PBW told me I had to asked me to put something together for her left behind and loving it series this week. (Yes, payback is a bitch.;) I decided that I would combine my topics. Why should this entry be any different from my books? *g*
Im going to discuss writing outside the traditional boundaries of romance. Ill use my own trials and triumphs as an example of what roads are available and how to avoid some of the potholes.
There are many reasons a writer might choose to write outside of the traditional boundaries of romance. Perhaps their book doesnt fit what is currently being bought by the New York publishers. They might not like the boundaries that have been set. Maybe theyve combined genres and created a new one. They may even have shied away from the traditional route because they wanted time to experiment. The latter applies to me.
I started writing romance with a traditional slant. It was only after Id heard of Elloras Cave that I considered stepping outside of the boundaries that had been set. I didnt do this because N.Y. wasnt interested in my work. At the time that I submitted to EC, Id never sent anything to New York. I actually went the epub route because I wanted the chance to publish while I learned how to write. Yeah, not the smartest move, but I was a newbie. I didnt know any better. Sometimes ignorance is truly bliss. Not often, but sometimes.
I sold the first thing that I submitted to Elloras Cave. Im very fortunate in that respect. I have no idea how long it wouldve taken me to get published had I gone the traditional route. Id like to think not long, but who knows? Around the same time that I was exploring this unconventional genre (ie erotic romance), I was entering contests. I liked contests. I entered them to receive feedback. This was before I got my first critique partner, so feedback was useful. I never entered any contest with the notion that Id automatically final or win. Like I said, I was in it for the feedback. Sometimes that can be just as addictive as winning. 
I researched contests just like I would a book. I looked at which ones were considered prestigious and which ones gave the best feedback. I also looked at who would be the final judge. I entered contests that encompassed all three pieces of my criteria. I ended up entering six contests and finaled in four. Out of those four, I placed in two, the Lori Foster/Kensington Brava contest and the Harlequin published author contest. Both wins landed me book deals. I was lucky. It couldve just as easily turned out to be a bust.
Contests and e-publishing are not the easiest route to New York publishing (if N.Y. is your goal), but they are options if youd like to take a little more time to hone your craft.
As I mentioned above, up until entering the contests, Id NEVER sent anything to New York. The thought terrified me. But in this case, I did not allow the fear to stop me from following through. I finished the Brava novella and submitted it to Kensington. A few months later, I was offered a contract. I landed my first agent the same week. Everything was wonderfulat least for a while.
Have I mentioned that this is an unpredictable and unstable business? (wg)
Things didnt exactly work out like Id anticipated. I found my writing tastes changing. This tends to happen when you havent written enough books. I was still in the trying different genres stage of my early career, when I got published. I wasnt sure what I liked or what I was capable of as a writer. Change is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does put a crimp in building a career if the change is dramatic.
I walked away from a lot, knowing that there was a very good possibility that it would take me years to rebuild what Id started. I had no choice. It was either that or implode. I spent the next two years trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I came very close to quitting. Yep, after multiple books written and published, I seriously considered hanging up my keyboard. Why? I wasnt having fun anymore. Id betrayed myself. I hadnt trusted myself enough to follow my gut. When you do something like that, the muse is not very forgiving. In fact, she can be a downright cold-hearted bitch. During that same time, most of my friends landed multiple book deals. I was (and still am) genuinely happy for them. But its hard to watch, when it feels like the world is passing you by.
It was only once I realized that we are all on our own journey that I began to relax. Being on your own in this business is not the same as being alone. I wasnt missing out on anything. Instead, I was re-evaluating my work and figuring out what I wanted to do. This was my journey. It didnt matter what everyone else was doing. If I wanted to be in it for the long haul, I had to focus on the work and let everything else go. I also had to realize that this wasnt a sprint to the finish line. It was more like a never-ending marathon. You have to learn to pace yourself.
With that in mind, I started a book that didnt fit neatly into the paranormal romance category. It had elements of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. I decided to tell the truth like Stephen King suggested. Smart man. What does that mean? It means I didnt pull punches, when it came to writing the story. If the book called for violent scenes or sex scenes, I wrote them the way they needed to be written. I needed this book to be exactly like I pictured it in my mind. I couldnt worry about whether Id offend anyone or gross anyone out. This book was for me. And me alone. I had to see if I was brave enough to write something that *gasp* people might hate. Typing The End turned out to be a major turning point in my life. I experienced freedom that Id never thought to achieve in this sphere. I also landed a new agent and a three book deal from Tor.
Right about now, youre probably asking yourself, does she have a point? I do. The thing about writing is there are many ways to climb the mountain. Some people take a direct route, while others meander. If you want to go the epub route, then by all means write a story and submit it. There are a lot of good epublishers out there. If you arent comfortable submitting your work to a small press publisher, then try entering a contest. The feedback can be invaluable and theres always a chance it can lead to something better.
Here are a few tips to get you started with contests and epubs:
1. Try to enter contests with at least three judges. Contests are subjective, but for some reason Ive scored better in contests that have more than two judges.
2. Choose your contests wisely and know what you want. Are you entering a contest to get your manuscript in front of a particular editor? Sometimes its easier to query the editor directly. That way you dont waste your money on an entry fee. You cant count on being a finalist. Are you looking for feedback? Some contests have built their reputations on the fact that they give good feedback. Research before you spend those hard-earned dollars.
3. A final bit of advice about contests. Its REALLY easy to get caught up in entering contests. Theyre one of the few things that bring instant gratification in publishing. Through the years Ive seen a lot of writers become contest queens, but they never seem to get past those opening chapters. Dont let yourself become one of them. Yes, contests are thrilling. Yes, they can be addictive. But, the point is to write the book. Never forget that.
4. If youre interested in going the epub route, there are a few things to keep in mind. Just because its an epublisher doesnt mean that you dont have to pay attention to the contract. There are a lot of writers out there whove made that mistake. Find someone experienced in literary contractual law and pay them to go through your contract. Its money well spent.
5. Research all the epublishers. Decide which one best suits your work. It doesnt matter if publisher A is known as the best publisher out there, if they dont specialize in what youre writing. Sometimes being with the BEST isnt what is best for you and your career.
6. Dont get impatient. It takes time to find the right fit. I know its hard to watch your friends land book deals, but you have to plow your own road. Think long-term.
Here are the names of a few contests that have a good reputation:
The Daphne du Maurier
The Orange Rose
The Kensington Brava Contest
The Harlequin Blaze Contest
The Golden Quill
Here are the names of a few e-publishers:
Samhain
Elloras Cave
Loose Id
Changeling Press
If youve traveled outside the box of traditional romance, what road did you take? Did you forge your own? Are you considering a non-traditional route?
Well said, Jordan, and a great example to everyone who doesn’t necessarily move to the sound of the traditional drummer. I think the more folks who braven up (yes, I realize that’s not a traditional word) the more romance as a whole benefits. We need rabble rousers where it really, really counts. In the novels!
by Jo Leigh July 12th, 2007 at 12:36 pmJo, I agree. We do need more authors walking to their own beat. It’s only then that the best work comes out. It also keeps the genre fresh.
by Jordan July 12th, 2007 at 1:19 pmI had sort of an unconventional start myself. Like you, I wanted an “earn while you learn” opportunity. Mainly I wanted to learn what my strengths and weaknesses were, and where/how I was missing the boat because I’d had a few near-sales to NY and honestly didn’t know what I was doing wrong.
Epublishing fit the bill. I learned a lot from working with editors. I learned a lot from reviewers and readers. When I heard the same things over and over, I was able to pinpoint strengths I didn’t know I had so I could play to them and also areas of weakness so that I could either correct them or write around them.
I enjoyed the creative freedom of being able to try out any kind of story, any subgenre, any length. My path wouldn’t be right for everybody, but it was right for me. It led me to an agent and a NY publisher I’d always wanted to write for.
And now what? Well, we’ll see what the future holds. The only constant in life is change and that’s even more true in publishing.
by Charli July 12th, 2007 at 5:40 pmCharli, Everyone does have to find their right path. I think it’s important that they keep in mind that there are a lot of ways to reach your goals.
by Jordan July 12th, 2007 at 6:01 pmGreat post Jordan! I went non-trad for a few reasons: Mainly, I respected the publishers work and felt as a first time author they’d give me the attention I needed to hone my skills. Also: went non trad as I wrote cross genre and felt what I had was a little more on the edge with what the trads were looking for. And, it was financial. I liked that I had large distribution via the internet, and a hefty royalty. But mainly, I went with who I did because of who they were. I also had been following an editor there, and thought she was excellent, and she’s who I submitted to. So many of the authors I really like followed a similar path, wrote cross genre spec rom, and had success with that same approach, so again, I followed a model that I felt worked.
by Ursula July 12th, 2007 at 6:05 pmI guess I am forging my own road, in a way. At the moment, it’s been washed out by flooding in the Midwest…
And there is a certain non-traditional ms nibbling at the corners of my consciousness right now, but so far we’re just sort of dancing around each other, lol.
Excellent article, Jordan. Thanks for sharing.
by raine July 12th, 2007 at 6:12 pmUrsula, I think you brought up a good point about editors. Just like agents, there are editors that are better for your career than others. By paying attention, you can figure out who is who.
by Jordan July 12th, 2007 at 9:43 pmRaine, Keep plowing.
by Jordan July 12th, 2007 at 9:44 pmYAY!
I love to hear about people’s journey’s …and yours is very inspiring to me, especially as I feel a little like I’ve fallen off my own path right now, and am struggling to get back on it.
by Sasha July 13th, 2007 at 12:18 amThanks for a very informative post, Jordan. As for my writing route, I’ll take any road, even gravel or dirt. I have a compass in case I get lost.
by BernardL July 13th, 2007 at 6:13 amGreat post, Jordan, and thanks for sharing. I especially liked the “Being on your own in this business is not the same as being alone” part. Very true, and something I tend to forget.
by Michele July 13th, 2007 at 7:44 amJordan,
Thank you. You answered many of the questions that I had. Some of my CP’s are e-pubbed and seem to love it. Other’s are shooting for bigger publishers.
As far as contests some hate them others love them. I personally like the feedback I get, but since I have only entered one contest, which I did not final, I don’t have great experience with them. I have decided to be a bit more choosey as to which ones I will enter.
I tend to be a dark writer. It has put a few people off with it. They want their romance bright and cheery. The historical era that I love to write about IS dark, there wasn’t much to be cheerful. As you talked about King’s truth, a light went off in my head.
Thanks again.
by Christina July 13th, 2007 at 9:54 amGreat post. What you’ve said is so true, and applicable for more than romance writing. Thank you.
by Ann July 13th, 2007 at 8:47 pmSasha, Thanks.
I don’t think you’ve fallen off your path. I think you’re just looking for the next trail to blaze. 
by Jordan July 13th, 2007 at 9:31 pmBernard, Those dirt roads can be mighty fun. (wg)
by Jordan July 13th, 2007 at 9:32 pmMichele, Thanks. It is important to remember. Actually, I can’t take credit for that one. PBW reminded me of that fact a while back, when I needed it the most.
by Jordan July 13th, 2007 at 9:33 pmChristina, You’re welcome.:) It is important to be picky when it comes to entering contest. You know your work best. A lot of readers/judges don’t like the dark stuff. That’s okay. You have to find your own truth, then the right readers will find you.
by Jordan July 13th, 2007 at 9:35 pmAnn, I’m glad you liked it. It wasn’t meant to be genre specific. More of a writer’s journey than anything else.
by Jordan July 13th, 2007 at 9:36 pmExcellent article about writing and that other all-to-important aspect of it - being true to yourself. When people finally get their hands on RED, they’re going to be so glad you listened to your gut and followed your own path!
by Jeaniene July 15th, 2007 at 7:44 amThanks Jeaniene! I hope you’re right.
I do think it’s important to listen to your own drum. Let everyone else join the band. 
by Jordan July 15th, 2007 at 2:42 pmAs usual Jordan, great post!!
I have always admired and respected you and this is just an example of why.
by Vivi Anna July 16th, 2007 at 12:12 pmThanks Vivi!
by Jordan July 16th, 2007 at 1:01 pm