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Dear authors,

Could you change publishers?

Seriously.

I know it’s selfish of me, but see, here’s the thing.

I’ve been lucky enough to get to read some really cool stuff from some people who, unfortunately, are published with outfits I just… erm… how can I put this?

Well, I wouldn’t give my credit card information to them if they were face to face with me and I knew where they live—let alone over a (badly designed) website with only dog knows what kind of security software. Sorry, nope, not me, not in a million years.

Then there are the publishers with an apparently higher-than-their-share percentage of vocal-and-out-of-control authors who go on ranting all over the place. *coughnotnamingnamescough* Nothing will drive me away from a smaller epub quicker and more decidedly than the crazy.

And see, as selfish and self absorbed as I am—which is plenty, I’m sure—I would love for more people to read your stuff, because it’s really good. And the more people read your stuff, the more likely it is that you’ll keep writing. You win, I win, see?

And, since I know I’m not the only one who balks about forking over hard earned money to specific publishers *coughnotgivingnamesdon’twasteyour timeguessingcough* so, perhaps, branching out to as many other, bigger, better known epublishers as possible would be a good career move?

Pretty please?

With sugar on top?

Yours truly,

Little ole me.

(Eerie: I have had this post written and waiting in my hard drive for a couple of months, wondering whether it was even worth posting. Then I see this (TeddyPig’s comments through the thread) and this at Dear Author. Ergo, posting it)

Beyond Innocence, by Emma Holly

Emma Holly is well known in the online romance reading community for her erotic romances (such as All U Can Eat, review here). Beyond innocence is my second full length novel by Ms Holly, and it was a wonderful surprise, giving me a glimpse of a very different facet of her writing.

Set late in the nineteenth century, Beyond Innocence presents a different perspective on societal mores, their pressure on the individuals, and the contrast those make with familial obligations. Love is a powerful force, indeed, and doing something out of love doesn’t always make it the right thing to do.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

When her beloved father passes away, Florence Farleigh finds herself alone in the world. All she wants is a man who will treat her kindly and support her financially—and she’s come to London to find him.

Edward Burbrooke thinks marriage is the only way to save his brother Freddie—and their family—from scandalous ruin. As head of the family, Edward has vowed to find Freddie a bride—and fast…

Thrown together by Edward, Florence and Freddie make a perfect pair—until Edward realizes he has feelings for his brother’s betrothed. The sight of her nubile young body makes his blood burn with lust. The sound of her voice makes his heart warm with love. And the sweet taste of her kiss makes him wonder if he isn’t making a terrible mistake.

(more…)