From the Desk of the Editor in Chief: Submissions Call -- Solstice Publishing

https://solsticepublishingbooks.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-desk-of-editor-in-chief-submissions.html

From the Desk of the Editor in Chief: Submissions -- Solstice Publishing

Good morning. Welcome to my desk and all the activity upon it. Today, we’re going to talk about submissions. I’ve had so many people ask what it takes to submit to Solstice Publishing, I think it’s time to explain the process.

You just finished your book. Beta readers are telling you it’s the best book they’ve ever read. You go over your work one more time, before deciding to start the submission process. Next, you begin the research, to find the best publisher possible for your ‘baby.’

Having done this many times myself, I know just how much research you’re now involved with. Are you considering seeking publishers that specialize in the genre you write in? Do you feel you should be with a publisher that accepts multiple genres? Do you need an agent to submit your book? Finally, just what should you include in your query/submission?

The first three questions you, the author, must answer. I have the information you need for the last question.

In order to submit to Solstice Publishing, we ask you to send us your full manuscript—this should be a completed manuscript, your final as we call it. Before submitting, you should do a thorough read of your book, to ensure there isn’t anything you missed. Your book should be in a 8.5x11 document and you should start each new chapter on a new page. The first page should include the title (and sub-title if you have one) and your name (or the pseudonym you’re using). Don’t add page numbers in the header or footer. You may have either double or single spacing. All submissions should be sent to us in .DOC format and be attached in an email. We do not read submissions that have an extension other than .DOC or .DOCX, and we do not accept submissions sent through Google docs. Please don’t insert pictures or any other type of image in your submission.

Once you have attached your file, you should insert a brief letter in the body of the email. Introduce yourself. Give us a very short synopsis of your book. You also need to include your social media sites that you’ve set up for yourself as an author. Solstice Publishing requires our authors to promote their books on social media in the contract. Not including social media information will result in us not reading your submission.

Submissions are read throughout the month and we will advise you during the last week of the month if we are interested in offering a contract or if we don’t feel your book is right for us. The staff of Solstice Publishing are all published authors. We know how it feels to have to wait, to wonder if your book will receive a contract or not. That being said, we do not accept every book that is submitted to us. We recently changed our criteria and are only accepting a few books a month.

I hope to see many new and exciting books coming our way soon!

 

 

Submissions Page: http://www.solsticeempire.com/site_page.aspx?pageid=2044

 

Some Authors Are Shifting Away from Amazon — Why?

I've been seeing a trend for a while. There are authors - apparently popular ones, for that matter - who have decided to forgo using the usual bookseller sources, and release their books exclusively on their own websites, sometimes with subscription-based services. 

Being a reader of romance too, I occasionally come across these authors after a newsletter sign-up. Except, suddenly I can't find their book title on Amazon, and I am forwarded to a website that, for all intents and purposes, is professional, but makes the reader in me cringe. 

Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash

Why?

Why, indeed. Why should I be forced to move away from my beloved Amazon, or in lieu of that, avoid every other possibility to use some random website that might collect my personal information and sell it to the highest bidder? 

Am I paranoid? Exaggerating?

Perhaps. Yet, there's a grain of truth to this line of thought. I doubt I'm the only book reader who has clicked off an author's wares just because they don't offer your preferred format or they use a resource you're unfamiliar with. 

Is this method of abandoning Amazon and other booksellers successful? I imagine it works for some. But for most authors, we must bite the bullet and go with what our audience wants. Is the Zon annoying with their strange policies sometimes? Sure. And royalties that come from 'pages read' on Kindle Unlimited are a significant risk, granted that someone who purchases the book actually opens it. But we muddle through the chaos to offer enough comfortable formats to appeal to our fans. Whether you have an e-reader or just prefer a print copy, you can often find each type of book at different retailers. 

Photo by Perfecto Capucine on Unsplash

   
Would you be willing to ignore the typical places and try a random author's website to retrieve your copy of a new release? Hmm...for myself, probably not without some guarantees, such as a discount promo code for the first purchase. I mean, I don't shy away from PDF or mobi copies; God knows I've found a ton of books through Rafflecopter giveaways and Bookfunnel. But I still become wary of an impending scam when an author cannot be found at any retailer other than their own website.

Maybe it's just me. But even as a fellow author, if better sales are the only reason to move away from Amazon, then why get into writing in the first place? Isn't it about passion, telling a story? Don't you want your audience to actually read the book?

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

So, you tell me as the reader. Where do you most frequently buy books? Answer through the poll below...


And if you just happen to have used these exclusive website deals on authors' official sites, then let us know in the comments. Are you still hesitant, or did you get accustomed to the approach? Or, if you're an author too, would you try this method, or do you agree with me? Why?

I look forward to reading all about your thoughts on this topic!

The Birth of a Queen

The Birth of a Queen

Greetings, humans! In case you've forgotten, this is Emma, your feline goddess speaking. I have a little story to tell today...

Eleven years ago, my human mom (Marie) came to The Humane Society. Two months after suffering a great loss regarding her longtime feline companion, she was ready to open her heart again. When I saw her from my cage, while shoved in there with my troublesome brothers, I deigned to look my best as I always did when potential foster families came to the building. I tried everything I could to show her I was sweet and a good kitten, the perfect fit for her. 

So unlike the other two, right? It's every kitty for herself in a place like that! ♥

And guess what? It worked! The die was cast, the ruse a success. Finally, I was away from the nightmare, prepared to thrive as queen of my own domain. 

I was on my best behavior while this lady signed all the paperwork involved in said adoption. I was even good when Marie placed me in a shopping cart and wheeled me around some store called PetSmart. I acted afraid of all the big toys, and found the perfect feather wand and bed, which were deserving of my regal presence. 

I preened at the oohs and aahs of other customers when they saw me. How magnanimous I was!

Two hours later, I was already officially installed in my new home. 

It took time to get used to those surroundings, the various smells which weren't unpleasant yet certainly unfamiliar. Some kind of barrier was put up to prevent me from discovering other rooms, but I climbed the monstrosity like a total boss. 

Did you ever doubt I could?

I had a great laugh over how worried and frustrated my human slave became. I told her just what I thought.

"Ha! Too late now, human. You can't return me. You signed a binding contract. You're stuck with me, and you'd better treat this Royal Miss well. You'll also have to get a model release from me any time you even think about taking a picture. I know, I know. I'm gorgeous, but you can surely control yourself, right? Unless you're really that dumb..."

I hear Marie whispering now...

"How many of you have ever personally felt victimized by a cat?"

So? Suck it up!

Needless to say, it's taken years to try to get all the idiot humans in the house to understand me, even when I speak slowly to make it easier on them. 

I plan to rule the universe one day, minions! Never doubt your highness.

But I digress. Today is what the human's call a 'birthday'. At the time of my adoption, Marie was told that I'd reached six weeks of age. So...she can only guesstimate that April 30th must be an appropriate time to set the date I was born. Of course, kitties never create such a day to commemorate each year. 

No...to us every day is a reason to celebrate our perfection. Provide food, water, treats, a pristine litter box, the perfect spot to nap, a great place to bird-watch, maybe throw us the occasional catnip toy or wave a string around, and we're usually happy.

For myself, I have more refined tastes. I always have, though I won't snub my nose at the aforementioned items. I deserve to reign over both humans and the animal kingdom. I am their sovereign. Why can't they get it through their thick skulls, huh?

Even Katerina, or Kit Kat - that ebony thing that they let in from the cold years ago - overlooks my superiority. I've tried to master her, beat her into submission. What do I get in return? A claw in the eye. Thanks for nothing! But I've known from day one that we'd never be 'friends'. I just don't lean that way. I deserve to be worshiped.  

Last year, we lost my adopted brother, Smokey, the gray tabby. I know Mom misses him a lot. She doesn't say so, and probably doesn't think I realize how sad she got. But I believe she's ready to have another male kitty in the house. 

What do I think? Uggh, no way! Boys are gross. Plus, there's no more room for anyone except me. Mom doesn't give me a choice about Kit. I have a hard enough time competing with the human she calls a fiancé for her attention. 

Hey, what is an 'ego'? Marie once said I have a massive ego, that it was probably due to the trauma I'd suffered before she adopted me. She thinks I still harbor resentment, and quite a bit of anger about the whole thing.

Trauma? Hmm...not really. Just give me a run at that stranger who locked me in a bucket in the hot sun (before I had to be re, ah, resuscitated?), and he'll be sorry for it, I promise! 

 
Why are you looking at me like that? There's nothing wrong with capital punishment, right? ;)

Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah, telling you all about my birth. I know it's been a while since I popped in here to say anything. Marie has been trying to ban me from use of her blog, but as you know, I'll never be kept down. 

Ha! Who's in charge? Mmm-hmm. That's right. 

The inferior humans will learn someday. In the meantime, let's celebrate moi. Why not? It's a great reason to party.

Happy Birthday to Your Supreme Ruler! Let me hear all the applause for your queen here. Shower me with treats and petting. Seriously...don't get too handsy. I bite! I know, I know. I'm the cutest cat ever, but you humans smell strange. Definitely not purrfect like a kitty. 

 
OMG, how can you not bathe with your tongue? It's just weird to dunk yourself in water. What are you trying to do, drown every day? SMH.

Plus, lately Marie's kept so busy with blogging on her other blogs and numerous author obligations - not to mention doctor appointments and family stuff - that she's worn out. I am exhausted just looking at her.

Ah, I'm tired now. 

I am signing off. Have a nice month of May, human slaves. Until next time...goodbye for now and meow, meow, meow, et cetera, et cetera.

 

As always,

 

Ruler of the Universe and Supreme Feline,

 

Emma A.K.A 'the Munchkin' Mulrooney

 

"Scars" - a poem

Sometimes I write poetry that isn't romantic at all. Here is one that came to me last night...

Scars

These scars are still healing,

the impression of your hateful words are like red lashes across my back,

the marks you left on me inside and out.

Angela Yuriko Smith, Pixabay

 

I recall the shock of finding bruises in places no one else could ever see,

the impact of your teeth marks everywhere,

the hard ways you took me and left me hating us both.

When you’d roll over and sleep it off,

I felt so empty and I’d do everything I could to make silent tears.

Counseling, Pixabay

I couldn’t show how much it scarred me.

 

The belittling words you’d throw my way,

later I was sure you were intimidated that I was smarter than you,

but then you did whatever you could to make me feel less.

You don’t understand how hard it was to take the step away months later,

the final one,

not because I cared too much for you,

but more because I knew I deserved better and you’d never see that.

It was also a challenge afterward,

the constant memories crowding my mind,

the time I flinched when you almost hit me,

how I thought I was stuck in place,

Cocoparisienne, Pixabay

crippled by fear and jailed by your cold heart.

I recall the dark emotions swirling within me,

sometimes I still can’t see myself enough,

and I am afraid I’ll disappear into the ether,

a forgotten note,

Kellepics, Pixabay

just where you wanted me then.

These scars will always be there,

but I know breaking away was best.

Sometimes I still feel the hard grip of your touch,

the harshness in your dark eyes,

without a hint of compassion,

even when I was in physical pain.

The way you demanded,

only demanded everything,

but never gave back.

I have to shut my eyes against the shadowy memories.

Geralt, Pixabay

  

Then the next one came along,

with his gentle approach and it was easy to sink into complacency.

Except he hurt me in a different way,

as men sometimes do.

He had no way of knowing the deep cut he made would turn me inside out,

Milada Vigerova, Unsplash

 

swirling in my gut,

when I saw further into the darkness and lost myself a bit more.

As life often goes,

I made plenty of mistakes later,

like an addict does with no other options,

exploiting internal weaknesses I shouldn’t have touched.

These scars have marked me….made me the woman I am today.

They say experience makes you stronger.

Then I should be invincible by now.

Yet I’m not,

just me,

sometimes still the girl you scarred so much.

But there is a day now and then when I feel an ounce of peace and I can find the light.

 

Chris Barbalis, Unsplash

It’s a journey…even though years have passed,

and I live in the comfort of one who truly loves me,

I remember and know the scars I’ve collected on my skin define me.

Created by Tirachard - Freepik.com

A survivor.

© 2018, Marie Lavender.

***Author's Note: if this poem moved you rather than disturbed you (I apologize for the frankness about my life), consider reading Directions of the Heart, a collection that explores the many facets of PTSD and the journey of healing. These are tales that are close to my heart.