Harlequin's new biz model not so model

To read Harlequin's statement upon which this blog is based, visit: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/

Romance authors, published and unpublished, were very surprised and dismayed to receive notice that Harlequin is now hawking pay-for-pub services. They were even more surprised that Harlequin acted clueless to the conflict of interest and self-serving nature of this decision.

Romance authors, published and unpublished, have been significant supporters of Harlequin for many years in several ways, including:

• buying and reading their books

• aspiring to become a published author with the romance fiction industry's hallmark publisher

• trusting the company's ethics and integrity to do right by both readers and writers.

It is disappointing that Harlequin has not recognized that while publishing models have and will continue to change, it's not about the almighty dollar. As a leading publisher of women's fiction in a rapidly changing environment, Harlequin's intention should be to provide authors access to a variety of publishing opportunities, traditional or otherwise, without misleading them or treating them like dumb schmucks.

Romance authors, published and unpublished are glad Harlequin has heard the concerns expressed regarding the potential confusion between this venture and their traditional business, and as such, are changing the name of the self-publishing company from Harlequin Horizons to a designation that will not refer to Harlequin in any way. However, Harlequin's hope that this will allay the fears many authors have communicated to them remains to be seen.

Romance authors, published and unpublished, should remain committed to connecting with publishers of only the highest caliber with a demonstrated commitment to excellence, integrity and the finest storytelling.

Sincerely,

A romance writer

Yes, mom, I'm jumping off the bridge, too

Is there a child alive who grew up without hearing that old adage, "If everyone else was going to jump off a bridge, would you jump, too?"

While I've made a point of following the path less traveled, I don't think I can avoid blogging anymore. So, today, I'm jumping...

I'm not sure what's held me back thus far. Maybe it's the ego thing. Let's be honest, does everyone who blogs really have something to say? And even more to the point, do I?

As a professional writer, it seems like I could find something more productive to do with my words than blog. Send out a query, write an article, polish my WIP. But then I heard that some folks are making money off their blogs, and many authors are using blogs as a forum for fans and publicity. Blogging seems to have transitioned from hobby to reputable pursuit.

As someone who's been called opinionated and outspoken, maybe this blog can spare my husband (and mother and sister and best friend and coworkers and grocery store cashier) my daily rant about whatever topic has me riled up. Forced to maintain the neutrality of a journalist, this blog is just the place to express all the ideas and thoughts I have to edit out of my print work.

Since I've already jumped, I may as well aim for a graceful dive instead of a belly flop.

Here's to swimming -- er, blogging -- with the masses.