Will Published Writers Ever Accept Self-Publishing?

Harlequin recently decided to create a self-publishing unit called Harlequin Horizons for romance authors who either did not make it into Harlequin Romance or simply wanted to do it themselves (find info on this here). This caused outrage among the Romance Writers Association of America as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America among other groups. Harlequin has since changed the name to Dellarte Press to appease these groups. This all happened in the course of a month.

I liked this whole episode because it highlights the power of the author as well as insight into where publishing houses might be going - if allowed.

Unfortunately, I think that since Harlequin no longer has their name on their self-publishing arm, it will lose its significance. Anyone can self publish on numerous websites such as Lulu, Arbor Books, Xlibris, etc. but what would've made Harlequin Horizons unique is the Harlequin Brand name. The name recognition alone and the brand identity with quality/predictable romance novels is what would make aspiring romance writers flock to this self-publishing site and basically guarantees their books would be pseudo-successful. Which, I suspect, is why authors that were actually published by Harlequin via the traditional route got so upset.

So, now you not only have independent publishers butting heads with bloated corporate publishing houses, but you also have published authors butting heads with their former selves.

Speaking of self-publishing...you should all check out AlphaBetaPocalypse by Samuel Sobelman, Chemist by day Self Publishing Sci-Fi Writer by Night

Winter 2009/2010 Anthology Theme

After some deliberation and thought I have come up with the theme for our first anthology. It is a particularly personal theme since it defines my current state, but is applicable to everyone. Works will be selected for the anthology based on reader feedback/comments as well as my input as editor. Because this is From the Margins' first anthology, works that do not contain the theme will still be eligible for consideration. However, those that do incorporate the theme will receive free copies of the anthology and have their bios featured in the text.

The theme for the Winter 2009/2010 Anthology is "In Pursuit."

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Diana Hawkins

From the Margins
http://frommargins.blogspot.com
from.margins@gmail.com

Post Script: Any and all forms of printable artistic expression, not just prose poetry, etc., will be included in the anthology.

Submission Guidelines

So here's how this is going to work. Email me a copy of your pieces to: from.margins@gmail.com.

If it's...

Prose or Poetry - please no special fancy formatting - don't send something shaped like a heart etc.

Artwork - if it's too big to be emailed zip it or send something smaller or a link to the image

Music & Video - send me the actual file or the html to embed it in the site if it's from youtube etc.

Submissions will be posted on a weekly basis. Eligibility Guidelines for the Winter publication will be posted in October.


Note: If I find something blatantly offensive (meaning not a satire or sarcastic piece), chances are it will not be posted.

Check This Out

AlphaBetaPocalypse by Samuel Sobelman