Monday Questions
It’s Monday, and life has calmed down somewhat. So it’s time for Reader Questions! Before I get started, though, I just want to mention that I’ll be out at the Beaverton Powell’s tonight for (trumpets please) Meljean Brook’s signing! Candy from Smart Bitches might be there too. So we’ll be making troublecheering Mick on bigtime. Mick’s a great writer, a wonderful speaker, and an all-around grand human being. So come on out and have some fun.
Now for the questions!
Reader Meara writes: I am getting started on a career in publishing. I am an avid reader and have read many author blogs where they complain about the “big business” of publishing and the inherent evil thereof. My one question is this: do you consider publishing companies/houses a necessary evil, or are some better than others? Why?
Answer: Well, first of all, it’s highly unprofessional for a writer to bitch about his/her publisher online. Cheyenne McCray recently interviewed 11 agents and editors about this very thing, and they all agree that badmouthing your publisher/editor/agent is a bad idea. Of course, if a publisher etc. is actively breaking the law or acting against the interests of all writers, you may have a case for some public shaming/action. But 99.99999% of the time, one should be classy when dealing with publishers. And by “classy” I mean “don’t spread it all over the Net.”
But that’s not really what you’re asking. I don’t consider publishing houses to be a necessary “evil.” They’re necessary, period. And they’re in this to make money, which is not unreasonable since they have payroll to meet for their employees. They are a very efficient way of getting books to an audience, which is why they’re around.
That being said, some of them are definitely better than others, depending on the writer–and depending on the publisher. For example, if you’ve written a good historical mystery, St. Martin’s might be better for you than, say, Harlequin. You may find that you like a certain publisher’s way of “doing things” or you might follow an editor through several publishing houses. Generally, though,I think that smaller presses (the two I am involved with are Samhain and ImaJinn) are a much more personal experience. The editor there might also be the publisher, and you might have a personal relationship along with the business relationship of getting the books out.
In a larger publishing house, like Warner or Orbit, your editor is your advocate and may or may not be a personal friend. S/he is also your point of contact with other divisions inside the publishing house, like marketing or production. So the relationship is different, sometimes depending on the size of the press.
But general rules apply: be professional, be courteous, and be decent. And if an editor/publisher tees you off, take a deep breath and try not to respond online. Not until you’ve had a chance to calm down and think about it rationally.
Reader Cher asks: I was wondering if any of your books are available in an ebook (electronic book) format and if they are where from? I have had an ebook reader for a while and recently purchased a new upgraded model (a nice Sony with e-ink, really nifty) – and boy do they save space on the bookshelves! I already own all of your books but would like to be able to cart them around with me on trips and at the doctor’s office and such.
Answer: My Imajinn books are available in ebook form through Fictionwise, and Samhain has Steelflower in ebook form; the print edition may be out later than September due to Samhain’s new agreement with Kensington.
Reader Wayne throws his hat into the ring with: 1. Will we see Dante sparring with Japhrimel just for the heck of it in the upcoming valentine novels? 2. Are you going to do any japhrimel spin-offs? (eg. his life before meeting Dante.)?
Answer: Ah, Wayne, I’m glad you asked. Yes, we do get to see Danny and Japh spar in The Devil’s Right Hand. It’s one of my favorite scenes, in a sparhall in New Prague. As for Japhrimel spinoffs, I have none planned, though he might make an appearance in a book or two as a bit player, especially in the Selene novels, which deal with Selene and Nikolai and their early relationship. (Sadly,none of the Selene books have sold yet, though there is an upcoming short story in an anthology with Kim Harrison (Hotter Than Hell, more details when I have them.)
Thanks for the questions, Readers!
We’re looking at getting the website redesign up soon, so there might be some Confusion in a few days. But it will all work out wonderfully, and I can’t wait to see the shiny new site. Bwahahahaha!
So, everyone, have a good day. In my part of the world it’s sunny and bright, and there’s a signing to look forward to tonight. What could be better?
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