There’s a new kid in town when it comes to ePublishing. Keith Publications, a full-service publishing house, launches on September 1, 2010 with eBook titles in every category and genre. The publisher’s Wicked Ink imprint specializes in erotica and romantica. D’Ink Well, the general imprint, is open to all categories and genres of non-fiction and fiction. “We want authors to write what they want to write”, notes creative director and editor Julie Fletcher.

Fletcher, a former freelance writer who still maintains the blog “Not Enough Coffee“, sat down for a quick chat to tell us more about Keith Publications, and to let writers know the publisher is currently accepting submissions.

Dawn: What do you look for in submissions?
Julie: I can’t speak for all the staff, but I look for a strong plot with engaging characters. I recently had to reject a story with potential because it was stilted…it was written exclusively for a fetish with unbelievable elements. My personal preference is horror, paranormal and elements of both in erotica for Wicked Ink, but KP is open to any genre and style.

Dawn: We know that even with a full-service publisher, authors must market their own work, too. Any tips there?
Julie: Several things:

1. Authors can (and should!) have a website. Many authors are published with more than one epublisher and list all their books, with links to purchase. Blog as much as time permits — readers want to talk to their favorite author.
2. Create a dedicated Facebook page, Twitter… Utilize social networking to let your fans know what you’re working on, what is being released, and when.
3. Add links to forum signature spaces and just be as active as possible in letting fans and potential fans to know who you are.
4. Submit free reads to the publisher, something short to give readers a taste of your writing style. Many epublishers offer free stories to visitors.

Dawn: In the query or proposal, should writers mention what they can do in terms of promotions?
Julie: The author can, especially in a non-fiction proposal. The marketing information for fiction may best be left until a synopsis and manuscript is requested.

Dawn: It used to be that ePublishing was not as “prestigious” as print — is that still the case?
Julie: That’s a hard call. Authors and readers alike want to hold a book. That’s something not likely to change. You can’t put a Kindle on your bookshelf with your name on the spine.
Yet, eBook publishers give authors a larger marketplace. Authors that are published in digital form can be accessed almost anywhere at a lower cost to the reader. So, in that aspect, with a global market in place without the wait of a print/bound book, the prestige of holding a printed book can be outweighed by having a worldwide fan base.

Dawn: Would you urge writers to go the e-route? What are other benefits?
Julie: Would I urge writers to go digital? Yes. The benefits (aside from what I mentioned above) are: faster acceptance, faster to the marketplace and in some cases the option to receive royalties via digital means through Paypal.

Dawn: How fast are we talking? What are turnaround times?
Julie: KP has listed 12-16 weeks for a response, though we strive to answer as quickly as possible.
Publishing depends solely on how many edits are needed and formatting the book or story for download. I know you want a hard and fast answer so I will say that I have seen ePubbed books go out (for other houses) in as little as three months.

Dawn: As opposed to possibly years for print…
Julie: Exactly. Add that to instant access anywhere there is Internet–another benefit.

Dawn: What are the benefits to using a publisher, like KP, as opposed to simply self-publishing? After all, they’re doing promotions either way, why not have complete freedom?
Julie: Wow. There is so much to say here and a lot will upset self-published authors.

Dawn: I suspected that. This is the proverbial “tough question”. [laughs, not at all evilly]
Julie: KP has a staff of editors that will help authors create a book that shines. Self-publishing, you can end up with a book that has problems, from bad edits to cover art that never shows up on the actual printed book. Sites that are print-on-demand have a lot of complaints about the art.
And a friend is not an editor. Most of the time, even the most professional editor will not want to hurt a friend’s feelings. KP will help writers avoid the amateur pitfalls. Self-pubbed, you do all the work marketing, where with KP you have a house backing you.

Dawn: Anything you’d like to add about KP and your job as editor?
Julie: I’m going to sound biased, but I have enjoyed meeting the owner, Mary Keith, and the entire staff. They’re friendly and dedicated not only to KP but to helping authors succeed. We may be the new kid on the block, but I am convinced that we’ll be around for a long time, giving authors a home and readers material they’ll want to read again and again.

Update (06/06/2010): Julie Fletcher is no longer with Keith Publications. Julie takes no responsibility for the experience of anyone that chooses to work with this publisher; do your own research and consider your choices carefully.