I sold my very first book to Samhain back in 2006, and sold a second shortly after. It was a whole new experience for me, and sort of for Samhain too as they were just getting off the ground. A few months later I sold to Harlequin, and with kids and deadlines being what they were, I was kept quite busy for a few years. I adjusted to dealing with “the biz”, worked on building my readership and establishing my brand.
A few years ago I found myself with a manuscript that I wasn’t sure what to do with. It didn’t fit into my normal publishing schedule, yet I really liked it and had enjoyed writing it. When I considered what to do with it, I contacted Samhain again and asked if they’d be interested. They were. They published it, and another work, and right now we’re putting the finishing touches on the last 2 novellas in my First Responders series.
So why did I choose to go digital first?
A good part of it was wanting a chance to expand my readership to perhaps a new demographic. With Samhain, I could write something slightly different than I normally do, and yet still deliver the same kind of warm, emotional read upon which I’ve built my brand. I had FUN – the editing process is quite different from my other house and I learn a lot from both methods. I also had some freedom with word count – I’ve really enjoyed writing the slightly shorter novellas in the First Responders series!
With the growing e-book market, I knew it would give me visibility to digital first READERS. New readers who might just go looking for whatever else I’ve published. It gives me that little bit of diversification that hopefully lets me reach new people.
And I do love that Samhain also has a print program, because that way my books are still available for readers who still prefer paper over reading electronically.
I’m giving away a copy of the first book in my FIRST RESPONDERS series today – OFF THE CLOCK. Look for IN THE LINE OF DUTY coming in August, and INTO THE FIRE in November!
Giveaway: 1 lucky winner will get a digital copy of Off the Clock. Leave a comment along with your email address on this post no later than 7:00pm on June 14th to enter to win.
The last thing she needs is a hero…
Paramedic Gabe Brennan’s job is saving lives. When he witnesses an accident and rushes in to help, the victim brings back memories of the night that marked him forever. The night he almost couldn’t save his best friend, Brandon. Brandon’s sister is in the car. She’s pregnant. And his longing for her is just as sharp as ever.
Carly’s never been so glad to see a friendly face. Gabe’s gallant rescue—and the gentle kiss he bestows upon her at the hospital—resurrect feelings she buried long ago. Having just closed the book on a crumbling marriage, she’s not too keen on opening herself up to hurt again. Not even for the one man who’s always seemed to be there when she needed him most.
Gabe knows he shouldn’t be falling for Carly, especially since she insists she’s off the market. But the chemistry still simmering between them after all these years is no accident. Now all he has to do is convince her she belongs in the empty space he’s always held open for her. The one next to his heart…
Caution: Contents—and paramedic hero—may be too hot to handle!
Click here to learn more about Donna.
I love books featuring paramedics. They have such hard jobs and are so dedicated. I'd love to read this.
jen(at)delux(dot)com
I am glad that there are some ebook only publishers out there but I am still a paper reader and love that Samhain and others offer paper as an option. jepebATverizonDOTnet
Samhain is one of my favourite e-publishers. They always have a great selection of authors and really well edited books with beautiful covers. And I sometimes even by a print book by them when it is one of my auto-buy authors.
On a sidenote: I love Donna's Sold To The Highest Bidder! One of my fav books ever!
I'd love to read Off The Clock! Thank you for the giveaway.
claudigc at msn dot com
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I think it's great that digital publishers are there to publish books which are different from what we usually read. It allows a greater diversity in what you can write and in what we can read! It's a great thing!
Jen – I love the first responders types of heroes. It was exciting to do the whole series!
Neat factoid: My brother was a volunteer paramedic for a while, and ended up being badly injured when the ambulance was hit by a drunk driver and he was in the back.
Jen and Aurore – exactly!
Claudia – oh, thank you for saying that about SOLD! It was a really fun book to write!
Hey Donna, Thanks for visiting the blog!
I love books about paramedics – this one sounds great!