#DFRAT Guest Author: Elisabeth Barrett

I am thrilled to be guest blogging today on behalf of the digital-first read-a-thon that Book Binge is hosting, along with Tracy’s Place, The Book Reading Gals and RR@H Novel Thoughts. Digital-first publishing is a fascinating topic, not least of which is because my debut novel, Deep Autumn Heat, is being released by Loveswept, Random House’s digital-first imprint.

I’m the first to say that there are many people out there who know much more about publishing than I. That being said, from my perspective as an author, in today’s day and age, digital publishing is nearly identical to print publishing. Digital authors put the same amount of care into drafting their manuscripts as do print authors. Editing happens in exactly the same way for both types of publishing. However, in the final few steps, such as formatting and actual publication, the paths diverge. I’m oversimplifying things a bit. There are a few other differences, such as marketing (obviously different for e-first than it is for print) and money (advances v. higher royalty rates), but from where I’m sitting, not many.

As a debut author, I feel there’s a certain amount of freedom in being released digitally-first. When it was a print-only line, Loveswept was noted for its innovative, smart romances. They encouraged their authors to push the envelope. Now, in print, there’s not much wiggle room for envelope-pushing, especially for first-time authors. Loveswept was able to take a chance on me—an unknown. Going digital-first was a way for me to flex my wings and to write the book I wanted to write, without worrying about conforming.

So what is the book? Deep Autumn Heat is the first novel in my Star Harbor series, which is set on Cape Cod Massachusetts. It’s the story of two stubborn chefs who simply must fall in love, despite all obstacles. Sebastian Grayson, chef-owner of the New York hotspot, Helena, returns to his hometown of Star Harbor for some R&R. It’s there that he runs into Lexie Meyers, who wants to open up her own catering business as an extension of the already-successful Lexie Meyers Kitchen.  Of course, sparks fly in more than just the kitchen when Lexie and Seb meet.  The novel features small-town charm, colorful characters, intrigue, and one amazing coconut cake.

In closing, I will note that there is one very strong reason why I went with Loveswept: the acquiring editor believed in my work and my story, and wanted the series to succeed. And that’s it in a nutshell—there was someone who stood behind my novel and my series and worked to make it the best it could be. In that respect, digital publishing is still very much like print.

I’d love to leave you with a little snippet of Deep Autumn Heat (which releases on July 9), here’s the scene when Seb figures out that Lexie’s the one who’s baked that amazing coconut cake:

After picking up the waiting food, Lexie placed the steaming plates in front of Seb’s brothers. He was still eating the cake, one agonizingly slow bite at a time, his eyes closed in pleasure.

    She needed to get this man out of her restaurant. Fast.

She prepared their check and brought it over to their table as soon as they were finished eating. “You gentlemen can pay when you’re ready,” she said, sliding it across the table toward Cole. Despite herself, she snuck a look at Seb, only to realize that he was staring at her. She felt her skin grow hot beneath his gaze.

    “I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I just thought you were…” he paused deliberately, “someone else.” Then, he gave her a dangerous smile, small brackets forming around that delicious mouth.
    Before she could stop herself, she smiled at him in return. Then her face froze as she realized what she was doing. Caught off guard, she began to stammer. “Ah, n-no worries. We’re good,” she managed to get out.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. Then he pointed to his empty plate. “This coconut cake is amazing.”

    “Thank you,” Lexie responded automatically, relieved to move on to a safer topic.
    “Do I taste almond extract in here? Is that what gives the flavor that extra depth?”
    The corner of her lip curled up. “It’s a secret,” she said.
    “Is your pastry chef here? Can we talk?”
    “Oh, she’s here. But I don’t think she’ll tell you,” Lexie paused. “In fact, I’m positive she won’t.”
    “Well, I’d like to talk to her all the same,” Seb pressed.
    “You are.”
    Sebastian gave a start, and then he laughed, a deep, low rumble. “Lady, you are full of surprises.” He smiled sexily at her. “And I like surprises.”

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About the Author
Elisabeth Barrett is thrilled to make her debut with Loveswept on July 9 with the release of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT, the first book in her Star Harbor series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers. Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. She is clearly pro-digital-first.
You can connect with Elisabeth on her Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

How about a giveaway?!

One lucky reader who comments below will win a NetGalley preview of Deep Autumn Heat. Contest ends July 8th at midnight (EST).You’ll need a NetGalley account, and to answer the questions below:

Does knowing a book will be released digitally-first matter to you? Why or why not?

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