The publisher of my Chronicles of Kassouk Series, Desert Breeze Publishing, is two years old at the end of this month. Hard to believe such progress was accomplished in such a short time. And since I agreed to tell everyone how I found this wonderful publisher for this sci-fi romance series, here is the story.
In 2007, my publisher of the time (which shall not be named) closed their doors. A bitter and lengthy battle ensued for the authors' rights to their own stories. For a time, I kept writing and looking for new publishers, found an eBook outlet for my contemporary novellas, but my back list of sci-fi romance novels was now out of print and I didn't own the rights to my previously written books, not even those that never were published but had been contracted by this defunct publisher.
At the RT Booklovers Convention in Orlando in April 2009, after attending agent and editor panels, I roamed the corridors and bumped into the familiar smiling face of Gail Delaney, a fellow author and former editor for that defunct publishing company. She invited me to a shindig on the grounds to meet other authors and to tell me about a project of hers.
Intrigued, I accepted the invitation and had refreshments with a friendly bunch while she explained that she was moving to California and starting a new publishing company with a very talented partner, and she would name the company Desert Breeze. The electricity in the room all but sparkled. I knew Gail had seen the insides of that sorry defunct publishing company as an editor and more. She'd learned exactly what not to do. When she reminded me of the stories she'd edited for me and how much she liked them, and asked me to submit whatever I had, I immediately accepted. Not only I saw an opportunity to get back in the game, but I finally owned the rights to my books, and I trusted Gail's unquestionable integrity.
You would think things went smoothly after that, but it wasn't the case. Actually, Gail rejected my first two manuscripts (my most recent and never published novels) for reasons I fully understood (too sexy, not suitable for the kind of lines she had in mind, or other concerns not related to the writing). I fully respected her choices, each publisher has very specific house rules. These other novels since found a home elsewhere.
Then Gail reminded me of a title from my previous publisher, White Tiger. She'd read it and liked it and wanted to re-publish it. That was easy. I revised and polished the manuscript and sent it to her. It happened to be exactly what she was looking for. When I understood the kind of books she wanted, I suggested that White Tiger could be the first book of a series, and I could write more set in the same futuristic world.
She was very enthused, asked me for two more titles, a name for the series, and send me a three-book contract. Since then I've been writing the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series. These three books are now out. Book Four, Blue Lioness, is coming in August, and the prequel, Noah's Ark, is scheduled for release in 2012. I'm also writing a novella for their Borealis III sci-fi romance anthology coming in October 2011.
This is how I became a Desert Breeze author and I never regretted it. I just saw Gail Delaney, Patrick Delaney, and Jenifer Raniery at RT in LA this month, and their publishing company is healthy, growing, and taking giant strides, while maintaining impeccable quality. Have you seen the cover of White Tiger? It won the ARIANA award and the QUASAR award for Best overall eBook cover of 2009. An author can't ask for more. I am very priviledged and proud to be a part of the Desert Breeze Publishing family.
Find the Chronicles of Kassouk books at Desert Breeze HERE
Follow top right links on this page to find all my paperbacks and eBooks in various formats from Amazon kindle, B&N Nook, ARe, Smashwords, and other places.
If you leave a comment on this blog you can win the pdf of either White Tiger, Red Leopard, or Black Jaguar (your choice), and be entered for the Desert Breeze Anniversary grand prize at the end of the month. So go ahead.
The Desert Breeze Birthday tour continues tomorrow Sunday April 24 at:
SUE PERKINS' blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning sci-fi and romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
10 comments:
Hi Vijaya,
I enjoyed learning how you became a DBP author! I'm sorry about everything you went thru with your former publisher, but so glad you submitted to Gail. DBP is definitely an exciting place to be with the amazing growth they have done in a short period of time. Your covers are beautiful! I admire any writer of sci-fi romance series - it takes lots of imagination.
Congrats on all your success and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DESERT BREEZE!
Hiya Vijaya,
Enjoyed hearing about your introduction to DBP. It just confirms my feelings about Gail and the others who run the publishing house. Integrity is the main ingredient to their amazing success. Your books look exciting. Thanks for sharing and my very best wishes for your continued success. June
Thanks for sharing your cool story. I love the covers of your Tiger books. They are so captivating!
Hi Vijaya,
I enjoyed reading your blog about how you came to Desert Breeeze. Very insightful. It also sounds like your books are interesting to read. I just may have to look into it. Thank you for the invite.
Those covers are fantastic! Every day I grow more impressed with Desert Breeze and am so happy to be a part of this group.
Vijaya, I have your books, so I don't need to be entered, but I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed reading this. It's neat to read more about DBP's beginnings and see how far they've come. Talented authors like you paved the way.
Thank you so much for the comments, girls. Appreciate your kindness. Keep shoveling the compliments. I love it. It's working...
Hi Vijaya,
I love your titles. Hubby loves white tigers :) What an interesting story of how you became a DB author. I'm enjoying hearing how everyone came to DB, as if it were not a concidence, but perhaps a guiding and leading. Happy cat tales. Have a blessed Easter weekend, BJ
Hi Vijaya,
It's very interesting how you and Desert Breeze found each other. Truly, some things are meant to be. Your books are so awesome. Continued success to you!
Happy Birthday, Desert Breeze Publishing!
Hugs,
Regina
Vijaya,
I'm so glad you sent Gail White Tiger. I LOVE your Chroncilles of Kassouk series! It's very creative and imaginative. Your style of writing is fun to read. Glad to have you as a fellow DB Author.
Gail & Jen really is something special.
Smiles
Steph
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