Once again, thanks to all who’ve been so forthcoming with recommendations, advice and constructive critique.

Must stop, have a cat sitting on my arms… :-)

I’m sure that there are names on here being jotted on personal “do not read” lists of readers, editors, agents, etc.

Oh goody.

Nothing like a publisher’s authors threatening blacklists all over the place, to make the publisher look like the place to be.

Of course making threats anonymously is so very classy, don’t you think?

Do you all consider yourselves official spokespeople for the publishers you’re published with?

Most of us make it clear we don’t speak for the presses that contract us because they have official PR departments and reps. And, more importantly, most of us don’t go around making claims and comments like the ones made by Jill Elaine Hughes/Jamaica Layne.

I’m sure that there are names on here being jotted on personal “do not read” lists of readers, editors, agents, etc.

Another Anonymous RR Author obviously didn’t bother to read the comments made by the PR rep hired by RR to do damage control.

At this point, I’m feeling a little sorry for Dalyn Miller because his job keeps getting harder and harder.

http://ravenousromance.blogspot.com/2008/11/national-novel-writing-month-nanowrimo.html

Huh. The December opening is looking more and more interesting every day. Any kettle korn left, you guys?

Someone asked a very valid question:

What drew you to submit to RR? And why did you go with them instead of the many other electronic publishers?”

I went with RR after my agent pointed it out for a story I wrote. The reasons are many, but they revolved around their business practices and model. I am a business woman first, author second. My craft is my product. Knowing what they have in the works and what they’ve invested in launching this publisher, combined with their collective expertise and contacts makes it a promising endeavor. These are NOT novices starting a new epub, as some here seem to think. Real research makes that clear to anyone who cares to do the work.
Why did I choose them over others? I’ve worked with other epubs and have found them lacking in various respects. No one publisher is perfect. Some have undesirable covers, others have poor author support, and still others have shoddy editing. The research that I did on RR made me think that they’re a smart gamble. Yes, I’ve had to deal with the failings of other publishers, which makes me even more adamant about knowing all that I can before trying something new.

Furthermore, my experience with them so far has been wonderful. They’re professional, courteous, and helpful. I honestly do expect to see them succeed. Of course, there are always unforeseen disasters. But trying to beat down the company name before it gets started and without an educated opinion only serves to make this section of the industry look like a group of amateurs.
I’m surprised how many people on here take what one of the authors says and runs with it, posting that the author is the spokesperson for the publisher. Do you all consider yourselves official spokespeople for the publishers you’re published with? I don’t. I know that my behavior reflects on them, but if I say that I think X publisher is the greatest ever, that doesn’t mean that the publisher is claiming to be the greatest ever. That may not have been what was intended by the comments, but that’s how it comes across when you read it from the outsider’s perspective.

I’m further surprised at the immature behavior here on both sides. Attacks and Defenses. Is this really how everyone wants to be seen by readers? The number of people who read but don’t post to this thread is probably very high. I’m sure that there are names on here being jotted on personal “do not read” lists of readers, editors, agents, etc. Like it or not, this type of thing does influence others. Some of the comments and name-calling here really should be in private emails. The amount of pure hatred spewed on this thread is astounding and seemingly unfounded. It looks to me, as someone who doesn’t know EVERYONE on here that some of the comments are posted by people who either have a stake in the competition or a personal problem with the commenters they’ve slammed.

Here’s to hoping that everyone enjoys eating their popcorn and watching RR’s progress. Maybe we can all come back in a year and compare notes and earnings. (Don’t crucify me yet. It was a joke!)

I can’t speak for any of the other authors, but I can tell you why I went with Ravenous. I’d written a short story that a friend of mine, also a writer, read. She’s worked with Holly before and thought I should submit it to Ravenous. I did, got a positive response, and then had the opportunity to meet Holly and Lori when they were at RWA in San Francisco. I really liked them on both a personal and professional level.

I was fine with contract; I have no expectations in terms of what I may or may not make in the long run. Having been published by a small press for my mystery novel, I have very realistic and low expectations. :-) But, as with the small press, I’ve received quick feedback when I’ve asked for it and been treated in a courteous, professional and friendly manner.

I’ve never worked with an ePublisher before because of my formerly snotty ‘books must be hard copy!’ attitude. I don’t have any basis for comparison, but so far I’ve gotten no reason to regret working with RR. On a strictly creative note, it’s been great. Heck, no time for writer’s block!

I am really excited at discovering this whole ePublishing world and the other presses out there – I love to read as much, if not more, than I love to write, and there’s just a whole new world of authors out there, starting with the ones recommended by some of the people here. I did discover my work computer server doesn’t think I should go on Ellora’s Cave. I’m waiting to see if I get called on the carpet for inappropriate use of computer during work hours. :-)

Why do I ask? Because there are many (60+ I believe was the given number) publishers who publish romance and erotic romance, and I can guarantee you that most of them (unless they’re closed to subs) are looking for new voices and new authors.

Their answers may actually add a bit to the conversation. Sadly, at this point, the lack of answers offered by the PR person to questions posted in a public forum and the overwhelming volume of the shrill voices trying to “defend” this publisher have told me it’s not somewhere I want to be.

For the sake of the new authors, I hope they do well. Because it’s hell when a publisher implodes and takes your books with it. That’s not something I’d wish on any author. No matter how shrill or ultra-vocal.