me, I’ve read some total crap that came from the Big 5 and, in full disclosure, my first foray into the publishing world was an Indie project, my breast cancer memoire, Where Would You Like Your Nipple? available at Amazon. (Ahem. Shameless plug.)

All I’m saying is, like the title I deleted off my Kindle last night after a single page—the impetus for this post—quite a few of the books that hit the market each day should never see the light of a tablet screen. Seriously, knowing how to use a computer keyboard doesn’t make you a storyteller. Which, I’m thinking is a strong justification for the existence of seasoned acquisitions departments in all those publishing houses who insisted on setting the rules for so long.

But who am I to toss ice water on someone else’s dream? If there is a story inside you that needs to be told, by all means, go for it. Just, please, understand there are some very important benefits to your manuscript spending some quality time in the hands of a hard-nosed editor. Do yourself and the reading public a favor. Find one.

Bottom line, whether you’re an old hand in this industry or a wide-eyed newbie, choosing between seeking out a publisher or becoming your own is a complicated decision filled with countless variables unique to each situation. No matter which road you choose, there will be pitfalls.

(Ask me about the cover I recently received for the next and final book in my Players series. No, wait. Don’t ask. I’ll start crying again.)

Because my publisher is awesome, they are rectifying the cover situation, but that kind of cooperation isn’t always a reality when dealing with a publishing house. On the other hand, going Indie and having to handle absolutely everything, including formatting, marketing, and promotion, has its drawbacks as well.

I’ve experienced both, and for complicated reasons, I’m ramping up to jump back into the self-pub market with a fantasy romance series I hope to release beginning this fall. I’ll be taking my own advice, of course. There will be multiple editors involved before anything goes to print, because I would hate knowing someone had tossed their Kindle at the wall because of me.

When Mac isn’t throwing her Kindle at the wall, she spends her time weaving HEAs for her characters, like the latest in her Players series, Wyatt and Piper from TO WIN HER SMILE, now available for preorder via KensingtonBooks

Why I Hate Rejection by Jannine Gallant

When it comes to writing, we've all felt the sting of rejection. Let's face it--not everyone will love your book. Not everyone will love your style. That's okay. The world would be pretty boring if we all liked the same things. I'm actually good with some types of rejection. I appreciate constructive rejection that will make my writing stronger. I can even relate to honest rejection that won't help me out one bit. What really irritates me, though, is rejection for no reason at all. My agent has been shopping two of my books (one historical and one suspense--book one of a three book series) to the bigger publishers. Here are some examples of rejections I've received along with my interpretations. Warning: I'm feeling a tad bit jaded! LOL

1) Heat level isn't quite right for our line. Translation: Yes, I know we say we take sensual to hot, but what we really want is MORE SEX!

2) The time period is too hard to sell. Translation: We may ask for something new and different, but when you give it to us, we don't have a clue what to do with it! Stick with the tried and true.

3) The heroines in this series have outdated professions (reporter and photographer). No Translation Needed. I love that she gave me a creative rejection, though I don't really understand it. Last time I checked, people were still reporting the news and taking pictures. Maybe if heroine #3 was taking selfies I would have gotten a thumbs up! The most amazing part about this rejection was that she didn't mention heroine #1 who owns a bookstore. Now there's an outdated profession--more's the pity!

4) I'm afraid we'll have to pass on this one. Translation: We checked your Amazon ranking, and while it did give us a good laugh, we didn't bother to read your book.

5) Big Five Editor: I loved this book. The writing, characters and plot were all very strong. The story kept my interest from beginning to end. Big Five Review Committee: We'll have to pass as we haven't had much luck with romantic suspense lately. Me: Hello, maybe you should try your luck with a book that kept your editor's attention from beginning to end! Grrrrr...

Now you all know why I hate rejection. Let's here your best (or worst) rejection ever. We all get to spill our guts today!

You're also welcome to check out my books that actually made it through the war zone of publisher rejection and emerged victorious! Links are on my WEBSITE.