After the post yesterday, and its comments, I need to clarify a few things. Many small press stories are quite good (Samhain Publishing, especially, has quality stories -- though they're leaning toward releasing almost all erotica anymore, which is disappointing). My complaint is that it's really hit or miss, and I'm certain that's due to two things: the age of the press (the newer they are, the more likely they are to accept things other, more established presses won't) and editor quality (since it's up to each individual editor what they contract, some may have less experience than others and aren't as well trained).
So, in the interest of being fair, here are some great small press books and stories I've read:
Ashley Drake, Zombie Hunter: A Plague on All Houses by Dana Fredsti -- from Ravenous Romance -- I haven't jumped on the zombie bandwagon, and have to admit that mostly they gross me out (as they should, really) but this book was not only well written and edited, but had a unique story and a fabulous main character. The romance was secondary to the rest of the plot, but was still sweet (and hot) and I absolutely adored the hero. I can't wait for the author to write more in this series (though, be assured that this book ended and doesn't really leave you hanging).
Verifiable Intelligence by Kaitlin Maitland -- Red Rose Publishing -- This is a romantic suspense with two anti-hero protagonists. It's a heart pounding, edge of your seat adventure with some steamy romance tossed in. I admit that the ending left me a little confused... not dissatisfied, mind you, I'm just not certain I completely understood the punishment exacted on the bad guys. Still, I love characters a little outside the norm and an exciting story, and this book had both.
The entire Sullivan Brothers series by K. M. Daughters -- The Wild Rose Press -- I've read them all and enjoyed each one, mostly for the amazing and large, realistic secondary cast of characters in the books. More romance than suspense, these are just plain good books.
Don’t Look Back by M.J. Fredrick -- The Wild Rose Press -- a romantic suspense novel that's a little dark, very hot and amazingly good. Truthfully, I like everything I've read by this author and she's published by several small presses.
Out of Time by Pauline Baird Jones -- L&L Dreamspell -- a unique time travel romance that takes place in WWII (one of my favorite eras). Lots of emotion, lots of fun, lots of excitement.
There are plenty more winners, but I don't want to bore you. I just wanted to say that while there are some piles of poo from small presses, there are also the diamonds. Which is why I keep giving them a try.
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You Are Tag |
 You are high energy and high strung. You need to move - quickly if possible. You are into thrills, and there's something exciting about being a little scared. You are assertive and even a bit competitive. You like to give it all you've got. No matter whether you lose or win, you're always a good sport. You're just having fun playing the game! |
Not so into thrills, but the rest is pretty close.
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5 comments:
It really does depend on the editor. I have no idea if I could say that about newer presses as I have no experience with them, but I did learn that an editor can make or break a book. Some smaller presses hire inexperienced editors which doesn’t help the book nearly as much as a good editor. I’ve found plenty of books where editors don’t catch all the spelling mistakes, or where the same information is repeated over and over and the editor doesn’t ask for some of it to be taken out. Actually, I’ve heard of an editor who constantly wanted to be ‘reminded’ of the same thing over and over. I’ve heard of many cases where an author was ridiculed in a review for problems that weren’t originally there but were incorporated upon the editor’s request.
From personal experience, I can say that Carina Press is very good. Everything I’ve read from them has been great. Evernight Publishing is another one of my favorites, I’d say a good 70 percent of their stuff is great. And Ellora’s Cave (erotica) is rather good. I’m not impressed by most of their work, but they do offer decent reads that you don’t want to delete.
You Are Rock-Paper-Scissors
You are very smart and mentally inclined person. You like games that test your brainpower.
You are good at noticing patterns and making predictions. You can size other people up well.
It may not seem like there's a lot to what you do, but you have a strategy for everything.
You tend to think through every decision you make carefully, but you're also sure not to over think anything.
I don't know..probably 50/50
Have a good day.
Some authors I read started in ebook format, but both were with larger ebook publishers like Samhaim and Ellora's Cave.
I have heard very good things about Pauline Baird Jones from The Galaxy Express.
My quiz results were the same as Dru's. And it's accurate.
I hope you have a lively day!
Good editors are crucial.
I didn't realize Samhain was shifting to more erotica. I'm surprised.
Aww, thanks for the shout-out! You don't know how much that means!
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