Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well.
It's been an exciting month for me, after releasing my first indie title, Alien Adoration, and working on edits for two more stories releasing soon from Decadent Publishing. One of the stories is Another Night, Another Planet, an erotic sci-fi romance that is part of both the 1Night Stand and Elatia lines at Decadent.
Now, I've written for several of the lines at Decadent, Elatia, 1Night Stand, The Edge, and The Challenge series. Why? For many reasons. My first story published was Celestial Seduction, a 1Night Stand story. The series had just started, and Rebecca Royce suggested I write a story for it as my foot in the door to being published. And it worked. The story not only increased my confidence in my writing, but exposed me to so many other opportunities, through my publisher, fellow authors, and more. As a newly published author, I also had a book in the same line as several well known authors who already had established readers. Because I had the same editors, readers could expect the same quality of story from me as the other authors.
With any line, there are established parameters that the author must follow in order for their story to qualify for submission. Usually, you can find that information on the publisher's submission page, or by contacting the editor(s) of the line.
For me, the Elatia line had the most guidelines, including a well-written world bible. Depending on the individual author, that can make writing the story easier or harder.
With my upcoming release, it is a hybrid of two lines, so I had to follow two sets of guidelines. And it was much easier than I expected, since I had already written for both of them, and knew them well. I hope you'll check out Another Night, Another Planet when it releases on June 14, 2013.
So, if you are an aspiring author, or looking to broaden your audience, consider writing for an established line at a publisher. Decadent Publishing has so many lines in multiple genres. Musa Publishing has several lines as well, including the Wiccan Haus, which I've heard a lot about lately, and Finally Ever After. There are several more publishers with established lines, too. If you know of any, please share them in the comments section.
Bio:
When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.
Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.
14 comments:
Plus...writing 1Night Stand stories can be very addicting!
1NS was my foot in the door, too. It brought me back to my writing roots of cultural romance, and it got me into Decadent Publishing. The rest, as we say, is history. Writing for an established line/series couldn't have been a better springboard for my writing, and I encourage every author to try that route at least once. :)
Writing for a line is an extremely smart way to get into a publisher. So happy you did!
Great advice and thank you for the shout out as well :)
I don't think I'm cut out for following guidelines. I tend to actively break rules. But I am very happy reading both Jessica's and Rebecca's work, so I'm glad the lines exist.
Zee - The nice thing about lines is that while each story has similarities, they can be so different as well. The 1Night Stand line covers so many settings, cultures, and sub-genres of romance.
Rebecca - I'm am thankful everyday for that nudge you gave me. :)
Dominique - Thank you! I still have an idea. I just need to write faster. LOL
Liza - It's not for everyone. But for authors struggling to find a publisher, writing for a line helps one to learn more about what the publisher is looking for, how the house edits, and to make connections. :)
How interesting. What a journey. :-) That's actually a very good idea, although it's true it's not for everyone.
Thanks Jessica.
Hi Alicia! Yes, it's a really great way to gain experience and to get that first published title under one's belt. One of many options. :-)
Great post, Jessica. Every author has to be on the alert for opportunities.
You forgot to mention how addicting writing for some of these lines are! Especially 1NS!
1NS was my doorway too. I've been really happy with Decadent and want to keep writing for them. And yeah, 1NS IS addictive! But that's an addiction I can get behind lol.
Diane - Yes, there are so many opportunities out there. The trick is to know where to find them. Thank you! :)
Taryn - Very true! I'm working on my seventh 1NS. LOL
Cate - Yes, a totally worthwhile addiction. :)
Several years ago, before the company closed its doors, I made some decent sales with the Aspen Mountain Press Del Fantasma series. It was a lot of fun and every new release from other authors boosted sales.
Hi Melisse! Yes, new stories in the lines definitely bring attention to those already published. And they are a lot of fun to write. :)
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