More than a place--it's a writer's muse.

Friday, November 20, 2009

TGIF Cheers and Jeers

Happy Friday, Divas and friends!

Before breaking out the chocolate martinis, I was going to write a diatribe basically foaming at the mouth about Harlequin's new self-publishing imprint. But then I read the statement by Russell Davis, President of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, on that very subject. Mr. Davis so brilliantly explains why this move by the two ton gorilla of romance publishing is odious that I knew I couldn’t come close to improving on it, or even equaling it. So I decided to post the link instead: http://is.gd/4Zmc2

According to Publishers Weekly, the marketing plan for the new imprint, Horizons, includes soliciting authors whose manuscripts have been rejected by Harlequin. Harlequin CEO Donna Hayes told PW she was “surprised and dismayed” by the outcry. Say what? Did she honestly think the company could make a business decision to deliberately prey on the vulnerable and no one would get their knickers in a knot? No chocolate martinis for you, Ms. Hayes!

On the other hand, keep the chocolatinis flowing for the editors at Dorchester Publishing Co., who gave the finalists in the America’s Next Best Celler Contest a bonus we hadn’t been promised and weren’t expecting – one-on-one help with our jacket copy. Alicia Condon, Chris Keeslar and Leah Hultenschmidt really know their stuff when it comes to marketing. It’s been eye-opening to see the fabulous copy being posted at http://textnovel.com based on their input. Only one finalist will win the contest, but all ten of us have been given an invaluable learning experience.

What are the rest of you drinking to during this happy hour? Whether you're celebrating or drowning your sorrows, the Divas will be happy to join you.

6 comments:

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

So, I was a little ranty about this whole HQN thing.

I think *I* need a Chocolatini.

Great blog, doll.

Robin said...

*Sigh* I am so happily envious of you all getting the help on pinpointing your jacket copies. Wanna pass on some hints for us laypeople?

{{shakes her glass}} I'm next for a refill! My chocolatini seems to have disappeared. I hate it when that happens.

Jennifer L Hart said...

Pass me Donna Hayes's chocolatini; I'll make sure no one misses her. Predators, and not in the good Oh,-I-wanna-get-caught way. I thumb my nose at you, ma’am!

Saranna dear, you and I have the ranting down to an art form. From now on before you post think WWLGSD?
(What would Liane Gentry Skye do?)

I am so happy for all of those in the top 10! At the same time I'm also infested with jealousy. (Don't worry, I'm a multitasker.) And the fabulous Shannon Delaney stopped in to help me with my jacket copy for Redeeming Characters so my pride has been soothed.

Tossed it into the St.Martin's new adult contest so fingers crossed they ask for pages!!!!

Deborah Blake said...

Good post!

Unknown said...

Robin, do you still have link about the high concept pitch? That's the basic idea.

 
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