Digital Publishing.
Ten years ago, I’d have to write a few pages to explain what that term means. Today just about everyone knows what Kindle and Nook are, and what a handful of digital first publishers have done to revolutionize publishing as we know it.
Digital publishing is still in its infancy today, though some reference and textbooks were digitized in the sixties, and the term ebook has been around since the 1980s. In 1971, Michael S. Hart at the University of Illinois was working with the Xerox Sigma V mainframe. He created his first electronic document by typing the United States Declaration of Independence into a computer. Thus Project Gutenberg was launched to create electronic copies of historical documents, and eventually–books.
So, Thanks, Michael Hart! He paved the way for my career as a digital first author.
Back in 2008 when I finished my first book Wyoming Solace, I felt ready to submit the manuscript to Harlequin, Avon, Kensington etc. I knew the way to go was find an agent. I sent out dozens of emails with no luck. Then I figured I’d try submitting my manuscript directly to those publishers who didn’t require an agent. I typed the words “romance publishers” into Google. The big six were there on that page of results, but then so were others. Places like Samhain Publishing. Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Liquid Silver Books.
The more I clicked, the more I liked what I saw. I didn’t need an agent. I didn’t need to have six books under my belt. And best of all, I didn’t have to print out a copy of my book to airmail overseas and wait months for a response. I attached my manuscript to a query email, and received an immediate receipt confirmation.
I’m not going to say it was easy. I’ve had my fair share of rejections. But one publisher saw enough in my book to look past the newbie mistakes and see that with some work, a lot of ruler snaps on my knuckles by a very good editor, the book had potential. That first book, Wyoming Solace, is now my sixteenth release, as it’s being republished on June 26, 2012.
The path I took wasn’t traditional. It wasn’t the path I’d set out to forge back in 2008, but I’m so happy I’ve found my way to where I am. I couldn’t be happier.
Alanna Coca
Alanna is giving away a copy of Wyoming Solace to one commenter. Leave a comment here for a chance to win.