The book industry is an ever-changing phenomena. You have more and more options these days, and I continue to choose the smaller press. I have a decently successful series that’s been optioned by a production company, and a small army of avid readers whom I love. I wouldn’t have any of it, if not for the hard work of people who believed in me. The intimacy of a small press is more appealing than what I see others going through.

I have built a brand around my name and first series. It’s not easy, and helps to have a degree in multimedia– but it’s not impossible for those who don’t. I have always stopped to help fellow authors, and while I’ve met a bad apple here and there, it’s more than likely a great experience. I’ve made amazing friends, and we get that no, we don’t always have time to read each other’s work (seriously, don’t ask), but we never hesitate to spread the word.

There’s still room for rejection in small press, and it’s usually accompanied by great input that helps you refine your writing. I never liked the “cool kid” clique, and to me, that’s what some of the bigger publishers are. Landing an agent is a game of luck with an elitist structure– although I do believe you should try, rejection or no. I believe every author has room to grow and shouldn’t view themselves as better than anyone else, regardless of how much they make.

I like to study the indie press, and see how they operate. Some are more with it than others, but I find the bottom line is care of their authors, enthusiasm to grow, and a genuine love of books… they also tend to put up with my foul mouthed sarcasm a lot better.

I’m currently pairing with Evernight Publishing to tackle the romance genre. So far, it’s been a good experience and the other authors have been a fun group.