For those in the know, our writers' groups were swarmed for awhile, both with talent, and with hacks who thought they had some talent.
We were forced to clean house, a very distasteful job, but one that needed doing. When you are talking with writers who all but beg to be published, then go on a prima donna ego trip, then they must be cut loose.
As this has been a repeating problem, we have chosen to only work with the authors we have already signed on, those whom we have already contracted. So far, that is more than 15 very talented authors!
In the future, we look forward to opening our doors to writers outside our own house writers, and look toward expanding.
But that is for LATER.
When that time comes, we will put out an open notice and see what and who come our way. Actually, we are all looking forward to it!
I will give a heads up, though.
Our head Editor will be the one calling the final and most crucial shots on the manuscripts handed in. Once our small council of investors, and professionals, have given a piece the thumbs up, then our Editor will go over that piece. Only after that process will she even spend the necessary time needed to peruse a story and begin the task of editing, proofing and whipping it into shape. And then, only after a contract has been inked.
While I am both a writer and publisher, and the small business will bear my stamp on it, even my own work must meet with the standards of the panel, and attain the approval of the Editor. Otherwise, it would be one of these cheeky vanity press things, and none of us want that! There are enough of those poorly written, poorly proofed, ego driven sites out there already, glutting the web.
As of this writing, we are looking at going to press very soon, within this year (2004), and are planning on our first releases being available via CDs, rather than downloadables. Ha ha! So much for that total E! experience, eh?
We are quite pleased with this latest development. The decision was made after long meetings and discussions proved out that it was simply a more viable avenue, to release on CD rather than simply make books available by download.
I'm very excited about the prospect of seeing new writers break out with their first book publications! I'm very proud of all the hard work that they have put into their books and so pleased to be working with them.
Very soon, we will be opening the doors to a couple of groups/clubs where the public may come in and ask questions of the authors and about the kinds of books we publish.
When these groups are ready, I will put up links for you.
As with most matters related to this new publishing business and the subjects involved, it is an ADULTS ONLY discussion group and Q&A.
As always, I can be reached via e-mail. You all know the drill. If I am slow to answer, bear with. I'm swamped! If I do not answer at all, well then, I either never got your note, or it was so obviously out of line, or meant for another addressee, that I did not bother to waste my time responding.
Good health to all of you, and pleasant dark dreams!
Ebony Syn
August 11, 2004
There have been more set backs, unfortunately, but we are recovering. Between my partner moving to New York with his job, and our chief editor having a dangerous heart attack just this past summer, it has been months of serious ups and downs. One of our writers has had to undergo several surgeries and radiation treatments as a follow up, so we in this small family/friend run operation have been stretched to our limits.
Things are looking up though. There is a light at the end of the tunnel (and no it is not an oncoming train).
We should be getting the new line out early 2008. Yea!
My apologies for being so slow in updating this site.
It is our intent to make our books available for both down load and CD, for your convenience, and it is our plan to market them through a major chain as well as via our mail order and online sites.
We all greatly appreciate your patience and support!
Happiest of Holidays! Be safe and well.
Warm Regards,
Ebony