The latest self-publishing goss

Hot on the heels of the news last week about Barry Eisler turning down $500 000 with St. Martin's Press, self-publishing giant Amanda Hocking has accepted a 2 million advance for 4 books with...you guessed it, St Martin's Press. Those 4 books will be new books, a YA series called 'Watersong'. Interesting times we live in, huh? And here's news of another well known author, Connie Brockway, going the self-publishing route, in her interview with All About Romance. Read the comments too. Interesting to see many people like me, who don't own e-readers and have no intention of buying one (I just love the feel and smell of books too much!) express their concerns about not having access to these books. But as someone points out, you can read on your PC. Something I could never do but hey, I'm just addicted to the feel and smell of paper. :)

The subjectiveness of publishing

Publishing is subjective.

A book I might love/an agent might love/an editor might love/a reviewer might love (you get the idea!) will have a reader/agent/editor/reviewer who doesn't.

That's why I don't pay much attention to reviews (unless they're mine and they're brilliant!) and prefer to judge a book for myself.

Here's an example.
ALL ABOUT ROMANCE (home of the Desert Island Keeper and a notoriously tough mob to impress) just reviewed my current release DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX!

Here's the general gist:

I’m a huge fan of reality television, so this book sounded like a surefire winner, with the hero and heroine stranded on a deserted island as competitors in a reality documentary. I was disappointed that the reality TV portion of the book was glossed over, but found it to be a light, generally enjoyable read.

The chapters begin with tweets and blog excerpts from their island experiences – the show’s way of having them communicate with the public. I felt these made the book feel current, but also provided insights into the different ways the two viewed the same experiences on the island.

The majority of the book was rather light, but entertaining. However, one thing I really liked is that they both show growth over the course of a very short book, and gained insights into the previous behaviors. They each realize that they both acted badly in the past. A lot happens after they leave the island, but the ending felt a bit rushed. I found myself wanting just a bit more. (LinnieGayl Kimmel)

Overall, what I would consider a positive review (the full review is here) with a C+ grading.

Which got me thinking...as an author, what would I grade my books?
I'd like to think I'm objective, especially when it comes to my own work and I know for a fact my favourite books are usually reader favourites too.

Would be a fun exercise! Question is whether I should post my results here? Hmmm....

I'm stoked!

I am absolutely stoked!
Thrilled!
Doing side-kicks!

ALL ABOUT ROMANCE are well known and notoriously tough to get a good review from (they range from A-F and if you check out their reviews page, they're liberally peppered with Cs and Ds.)

So imagine my delight when I just discovered THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL (out in the UK and US in July) got a B+!!!

Here's a snippet:

"The Desert Prince's Proposal is a delightful fairy tale, and does a near perfect job of whisking one away from the everyday.

Whether you're in the mood for a quick read or you just need a sweet love story rather than a hot, lusty tale, The Desert Prince's Proposal makes for a wonderful modern-day fairy tale.

The best parts of this book reminded me of afternoons spent watching old romantic movies.

Let yourself get swept away in the fantasy."

Cool, huh?
I luuuurv the book being compared to old romantic movies...a lovely compliment :)

The review means a lot considering I have a few doubts about this book, being my first 'desert prince/sheikh' fantasy and all...so nice to know I've captured this reviewer's imagination.

Can't wait to hear what my readers think!!!