I'm pretty excited about that. LOL. Since I've been down with the flu I have all sorts of things to talk to you all about. I'm thrilled to announce that Aphrodite's Apples has joined both EPIC and the Erotic Authors' Association (EAA). Both of these organizations are representative of what we are trying to accomplish, in terms of the advancement of both intelligent erotica, and the elevation of ePublishing.
The EAA is interested in the promotion of erotica as an art form, something that's sorely needed in today's current socio-political climate. Mainstream writers groups (I won't name names) are pulling back and treating romantic erotica as if it's a redheaded stepchild, tolerated only because of sales. Some of the smaller presses who specialize in romantic erotica are being subjected to recertification. It's crap, in my opinion. If this is mainstream professionalism, I'd rather be an indie.
EPIC, on the other hand, is exactly what I think is needed in ePublishing. I joined a couple weeks ago, though I'd been meaning to for some time. Kayleigh Jamison, our Editor-in-Chief, has belonged for a while now. I'm really impressed with the group as a whole - they are just as dedicated to quality and the advancement of ePublishing as we at Aphrodite's are. They are intelligent, professional and I'm looking forward to working with them more.
Those of you not in the biz might wonder why I'm so delighted with EPIC. Right now ePublishing is in its infancy, and we're seen as electronic Pulp Fiction. In some respects that's amusing to me, as Shakespeare, in his day was a pulp writer. Ben Jonson was considered by his peers to be the far superior author. I'd like to see a show of hands for who's heard of him besides me. Who do we study today? Will Shakespeare, pulp writer.
But I digress. Some of ePublishing's pulp reputation is deserved. There are author mills and disingenuous souls
However, there are wonderful ePresses that want to create the best stories they can, in electronic form. We certainly do at Aphrodite's. I am delighted to find so many like-minded souls at EPIC. Places like Freya's Bower, Tease and Whiskey Creek. Indeed, EPIC's site is a good place to start if you are looking for a publisher, or information on eBooks in general.
If you are an aspiring author considering ePublishing, I would urge you to look around EPIC's site. When we were creating our original contracts for Aphrodite's, we looked to EPIC to make certain our language would adhere to industry standards. EPIC, Preditors and Editors and Piers Anthony's page on ePub are all excellent resources if you'd like to learn more about the business.
A well-informed author is a more confident and savvy submitter. We have a page on the advantages of ePublishing for would-be authors. Read it, and some of the other resources I suggested. As an author, I know how much work I put into my manuscripts. Protect yourself and your work.
If you're a reader, take a chance on an eBook. I think you'll be surprised and delighted at what you'll find, right here on the web.
