I cannot think of a clever way to start this post today, so let’s just get right to it:
Do you have your own e-reader? Do you prefer print books or e-books?
Yes, I have a Kindle, provided by Kensington. I think it’s a great tool for reading submissions and my own authors’ manuscripts, and I do download a lot of free books (usually ones that are free for a few days as a promotional tool, not just public-domain titles). But in the year that I’ve owned it, I have yet to actually purchase a book to read on it. Now, before you go thinking that I am a “print book snob,” as I like to call it, understand that I buy very few books to begin with. In an average year, I probably buy 8 books.
Why? One, I get a lot of free copies from conferences and around the office. Two, I am a regular at my local library. Between the two, I have more reading material that I need, so it’s not essential that I buy a book in order to read it.
The books that I do buy are usually a continuation of series I already own in print. Confession: I am a bit OCD. If I own part of the series in print, I can’t buy the rest in e-format. It doesn’t match! And although I love my e-reader, I am paranoid about technology changing (or breaking) and me losing any books that I purchase on it.
As far as preferred reading experience, I find that for the way I read, the two are pretty much the same. Though print books do have that nice book smell that the Kindle is lacking :]
So for now, I have a foot in both worlds, so to speak. I’ll happily use the reader for work or if someone sends me a book for free, but I buy print books for my keeper shelf.
Now it’s your turn! Ask me something.
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Not a question, but I wanted to say that I’m the same way with series’. I can’t buy the book in e-format, if I already have part of it in print. I will go out of my way to get the rest of the series in print, even if it’s easier and faster to download it. LOL. Glad to see I’m not the only one. : )
You mentioned in a post last month that Kensington was planning some e-book novellas for next year. Does that mean that those novellas will be e-book only and never go to print? I only ask because you said several months ago that all of Kensington’s books go to print.
Warm regards,
Jenny
P.S. Not only can I not finish collecting a series in ebook if I already started it in print books–I have to have all paperback or all hardcovers too. It’s a symmetry thing . . .
Yes, we are planning some e-book only novellas (they will not go to print). The one I’m aware of is Erin Kellison’s SHADOW TOUCH. We are using these novellas as special promotional tools, and that’s why they will only be e-book. We are a print publisher, and currently contract books with the intention of printing them. Any e-only material is for promotional purposes. But as we try to be innovative and find new ways to reach our readers, this maybe change in the future.
There is a lot of talk about the difference between a light paranormal and a dark paranormal. Some people say the difference is creatures (light: good witches, faerie, etc. and dark: vampires, werewolves, demons, etc.) and some say it is plot (dark is closer to horror and light is more humorous).
I am having a difficult time placing my WIP as light or dark. It’s vampires/werewolves, but it also has a pixie. It has violence, but it has many funny moments too.
Can you shed any light on the subject?
Jenny
It’s the overall tone of the book. I don’t think creatures really have anything to do with it. For example, Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series has fairies, and I definitely consider it dark. Dark paranormals can have humorous moments, but the overall feel is not light and funny. Often they are more graphic. Obviously, the definition is fluid and can vary by person, but I’d consider Katie MacCalister and Kerrelyn Sparks lighter paranormals, and JR Ward and Jaquelyn Frank darker paranormals. Some authors are in between, in which case, just call it “paranormal” and let the reader decide.
My crit partner is considering a career in editing. I see that you have a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Publishing. Are those degrees necessary for a career in editing or are they just valuable assets to give you a leg up? Do you have any advice for people trying to get a career in editing on how to break in and what experience/eduction is a must?
Thank you so much for your time,
Jenny
A college degree is necessary, the other parts are optional. A lot of editors are English majors, but I also know ones who majored in things like Chemical Engineering.
Advice: READ, READ, READ. Content editing is subjective, but the only way you are going to learn to recognize what isn’t working is if you read a lot of what IS working. It’s also helpful if you take a copyediting course, regardless of whether you plan on being a copyeditor or content editor.
We all know how important it is for authors to self-promote these days. What are your feelings about posting excerpts from their work on their websites/blogs/writing loops?
Jenny
I am fine with it if they are promoting an book that is under contract, but I don’t see much point if it’s an unpubbed author. Most agents and editors I know don’t go browsing author’s websites reading excerpts looking for new writers (there are exceptions to every rule).
My guideline is keep the excerpt less than 10 pages (because that’s how many pages we allow in a Google books search), and keep it from the first 1/3 of the book (because sometimes I need exclusive excerpts, and it’s hard to keep track otherwise).
I feel a bit awkward about dominating the questions this month, but I can’t seem to stop thinking of questions. If I am asking too many, feel free to suggest I cool it.
As to my new question: What is the process for an offer once an editor has decided to make it? For instance, let’s say you request a full manuscipt. You read it, you like it. You decide you want to make an offer. Do you e-mail the author? Call? Send a letter by post? How does that first e-mail/conversation/letter go?
Thank you for your time,
Jenny