If you would have told me....

If you would have told me, as little as two years ago, that I would be working with a small publisher that few had heard of, I would have said you’re mistaken.

Ten years ago, when I got involved in erotica, I was all about print books. I had read erotica, but I never had any interest in writing it. That was before I read Viscera, edited by Cara Bruce. From an interview I did back in 2006:

I love art and I attend a lot of art openings in my city. One evening I was at an erotic art show and there was a woman selling copies of Viscera, edited by Cara Bruce. I bought a copy, took it home, read every story in the anthology, loved them and realized that writing erotica is what I should be doing. I also credit my husband with encouraging me to write erotica because he knew I was suited for it.

(I often wonder whatever happened to Cara Bruce, and I want her to know that her anthology changed my life.)

My goal was to get a story published in a print anthology, and I accomplished that goal with “She” published in Hot & Bothered 4. I continued to submit to print anthologies, and then I had a goal to become an anthology editor.

I wanted to edit a women of color lesbian erotica anthology, so I sent my proposal to Alyson Books. Two weeks later they responded and wanted a title. I didn’t have one, but 24 hours later I did. So became Iridescence. I had my anthology; I had my advance; I had my book tour (that I paid for); I had my book signings. Life was good – for a while, until I tried to get another anthology proposal accepted.

That was my boi antho. Alyson Books didn’t want it. Cleis Press didn't want it. Arsenal Pulp Press didn’t want it. So I quit. I couldn’t get a print publisher to accept my proposal. So I quit. I shouldn’t have, but I did.

Then one day I was emailing Jim Brown, the editor of Logical-Lust. I asked him if he would be interested in my swinging erotica proposal. That day, one or two emails later, he responded with a yes! It marked the beginning of what has been a wonderful experience for me.

Some publishers have final approval over every story that an editor accepts. I don’t have to deal with that at Logical-Lust. Jim and Zetta (Jim’s wife) share the same taste in erotica that I do and they respect and trust my decisions.

Some publishers do little to nothing for an editor when it comes to promotion. Again, I don’t have to deal with that. Logical-Lust is one of the best publishers I know of when it comes to promotion. They expect the bulk of promotion to be done by the author, as it should be, but it's nice to know that they do what they can to help.

(I want to thank Zetta for convincing me to give Swing its own domain. Swing got its own domain in February. The total hits, just for the month of February, were a little over 1,000. Now it's April, and the hits just for the month of April are currently at over 11,000.)

Some publishers take months and months to respond to a proposal. Again, I don’t have to deal with that. The line of communication I have with Jim and Zetta is open. They’re more than just my publishers, they're also my friends.

I can proudly say that the ebook Swing is just as good as any of the modern erotic print anthologies out there. Swing will probably come out in print in the future – but if you’re a true lover of good erotica – what’s the difference?

~

I'm very proud to be with Logical-Lust - a small publisher that is becoming more and more known.

Swing will be published on April 24 as an ebook by Logical-Lust! Go HERE for the direct link to buy the book!

In addition, on April 24, Logical-Lust gets a brand new look!

Finally, there will be a launch party for Swing at the Logical-Lust Yahoo group on April 24. Chat with Swing authors and win some prizes!

Friday, April 24 will be an exciting day!

While you’re here – check out the Swing Book Trailer – featuring the sexy Tara Tainton. Guys (and gals) you'll love it!
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