For Authors

Here at Romance Junkies, we pride ourselves on helping authors and readers connect. There’s nothing so satisfying as helping writers grow and network. We’ve been voted one of the 101 Best Websites for Writer’s by Writer’s Digest for several years, to include: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016.

 

For Authors

We’ve also been listed as one of the top 100 Book Review Sites by Feedspot.

Feedspot-award

What RJ can offer you:

  • A Broader Romance Scope
  • Craft Tips
  • Resources (scroll down to read more)
  • Blogging Opportunities
  • Reviews

What you can offer readers:

  • Great books
  • Giveaways
  • Links to great series
  • Author networking–Social Media
  • Fun!

To request a review or blogging date, please go to our Advertising/Contact page for more information.


 

The Pros and Cons of Publishing

 

  Traditional Publishing Small Press Publishing Independent Publishing
Pros
  • Distribution
  • Professional Cover art
  • Professional Editing
  • No up front costs
  • More input on cover art
  • Professional editing
  • Higher royalty rates than traditional pub
  • More intimate working experience
  • Total control over cover, edits, distribution date
  • Ability to control pricing and sales
  • Selected distribution
  • No agent necessary (barring foreign rights)
Cons
  • Little control
  • Low royalty rates
  • Agent percentage (if agented)
  • Distribution not as great as trad houses
  • Not guaranteed print
  • Agent percentage (if agented)
  •  Everything is up to you
  • Smaller distribution
  • Still dealing with small-minded “legitimacy” issues (harder to get some advertising, distribution, sale deals)

 


 Resources

We’ve compiled a list of places where authors can go to submit or gather information. At the time of our lists, the publishers listed below are in good standing with RWA and pay their authors on time. However, it’s up to YOU–the author–to do your homework and ask around before accepting any contracts. Please talk to those who publish with the houses you’re interested in and learn as much as you can before signing on the dotted line. And by all that’s holy, if you choose to publish with a publishing house and do not use an agent, find and use a literary attorney before signing a contract!

Traditional Houses to publish romance that do not require an agent:

Small Press Houses to consider:

Resources to help writers wanting to independently publish:

Kirkus Self-Publishing Guide

 

 

 

 

 


Other sources to go to for help/an overview when publishing:


Some things to be wary of when considering a publishing contract:

  • Does the publishing house pay on time?
  • Do you have a clear time-table of publication, so you can market your work?
  • What do other authors with that house say about them?
  • What are the covers like? Would you buy a book from them?
  • Do any of their books make lists, as in, NYT, USA Today, or top Amazon rankings?
  • Are they willing to negotiate contracts? Most reputable publishers do.


Literary Attorneys:

Attorney Denise Gibbon offers a terrific post on how to find a literary attorney. Best advice–ask around for others who have used her/his services. And remember that one person’s experience might not be another’s.