My Take on POD
“Chick lit is dead, dead, dead,” the editor said with a villainous grin.
Good thing I chose something else to pitch at the conference, I thought as I recoiled at the words I’d heard so many times before. First from a reputable CBA agent, then from other chick lit writers on various email loops and forums. Perhaps the editor’s grin wasn’t villainous, but the message came across loud and clear: the market was closed to new lit authors. Thankfully, my precious story, Table for One, was already safely in the hands of The Wild Rose Press.
When Gina asked me to write about my experience with a POD (print-on-demand) publisher, I thought it was a great chance to talk about why I chose The Wild Rose Press…and why The Wild Rose Press chose me. POD publishers have a unique business model that allows them to take chances on good stories that don’t fit the market trends. The co-owner of TWRP, Rhonda Penders, said it best in this month’s Romance Writers Report:
“Frankly, we pay very little attention to what the ‘market’ says is selling. We focus on good stories and good writing, and we go from there. A good romance is a good romance and that’s enough for us.”
TWRP involves their authors in every step of the process, even allowing input on cover art and back cover blurbs. My editor was incredibly positive and responsive to my needs and newbie questions. And one of the best aspects of being a Wild Rose Press author is the sense of community they work hard to develop in “the garden.” The other cool thing is that books are available as e-books first, then come out in paperback six months later.
Would I go this route again? Absolutely! I am so thankful to have found a publisher who believes in my book. I’ll leave you with words that have become near and dear to my heart. In fact, let’s all say them together on the count of three. One, two, three…….
VIVA INSPIRATIONAL CHICK LIT!!!
