Nov 19 2009
Repent, Harlequin?
Word Count: slacktastic
I mentioned I bought Under the Dome, right?
I have done nothing with my free time since Sunday night but read.
I know, NaNo means shutting yourself off from all distractions — including new books from one of your favorite authors — but y’know? To hell with that. The last book that had me this hooked was A Madness of Angels. I’ll get a review up here when I’ve finished it, but for now, it’s safe to say I’m loving the hell out of this book.
Interesting things happening in the world o’publishing this week. Harlequin announced Harlequin Horizons, which is essentially their own shiny new vanity press line. There’s a huge caveat emptor here, cats n kittens. Settle in while I go exploring!
Also, for the record, I think it’s very interesting that they’re launching this during NaNoWriMo. How many people with books that are nowhere near ready for publication are going to get hooked in by this?
There’s been plenty of discussion amongst romance writers and on romance blogs. Check out Smart Bitches, Dear Author, and Writer Beware. Romance Writers of America has declared that with the advent of Harlequin Horizons, Harlequin itself (as in, its “traditional” publishing arm), “no longer meets the requirements to be eligible for RWA-provided conference resources.” Which means that sure, they can attend RWA conventions, but now they have to pay for rooms for their authors to use for signings, and will not be able to use the resources the RWA provides to eligible publishers to promote their company.
What does this mean? In short, that adding a vanity/subsidy arm to their business is not good for the brand or its authors, and that it’s not the sweet deal it seems to be at first glance.
Go get a cup of coffee. This picking-apart may take a while. Continue Reading »
