Jordan Summers

Update to the Dorchester info: I forgot to mention that the graphic type novels they are looking for will not actually have graphics in them. Weird, I know, but they’re looking for the tone of a graphic novel. The new line is called Show Me and it’ll launch in July 2007. They want the books to be 85 to 100K and ask that you send in a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters. They’re looking for light and dark toned books. They gave an example of a book they recently purchased for the line. The book is described as follows: Post-apocalyptic trans-Siberian trucker romance. *ggg* And they do not want any sweet romance books.

I got back yesterday. I must say I’m glad to be home. I met a lot of wonderful people, many of which were fellow bloggers who I’ve spoken to often online. It was great. I also met the Harlequin editor who has my Blaze. Kathryn was very nice and I hope we get to work together. She hasn’t had a chance to read the ‘new’ version of my book yet, but hopefully I’ll find out if I’ve sold Sky Goddess soon. I haven’t received any news yet on my Tor submission. I’m guessing that I’ll know much more by the end of next month.

Thank you to the folks who’d wished me luck on my social skills. I wish I could say that everything went well in that arena, but it would be a lie. Snort. I know I’ve mentioned it several times on my blog, but I’m going to mention it again. Despite the way my blog entries turn out, I’m incredibly direct in person. I do not mince words. I am not purposely mean–ever, but I will not lie to you. Why am I mentioning this? Because I know I shocked several people with my forward personality and it really bothered me afterwards.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about publishing. For those of you who haven’t seen the news on the lists, Red Sage is now accepting work for their new EBOOK line. The stories are between 5000-20,000 words and can be either erotica or erotic romance. They’re also looking for Inspirational Erotic Romance that doesn’t necessarily fall into the Judeo/Christian realm.

Bantam Dell is looking for paranormal historicals, some multi-cultural, and is open to seeing women’s fiction books. They said if you send them a first novel that you should mention if the book is part of a series. They are publishing erotic romance, but it will not have its own line. They will be individual books that focus on building an author’s career.

Tor is still looking for romances, but stressed again that the books should not be more than 50% romance. They also stressed that they are looking for big PLOTS, so fluffy books need not apply. They are actively seeking mysteries and don’t mind unusual settings. A couple of new things for Tor are graphic novels (which seems to be big for a lot of publishers this year) and YA (young adult) books. They did say that they only want YA books that appeal to adults first, then young adults second. So basically they want books like Harry Potter. (wg) Right now Anna Genoese is the only person to query if you have a romance for Tor. Contrary to stories you may have heard online about her, Anna is actually a nice person, so remember that when you’re inhaling the rumors floating around in cyberspace. There are always two sides to every story.


Dorchester said they are always looking for anything and everything. Chris Keesler is actively pursuing stories for their new graphic novel line (think Matrix with Trinity as the key to the story) and he also desperately wants futuristics. Dorchester also said they’re actively looking for historical books, including those set in the west. They said the western is not dead at their publishing house. Their big focus in the talk was to point out that they are the launching point for many new authors. They wanted to make it clear that if you have a book that doesn’t fit easily into the other publishing houses to please send it to them because they can take chances that the larger conglomerates can’t, since they’re one of the few independent publishers left. Apparently, Leah (I believe that’s the editor’s name.) has the shortest turnaround time for them. They mentioned that if you wanted to know which agents they work with regularly to phone them and ask. I thought that was pretty cool, although I’m not sure they’re really going to want all those phone calls. *ggg* Like Bantam, Dorchester wants to know if your book is part of a series. A lot of publishers are looking for series books, BUT they don’t want you to shop them the series when you send in the query for the first book. They just want to KNOW it’s part of a series. The final thing Chris mentioned was that when querying Dorchester to PLEASE keep the query SHORT and SWEET. He says he skims the letters for pertinent info, so the shorter the better. Another editor concurred.

I know this entry is running long. Tomorrow, I’ll put up the info I have on NAL, Pocket, and St. Martin’s. I’ll list Harlequin on Wednesday. In addition to the publishing houses, I have info on a few agents that may help in everyone’s great search. Unfortunately, the tape for Warner wasn’t available by the time I got ready to leave. It’s being shipped to me. I’ll let you know what they have to say once it arrives.

I’m making a list of everything that I have to pack and praying that I get it all in one suitcase. You’d think by the way my nerves are jumping in my stomach that I’d never gone on a trip before. Sigh.

This brings up something that I’ve discovered since I started writing full-time. I used to be a very social person in high school and college. Admittedly, I can be a chatterbox. This was a very good trait to have during my fourteen years as a flight attendant. With the change in job, came a big change in personality. I’m no longer a ’social butterfly’. I don’t like crowds. I don’t like being away from home and my dh. I am not good at small talk and my comfort zone is the size of a thimble. If you knew me before and after, you wouldn’t believe that I am the same person. I think the change comes from living much of my life inside of my head and working in solitude. It makes what was once easy (tackling social events), quite difficult.

Since I won’t be blogging this week, I thought it would be cool to run a contest. I realize these two ebooks are old (2003), but the paperback versions are new. If you’d like a chance to win a copy of SOMEWHERE IN TIME or EXODUS, leave me a comment in my blog telling me why you want a particular book. I’ll have dh draw two names on Aug. 2nd in honor of my dad’s birthday. Good luck.

As you can see from the blog entry, we went to the movies today. I suppose there are worse ways to waste an hour and a half. To give them their due, the premise of this movie was cute. Normal girl gets super powers and it changes her entire personality/life. Years later, she’s a ‘tad’ neurotic. When her current boyfriend breaks up with her, the neuroses morphs into a mild case of fatal attraction. There were a few laughs throughout the movie, but overall I thought something was missing. Perhaps it was the emotional connection to the characters. There didn’t seem to be much of a build up in that area. Should’ve gone to see Pirates for a third time. *ggg*

I’ve made a list of everything I need to take/get done for Nationals. I tried to buy a couple of ebooks for my reader, but the New Concepts Publishing site wouldn’t let me put the books in the cart. Sigh. Tomorrow will probably be insane with last minute scrambling. I’m going to get packed after the cleaners leave, so I should be good to go. I can’t believe how nervous I am.

On the writing front, I’ve gotten confirmation that the Phantom Warrior contracts have been received. I’ve sent in cover art request forms. Keep your fingers crossed for me that the covers turn out as well as Somewhere in Time and Atlantean’s Quest 4: Return. My editor told me to expect edits upon my return from Nationals. Yay…sniffle. Writing a book in a month and doing edits, lucky me. *ggg* WAH!!!!!

I did go to the store, but I only ended up buying two t-shirts. I’m kind of thinking I should’ve bought a larger size, now that I’ve gotten home and tried them on. Sigh. Too late now. I’m not going back out to exchange them. Hopefully people at the conference won’t point and stare too much.

I also picked up travel items, including exercise bands that I can pack and use in the room. I’m still determined to get everything into one rollerbag. Here’s hoping those air sucking bags work this time around. I’m going to do a test run today or tomorrow just to make sure. Other than that, I guess I’m ready to go. Well as ready as I’m going to be anyway.

Tomorrow we’re going to see my Super ex-Girlfriend. Hopefully it’ll be good for a couple of laughs. I’m trying to book a shuttle, but the website doesn’t seem to work. I’ll have to phone them on Monday and that should be about it. I’m off Tuesday morning. :-O

I spent another day running around. I was supposed to go to the movie with my friend, but I haven’t been feeling 100%. I’m definitely on the mend–thank goodness. Didn’t want to be ill at Nationals. Speaking of Nationals, I’m kind of freaking out since I’m hearing reports that downtown Atlanta is like the gauntlet for walking. People are saying it’s not safe to walk over a block. Terrific. Just what I wanted to hear, when I can’t bring my gun or my pepper spray.

Today has been a little rushed. I needed to mail a few things and get to the grocery store. Don’t want my dh starving while I’m gone. I about melted while I was out there. I’d buy an electric car tomorrow, if it would stop the global warming.

I received a couple of requests this week based on the queries I sent out, so I WILL be writing a book in a month come Aug. Luckily, I have a hundred plus pages already written. Whew!

Still haven’t managed to shop. (Yes, I’m putting it off.) I’m trying to figure out if I have enough clothes to cover the conference. I’ll look tomorrow. Can’t be bothered today. I have to read through my manuscript and start the next chapter. Hope everyone is staying cool.

I’m tired today. I went to get my hair done. I think it turned out pretty well. The color is certainly a heck of a lot better. *ggg*

Picked up a few ebooks when I got back. I grabbed Immortalis by Nathalie Gray, Heated Fantasies by Elizabeth Lapthorne, Enforcer by Lauren Dane, Love Partner by Robie Madison, and Planet Mail by Kate Pearce. I finished Enforcer and really enjoyed it. I’m currently reading Love Partner and so far so good.

Anyone read any good ebooks lately?

Sometimes I’m truly grateful that I am out of the loop. For example, I didn’t know that there’s been a big fight going on between reviewers and authors until I went to Alison’s blog. I mean I’d heard comments, but I just didn’t realize that it was as large a fight as it is. The skirmish has turned into the blob, devouring all in its path. I made one comment on a link and I think it’ll be my last…if you don’t count my blog. *wg*

Today has been much calmer than yesterday. I went for my private Pilates lesson. It kicked my butt and my thighs. They will be sore tomorrow. Whimper. I haven’t been shopping yet for Nationals. Yes, I’m waiting until the last minute because I don’t like to shop. Tomorrow, I have my hair appointment, thank goodness. The color is looking scary right now. I’ve signed all the contracts for EC. I think I might have a story for Samhain too. I’ll look into it upon my return. Hopefully I’ll have lots of news to share with you all soon.

In the meantime, does anyone have anything cool happening?

I had one of those days where I hit the ground running and I’m just now slowing to a stop. The editor at Harlequin dropped me an email this morning to set up a time for us to meet at Nationals. I thought that was very cool of her to do. I’m looking forward to meeting her

I also received a request, so I had to gather a ton of stuff together for that since I was already heading to the post office to mail the Blaze. It always scares me when I mail off a bunch of stuff at the same time because I’m terrified that I’ll put the wrong things in the wrong box. It doesn’t matter how many times I check it, I inevitably goof somewhere. Why is that?

Had a rather insomnia-filled night last night. I hope I can get some sleep tonight to make up for it. Tomorrow I’m mailing off the contracts for the Phantom Warrior stories. Fingers crossed one will be released this year. I’ll keep you posted. I’m also going to my pilates lesson tomorrow morning. It should be pretty cool.

How was your Monday? *ggg*

My niece had her official ‘Sweet Sixteen’ party yesterday. My mom said it went well and that she cleaned up in the gift arena. We’re not in the same state so we couldn’t attend, but we were there in spirit.

I’ve decided to mail the Blaze off tomorrow after the dentist appt. I’m also mailing several queries, since I’ll be at the post office anyway. *g* I did receive a bit of good news in my inbox yesterday. Novelist Inc. wrote me to let me know that I’d been accepted. Yah! I guess this means I’ll be heading to their conference next year for sure. I haven’t quite decided what other conferences I’ll be attending next year. I don’t plan to go to Nationals and I’m not sure about the Romantic Times Convention, since the latter will be a month after Novelist Inc.’s conference. There are a few smaller ones I’m interested in. I hear great things about the New Jersey Conference and the Seattle Conference, so I may go that route. Both are in the fall. I also wouldn’t mind attending the Maui Writer’s Conference. *ggg* Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

On a final note, I’d like to send birthday wishes to my friend, G. Hope it’s a good one and that you have many more.

I spent the day going over the first three chapters of my urban fantasy. I’m sending out queries, so I wanted to be sure it was the best I could make it. Talk about time consuming. :-O

I just heard back from one my readers/critique partners about the Blaze. She loved it. Thank the stars. I have one more to hear from and then this sucker is going in the mail. Woo Hoo!!!

Tomorrow we’re going to see Pirates again. Can’t wait. A friend of mine is planning to join us. She hasn’t seen it yet, so that should be fun. I plan to finish typing up queries when I get back, then read through contracts for the Phantom Warriors.

Next week will be busy as I get ready for Nationals. I plan to take a ton of notes and will report back with my findings. Hope everyone has a great weekend.