Thanks for hosting today! I’d like to discuss the difficulties of swapping publishers, since it’s something I’ve gone through recently.
Seven Dirty Words was initially with Rocking Horse Publishing (and Four Letter Words still is), but on 3rd June it was re-released by Tirgearr Publishing. I’ve been asked by several people why I made the move, and I’d like to say that it has nothing to do with RHP, and everything to do with me.
RHP gave me a lot of support – they published my debut novel and for that I will always be grateful. Unfortunately because they are based in the US, their links to the UK market are limited, and being a writer in England, I wasn’t able to attend any of their events. My book launch was ruined by a tornado so hardly anyone turned up, and staying up until midnight on Skype was not my idea of mingling with the readers!
Tirgearr Publishing are a lot closer to home, and I’ve met my editor IN REAL LIFE!! Several times in fact. Which is a real bonus – it’s nice to be able to physically see and speak to the people you are working with, especially when it is something as important as your own book. That is really, the only reason why I made the move. I felt that using a publisher who has a large romance following and working with an editor who is herself, an erotica author, would help me with my quest to becoming a known author.
The downside is that RHP put books in print, and Tirgearr don’t (well not initially anyway, they may be put into print eventually). I don’t have any physical copies that I can take to book signings, so I’m limited to readings and handing out postcards and flyers. Still, the sales figures work for me.
But there are difficulties involved. It’s not as simple as taking one book to another publisher. I had to wait for Seven Dirty Word’s contract with RHP to finish for a start. Tirgearr wanted new edits and a new cover as well – which have worked in the book’s favour. It was in American-English, it is now in British-English, and certain scenes that went against Tirgearr’s policies have been removed. It has also been more strictly edited.
There was also the personal side of it all. I knew Robin from RHP way before RHP existed, and it was important to me that we maintained our friendship. It did become tense while negotiations were underway, but I feel we’ve worked through that and I hope that we can work together again in the future. I will admit to feeling like I was being disloyal when I made the decision to move to Tirgearr, just as I will if I choose to go to a different publisher with any of my books, but at the end of the day, being an author is a business, and it’s important that I view it as such, otherwise my books will remain unknown and unseen.
It has been an interesting journey for Seven Dirty Words, and I would love to know what readers think of the new and improved version.
Excerpt:
I was glad when he left without waiting for a response. I suppose I should have gone after him. Any sane woman would have done. When a drop-dead gorgeous, wealthy man confesses his undying love to you, you don’t let him get away. But I’m not any sane woman, and I did know exactly what I had to do.
The evening sky was a sketch of contemporary fine art. Shots and sparks of burnt orange, crimson, and violet against a midnight blue backdrop, with hot pink clouds surrounded the village. Dark trees cast their shadows down over the car park. I leaned against one, the bark prickled at my back, feet firmly planted on a boulder in front, making me several inches taller.
Wheels belonging to the black Jag turned over the white lines, parking parallel with where I stood. My shoulders pushed into the tree trunk, spine straightening as I waited for him to exit. I think I held my breath as well.
TDS stepped out into the cool summer air. Instantly I felt the heat sear in the deepest part of me. No man had ever had this much power over my sexuality before. To think that I was about to dowse that flame was unbearable.
His expression was stern, with a rigid jaw line and low brow. In the obscurity of sunset, his indigo eyes were almost black, hiding how his pupils reacted to my presence. Ice had replaced the fire that usually burned. As though he was emitting a cold wind, a shiver shuddered through me. Instinctively I lifted my hands to rub away the chills.
“I do not appreciate your childishness,” he said angrily, planting his hands on the bark either side of my head, causing me to gasp.
Something inside me stirred, the danger of this man igniting flames of desire.
Blurb & Buy Links:
Paige Holmes hides herself in a masculine world in a desperate attempt to remain safe.
Just as she is ready to face her fears and her past, she finds herself torn between Matt Jackson and Vance Ellery: handsome, rich, and safe – or handsome, rich, and dangerous?
Which will she choose?
The one who appears to be the most perfect, or the one who makes her use all Seven Dirty Words?
Tirgearr Publishing: http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Howard_Charlotte/seven-dirty-words.htm
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ExJtUx
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1dy702q
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-dirty-words-charlotte-howard/1114293556
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/seven-dirty-words-3
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/seven-dirty-words/id992996036
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/541059?ref=cw1985
Bio & Social Media Links:
My career as a writer started when I was young, writing poetry and flash fiction for my friends and family. After a few minor successes of having pieces published in anthologies, and later on-line, I decided to have a go at writing a full-length novel. My first attempt was a bit of a disaster, but after years of practice, I finally got that coveted First Contract. Since then, I’ve written several more novels and short stories, and I don’t intend to retire for at least another 50 years.
Charlotte lives in Somerset with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets and can always be found with a cup of tea in her hand. When she’s not writing or running around after small people and animals, she loves to eat curry and watch action films.
Charlotte is an active (and vocal) member of the Yeovil Creative Writers.
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