Writing Tips

I have learned a lot over the last year. And if I can share some tips with other writers, so they can miss the pitfalls and glean from what I know, I feel I'm giving back a little.

If anyone has any tips they would like to include here, please let me know. Send me an email with your information and I will look it over.

Publishers

The e-publishing world has it's good publishers and it's bad. It's very important you check each publisher out before you submit your stories to them. I recommend you start by looking through Piers Anthony's site and Preditors and Editors website. They both have the most up to date info gleaned from authors and publishers around the e-community and in my experience, they are quite accurate.

Also, you should do your homework and talk to other authors who may be published with the house you are interested. They can give you a candid view as to what their house is really like.

Above all, don't ever feel pressured into signing with a house. If you have the slightest doubt as to how they may treat you, if you are concerned in any way about the contracts... DON'T SIGN. There are plenty of houses out there to choose from. One of the reason bad houses prosper is authors fear to make waves. Don't fall into that common mistake.

Below is a list of publishers. The one's highlighted in white are those I am affiliated with. If you do not see a publisher here, it may be because I missed them, or specifically chose not to include them due to bad experience. This is not a complete list of publishers, nor are any of these specifically recommended. If you want more in depth information on any publishers, contact me.

Black Velvet Seductions

Double Dragon Publishing

Echelon Press

Ellora's Cave

Erotique Press

Forbidden Publications

New Concepts Publishing

Romance At Heart Publications

Triskelion Publishing

Under the Moon Publishing

Whiskey Creek Torrid

Wild Child Publishing

Wings ePress

Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Zumaya Publications

Places To Promote

There are dozens of places on the internet where you can promote your work. Some are free, and some cost. Yahoo loops are the easiest and most prolific. You can put out excerpts and promos, but do yourself a favor and make sure you follow each groups rules. Some allow promos any time (like mine), some have strict times and days set aside for promos. Some don't mind lurkers, others would prefer you participate. These are just a few of the sites I have had luck with. Again, those in white are my favorite places to hang out.

AAORG

Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed

CJ says Follow Your Dreams Chat Group

eBookLove

Fallen Angel Review Chatters

Karen Devin Karen (Exotic List)

Karen Find Out About New Books

Love Romance Café

Playgirl Posse

Promo Only

Romance Excerpts Only

Romance Junkies Readers

Talking Two Lips

reviewers

Reviews are very important in this business and if you can establish good relationships with review houses, you won't regret it. While it may not guarantee your book to be reviewed, those relationships will bring you exposure to more readers on their chat loops.

I have great contacts in several houses and I am honored when they take the time to review one of my books.

And while it is always scary to wait for those reviews, even if it isn't the most complimentary, it will bring you readers. Not everyone will love your work, and developing a thick skin is a must. Just remember... any publicity can be used to benefit you.

The following is a list of review sites, though it may not be a complete list. Some have reviewed me, others have not.

A Romance Review

Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

Coffee Time Romance

Cupid's Library Reviews

Ecata-Romance Sensual

Erotic Escapades Review

Just Erotic Romance Reviews

ParaNormal Romance Reviews

Romance Reviews Today

Scribes World Reviews

Sensual Romance Reviews

TCM Reviews

The Muse Book Reviews

My Book Cravings

The Pink Posse

The Romance Reader

The Romance Readers Connection

Two Lips Reviews

Promotional Ideas

Readers love free gifts and it can always add a list extra to a book release or promotion you have going. Here are several places where you can find inexpensive promotional items, but don't stop here. Anything can be used to promote your book. For example when Don't Tempt the Phoenix came out, I gave away free Tarot readings. And for The Peacekeeper Journals: The Joining, I gave away free Moonflower Seeds (a flower in the book) . Let your imagination go and find that hook in your book to pull in your readers.

Brander's Promotionals (chocolate)

Cafe Press

E-Promos (candles & potpourri)

Escape Concepts

National Pen Company

Oriental Trading Company

Toufee Flash Movies

Vista Print

Contests

Erin Aislinn's Book Cover of the Month

Eppie Awards

NaNoWriMo