by Carol Ann Erhardt
There are many negative connotations about e-pubs, so I’d like to talk about the good things—the things I love about being e-pubbed.
1. My publisher—The Wild Rose Press is making a reputation for being a friendly, helpful publisher and they are growing much faster than anyone had foreseen. I signed my first contract in May of 2006 and was one of less than ten authors. Now there are over two hundred. Why? Because they live up to their reputation of wanting to grow writers. No, they do not accept inferior work, but they offer detailed suggestions for improvement with every rejection letter. No one ever receives a canned rejection letter. Authors receive help with promotion and marketing from the Marketing Director. Chats are scheduled, ad opportunities offered, and releases are automatically sent to numerous review sites. If I have a question, or a problem, I get a quick personal response.
2. No Mailing Costs—I submit my queries, synopsis, and manuscript through email. I receive my edits and galleys through email. No worries about making trips to the post office. Sweet!
3. Availability of Books—My books are offered through many channels, including Amazon. Yes, my books are available for download to the newest rage in e-book readers: The Kindle. No need to worry about shelf life either.
4. More Plot Freedom—My writing tends fall outside the standard “formulas” for traditional publishers. My first book, HIT AND RUN, is a romantic suspense with paranormal woven in (twin sisters who have a psychic link that transcends death). This didn’t fit the mold for any traditional publisher. My latest release, JOSHUA’S HOPE, was viewed by traditional publishers as having a plot that was “too twisted.” My publisher doesn’t look for formulaic manuscripts. My editor looks for a good story with a happily ever after ending, but there are no hard and fast rules stating that the hero and heroine must meet in the first three pages.
5. Work From Home—I’m an introvert. I get uncomfortable when placed in the midst of strangers. For me, it’s as bad as being placed on a stage, having a microphone shoved in my face, and being asked to (choke) talk! Being e-pubbed, I can join on-line chats and promotions and not be so frightened my knees knock together. It’s easy to be the “accomplished author” online. And, best of all, I can do all my marketing in my fuzzy pink slippers.
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Carol Ann Erhardt writes romantic suspense and inspirational romantic suspense. She has two full-length novels in print and e-book. She also has five short stories in publication, all with The Wild Rose Press. Her second novel, FOXFIRE, finaled for a 2008 Eppie. Visit Carol Ann at her website at www.carolannerhardt .com.
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