Victoria – True, what hardcover release did do well over the last two years aside from the super blockbusters. But then again, if GGK can’t pull it off, who can? I’m only compiling anecdotal data, but I’ll definitely post my wild conjectures after the workshop. If nothing else, it might fuel some discussion.

This will consist of a series of 4 books about female African Warrior Assassin women the second book I completed 2 years ago called The Prince and the Panther. The third I will release this year is to be called The Pirate and the Cobra.

I originally tried to find a publisher for it in 2006, and I had many rejections from editors who enjoyed the story but didn’t think it was a good fit for their lines. So I set it aside until 2010, when I’d just bought a Kindle and become an ebook reader myself, Carina was launched, and there were more epublishing options for non-erotic writers. Carina bought it, and here I am. At least for now, I’m happy to be with an epublisher, because I like the freedom to go off the beaten path. E.g. I’m thinking of following in Jo’s footsteps (Hi, Jo!) with Napoleonic France, or maybe Peninsular War in Spain but with a French hero.

In 2008, when my agent was shopping the first story in the Spymaster series, I got turned down by [mumble mumble number] of publishing houses. There were a variety of reasons — (One nice editor asked, “Is this author’s first language English? There seem to be many grammar mistakes.”) — but a majority of publishers said something along the line of liking the book but they didn’t think a story set in France would sell.

So I do think there may be a problem selling mss in even slightly exotic settings. Certainly there has been a perception that these don’t do well.

http://www.web-e-books.com

1.) The Kempei, by Richard M. Baker, Jr. – newly released Historical fiction for the adult market. An unrestrained, big rolling 1930′s war novel with character focus on a young Japanese rice farmer who’s indoctrination to the military police demands suppression of his natural goodness for an aggressiveness required to successfully invade and exploit Manchuria – the ultimate objective to rule all of East Asia.

The novel was deeply researched for authenticity. It provides cinema-graphic and uncensored action and was masterfully written by a published author. We are just beginning to promote it. Two-thirds of sales from overseas (and it’s in English). North Americans should read this for a reality check on a period history that was intentionally white-washed, and to understand the psychology of soldiers and officers who become the pawns of aggressor nations. It’s a chilling and tough story – not for the faint of heart. Please read the disclaimers and user agreement. We have two-or-three others titles that may also be suitable for your survey.