Losing a Publisher...Now What Do I Do? by Marianne Stephens

A "sign of the times": small publishers going out of business. Sad to see this happen. But with the onslaught on so-o-o many people self-publishing, it was bound to happen.

First, two years ago, Breathless Press went out of business. I only had one book there. Revising it now for re-pubbing in another anthology group.

Last year, Secret Cravings closed their doors. I had one nonfiction book there and just haven't done anything with it. I self-pubbed the print versions of the book, so I guess I should do the same with an ebook version.

And now, sad to say, Ellora's Cave is closing. I got my first contract through them. Loved the people there and was treated fairly. I know others had complaints, but other than being unhappy with one cover, I enjoyed my time as an EC author. Actually, two authors: Marianne Stephens and April Ash.

So, what will be my next step? Find another publisher "home" for the stories I'm getting rights back for? Self-pub the books myself, after doing some editing? Just seek ebook publishing? "Fork in the Road" decisions to make.

SIGH.

Not sure what I want to do. I have print versions of my books and will keep some...forever.

It's like being laid-off. So many years with a company and now it'll be over in a couple of months. 

Thank you, EC, for giving me my start as an author. Thanks for the parties/lunches/whatever at conferences. I have great memories! Loved those Cave Men!

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net
http://sensuousromances.com
http://naughtyliterati.com
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photos: Flickr: HeyPaulStudios and Conbon33 photostreams 

Wicked Romances for a HOT summer #TinaDonahue #NaughtyLiterati #EroticRomance

First, I have great news - I'm the newest member of Naughty Literati - an amazing group of romance authors who pour on the steam with their work. Thank you, ladies, for making me a part of your team.

Check out our website - new anthologies and boxsets coming all the time. I'm working on the one that releases in October.

I'm also a member of the Sensuous Romances group - more awesome authors. We have a June 15 title, Wickedly Wanton. Available for preorder.

AMAZON  *  KINDLE

Nine romance stories of love, lust, passion. 

Genres include:  

Contemporary, Fantasy/Other World, Menage, BDSM

Romantic Suspense, Paranormal, Erotic     

BLURBS, GENRES & HEAT RATINGS: Ratings include Steamy, Scorching, Scorching Erotic

White Knight (BSDM erotic) by Cris Anson (Scorching Erotic):
Dominant Jake rescues an injured damsel in distress. While helping Terri heal-and her bratty nature rises to beguile him-this white knight realizes he's found a kindred spirit who just might be his perfect submissive. EXCERPT

Dark Pursuit (paranormal) by Lisa Carlisle (Steamy to Scorching):

Waiting for his lover to return is torment, but Antoine plans to exploit Savannah’s return to the fullest, acting out his fantasies each night. When she doesn’t disembark the ferry, his plans radically change and he must find her in a Dark Pursuit. EXCERPT

For My Master (contemporary BDSM RS) by Suz deMello (Scorching to X):
Agent Kathie Belmont has long lusted after her boss, Ross Guerrero, but hasn't found the courage to even flirt with him. Could he be the strong but tender Master she craves? EXCERPT

Wicked Hot (erotic paranormal) by Tina Donahue (Scorching Erotic):
When bad boy rockers Scott and Noah unexpectedly land in Hell, they don’t expect to meet Patience, their lovely admissions coordinator. What happens next is sinfully wicked and pure heaven. EXCERPT

Blind Ecstasy (BDSM erotic) by Desiree Holt (Scorching Erotic):
Four years ago Sean Murphy planned to collar Johanna Devlin. Then he disappeared. Now she is back at Fantasy, wondering who the man is waiting for her. EXCERPT

The Next Level (contemporary menage erotic) by Carol Lynne (Steamy to Scorching): 

Friends since high school, Glory, Ryder, and Mac have always been close. But, after Glory’s husband leaves her for another woman, the three friends consider taking their relationship to The Next Level.EXCERPT

Back to Basics (contemporary erotic) by Suzanne Rock (Scorching Erotic):
Stuck in a dead-end relationship with someone who cares more about image than feelings, Theo Nash has all but given up on love. Then an exotic dancer catches him off guard, and he learns that happiness can strike when you least suspect it.
Humiliated and down on her luck, Celeste performs an impulsive act with a man she barely knows, and the results end up being more than she ever dreamed possible. EXCERPT

One Night With the Alpha King (OtherWorld) by Belle Scarlett (Steamy to Scorching) 

When Senator Anya Fortune snubs His Majesty’s offer of a royal wedding, Shade wonders what an Alpha King has to do to get a woman to notice him? Use the one, hot night he’s given by law to change her mind, naturally. Let the game of hearts begin. Winner take all. EXCERPT

Dance for Me (contemporary) by Marianne Stephens: (Steamy to Scorching):
On a dare, Carla enters a stripper amateur night contest. Fellow professor Nate catches her practicing in her office. Always intrigued by her, Nate asks to watch again and their mutual attraction leads to a lusty affair. Her secret’s out, but she won’t know his until the amateur contest night. EXCERPT

You can't go wrong with these sizzling stories.

Website  –  FB  – FB Fanpage  – Twitter  –  Amazon Author Page

What to Charge for Anthologies or Boxed Sets? by Marianne Stephens

Boxed Sets/Anthologies seem to be popular with readers. X number of stories in one book. It's a chance to sample different writing styles, genres, and find new authors.

But...how much should authors charge for it?

While $.99 has been a hit with readers, are authors devaluing their works/talent? Difficult decision to make.

Yes, readers love this price. It's great for new/little\known authors to find buyers. But what about authors with followers? Authors who've been on best selling lists? 

I'm torn trying to figure this out. I've been in two anthology groups. One pubs 4 times a year. The other, so far, only once a year. This group received 3rd place in the P&E anthology poll rating. Both groups charged $.99.

I'll soon be in another group with a new boxed set. We're looking at pricing. Lots of best selling authors. What should we do?

As an author, what do you think about selling a boxed set/anthology for $.99?
As a reader, is that the limit you set for yourself in buying a boxed set/anthology? Does it matter what authors have stories?

I'm like to hear your comments!

Marianne
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
http://naughtyliterati.com
http://sensuousromances.com