The upheavals at
Dorchester Publishing have been hogging the publishing news of late. I happen to have a vested interest in the clamour since they're the publishers of my debut novel,
Café au Lait. I know that publishing houses exist to make money for themselves. I know that the bottom line rules, but even so the very public evisceration of the house hurts a bit. Being contrary by nature, I'm going to push back against all the negative karma out there by taking a look at what, historically, have been the positive aspects of the house.
- Dorchester has managed to remain independent in a climate where the massive, monolithic houses have been gobbling up smaller houses and imprints in what seemed at times a feeding frenzy. Dorch deserves kudos for retaining its independence to the very end - if indeed the end is what we see looming.
- Authors who have worked with Dorch have nothing but the highest regard for their editors. There are authors right now who, along with their dire concerns about their books, are riven with worry over the fate of their editors and other staff at the house. For this close bond to exist between the authors and the staff, Dorch must have been doing something right. It's telling that there are authors there who swear they will follow their editors to whichever house grabs them up.
- Their art department rocks. Dorchester covers are usually well executed and I've heard author after author enthuse about them.
- They sell good products. From what I've been able garner across the 'net, they publish great stories in the romance, horror and western genres. That's the simple magic behind their long-term success.
- Finally, they routinely take risks on new authors. Many traditional houses don't, or at least not to the same degree. I've lost count of the well known, bestselling authors who are where they are today partly because when they were brand new in the business, Dorch read their stories, liked them and invested in them.
There's talk out there that Leisure (Dorchester) titles will soon become collector's items.
This is your chance to win what might very well become such a prize some day soon. (Are you laughing? I'm serious! :)) I'm giving away a copy of
Café au Lait and anyone who leaves a comment on this post or on the feed on Facebook will be entered in the draw. Even if you're not into romance novels I believe you'll enjoy the virtual Caribbean escape. Good luck, readers, and good luck, Dorch!
0 comments:
Post a Comment