The winner of Islands by Samantha Kane is…

Caffey.

The winner of Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers is…

Channon V.

The winner of Gobsmacked by LB Gregg is…
Marg!

The winner of Crossing Swords by Kirsten Saell is…

Cathy M!

And the winner of the grand prize, the $25 Fictionwise gift certificate is…

Jen B!.

I’ve contacted the authors with winner’s names and email addresses, so hopefully you’ll get your book soon.

Thanks for your patience and next time I will leave snippy reminders for myself all over the place so I don’t end up waiting a whole week to take care of this.

I couldn’t think of anything to say about ebooks that hadn’t already been said by wiser heads than I, so I decided to seek a higher source. I first went to Urban Dictionary, which had this to say about my favorite means of reading.

Ebooks: Keyword for pornagraphy. [Sic] Only the cool people use it.
Hey I was looking through my files last night and I found 4 Gigs of Ebooks!

OK, well, thanks, Urban Dictionary. I’m pretty sure the people I’ve been interviewing this week wouldn’t necessarily call their books pornagraphy, but whatever.

The next thing I did was plug “ebooks” into googlism. Here’s what that site had to say.

ebooks is all about making money on the net
ebooks is a division of double dragon publishing
ebooks is redundancy
ebooks is an important selling feature
ebooks is not your forte
ebooks is dedicated to bringing conventional publishing values to the new medium
ebooks is restricted to york university users
ebooks is analogous to a collection of paper books
ebooks is a complete system that will allow you to publish your first ebook and sell it over the internet
ebooks is now easier and cheaper than ever with paypal
ebooks is adobe pdf
ebooks is not everything that we say it is and you are not completely satisfied with it
ebooks is the same
ebooks is a browser
ebooks is as easy as reading them
ebooks is about giving consumers in content
ebooks is the same 12 hours as for ebooks you read online
ebooks is provided by webengineer solutions
ebooks is minimal
ebooks is that you don’t have to spend hours searching through book stores to find the book you want
ebooks is easy
ebooks is enormous and the best way to expand the market is to work together
ebooks is always available on our new this week page
ebooks is the hottest business on the internet
ebooks is a very exciting project for sealedmedia
ebooks is that there is no overhead costs
ebooks is fully inclusive and accessible to all readers
ebooks is often enriched with photos
ebooks is the fact they can be updated with the click of a button
ebooks is immediately sent to your email box
ebooks is the use by people who are visually impaired
ebooks is the subjects and the prices
ebooks is seeking original novella to book length manuscripts from authors who are interested in pursuing electronic publication
ebooks is 3 days
ebooks is much higher than for other products
ebooks is a netlibrary account and internet access
ebooks is provided by some of the top 10% of the business and marketing professionals on the internet today
ebooks is where the money’s at
ebooks is one way
ebooks is proven to be the quickest and easiest way to make money using the internet
ebooks is not price
ebooks is anyone can write them.

Well, there you have it. Pornagraphy and an easy way to make money on the Internet.

Since the grand prize is still up for grabs, feel free to discuss what else ebooks are in the comments!

Today, as part of our continuing ebook week celebrations, Kirsten is giving away to one lucky commenter a copy of Crossing Swords, the first book in her Emmissaries of Belthalis series. This book contains one of my all-time favorite heroines! Here’s the blurb:

One duel. Easy money. Then Gil fell for his opponent.

A straight duel to the death. A professional opponent who’s paying him to win. This was going to be the easiest money Gil had ever earned. Except he never counted on his opponent being a woman. And he never counted on falling for her.

After avenging the brutal murder of her lover, all Lianon wants is to die a clean death. Too bad the man she hired doesn’t do women, and he’s furious over her deception. Not only does he renege on their contract, he has the gall to lock her up in his apartment—naked, no less!—to punish her for her ruse.

If she could just get her mind out of the gutter, she’d cut him a new smile. But ever since he saw through her boy’s clothes, all she can think about is getting him naked, too.

But just when she’s found something to live for, the father of her lover’s murderer surfaces. He wants Lianon to die screaming—and he’s all too happy to take Gil down with her.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, including f/f; bad language; violence; bland, rubbery veal; a little sexual healing; and one killer blowjob.

You can read an excerpt Here..

Please welcome Kirsten Saell!

*******

How long have you been epublished?

I’ve been epublished with Samhain since March of 2008, and have three books out. I had the contract for my first book, Crossing Swords, in hand in September of 2007.

What made you decide to go the route of epublishing?

I was about 250 000 words into an enormous doorstopper of an epic fantasy project, and was just starting to seriously research potential agents/publishers for it. I sent out a handful of queries, got a handful of rejections (a couple of them quite encouraging), but in the interim, I’d met a few people online, and one of them–December Quinn–had a few books out with epublishers like Whiskey Creek Press and Ellora’s Cave. I hung out on her blog for a while and learned a bit about epublishing (I’d had no idea there was such a thing), and a genre I’d never heard of before called erotic romance. I’d read my share of straight-up porn, and it was good for *coughcough* one-handed reading, but the emotional element was always missing for me. Maybe this erotic romance was just the ticket.

I purchased December’s WCP book, Prince of Death and loved it. Next, I stumbled across Kate Pearce’s Antonia’s Bargain, and again, I was amazed. I mean their stuff made Bertrice Small look like a prude, yet the stories were well-written and emotionally engaging, as well as damn hot. As I gobbled up more books in the genre–some wonderful, others not so much–I began to realize this was what I wanted to write. Even in my BFF (big fat fantasy), my characters had a tendency to fall for each other and then into bed, and although I usually closed the door on that part of their stories, the sex scenes would continue to play in my head long after they’d faded to black on the page. In fact, I’d deleted a ton of sex from that project because I thought it wouldn’t be well-received by editors. Imagine my delight at the notion that I could put it all in one nice package–a well-developed fantasy world, interesting stories, well-rounded characters, and smokin’ hot smexing.

I had an opening scene I’d written years before (18, to be precise), but I’d had no idea where to take the characters, despite the fact that I’d thought about them a lot in the intervening years. After my first taste of erotic romance, all of a sudden, I knew what their story would be. Not epic, no fate-of-the-world stuff, just a love story with lots of swordplay, a little revenging and a boatload of heat. And I knew it would be aimed at an epublisher, because it wasn’t destined to be a three-book doorstopper, and I honestly had no idea what NY imprint it would fit into. It practically wrote itself over the next three months. I spent some time researching epublishers’ guidelines and purchasing their books to get a feel for the quality of the editing, and Samhain topped my list. Their submissions were closed for months, but I was patient, submitted, and got lucky on the first try.

What do you use to read your ebooks?

I used to use my laptop. I’ve never really had an issue with reading off a screen. But it’s heavy and clunky and it overheats if you don’t use a chill-mat or prop it up, so reading in bed or the tub or in the car was not an option. I’d been looking at the Sony PRS readers for a while, and I loved the idea of e-ink. Read in full sun? Oh yeah! Carry a hundred books in your purse? I’m so there. When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas, there was no humming or hawing from me like in previous years. She got me a 505 and I love love love it. I can’t even begin to say how much. Don’t know how I managed before I had it.

Where do you see the epublishing industry headed in the future?

I’m hoping the growth it’s experienced in the last year is just the tip of the iceberg for epublishing. More and more mainstream NY books are now offered in digital format, though their sales aren’t skyrocketing as they should, in my opinion, because of DRM and list prices that are simply unrealistic. If those issues get ironed out, the sky’s pretty much the limit for digital publishing. Dedicated epublishers have a good handle on the market as far as price and user-friendliness, and I think if mainstream publishers follow their lead, they’ll enjoy huge success with the format. And with Oprah’s endorsement of Amazon’s Kindle, and Sony’s success with their ereaders, people are starting to realize ebooks won’t keep you chained to your computer anymore. As more readers become aware of the benefits of ebooks, I think we’ll see successes all over the genre map, not just erotica and erotic romance.

And I think it can be wonderful for authors as well. Most epublishers don’t offer advances, but they can and do offer things print publishers don’t–higher royalties that can be paid almost immediately due to the non-existence of returns, and a long tail. In print publishing, shelf space is at a premium. A book has a few months to prove itself (sometimes not even that much), then it’s either remaindered (for no royalty), or stripped and returned (again, no benefit to the author, and no recompense for the publisher, either). It’s my hope that in the future, between ebooks and print-on-demand technology, the only reason for a book to ever go “out of print” is if the author and/or publisher want it to.

Who are some of your favorite epublished writers?

I adore Bonnie Dee. She writes for a few different epublishers, in a variety of subgenres, and I’ve been impressed by everything of hers I’ve tried. Ciar Cullen writes wonderful fantasy romance, though not erotic. Emily Veinglory, who writes m/m romance, has one of the most engaging writing voices I’ve read in a long time. Michele deLully writes some edgy romantic erotica and again, has a great voice. Gia Dawn, Bettie Sharpe, Evie Byrne, all great (and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few). I’ve recently been reading a totally blammo epic fantasy series by Brent Weeks, that’s published by Orbit in both print and digital. And of course, my intros to the format–December Quinn and Kate Pearce, who have both moved on to NY publishers, and without whose books I might never have given epublishing a second look. Thanks, guys.

*****

I love your list of recommendations! Several of the things you’ve said have me thinking I need to be checking out a few new to me authors, too!

Thanks for playing, Kirsten!

No more Mr. Nice Guy. Mild mannered Mark Meehan’s good judgment flies out the window when he finds his lover banging another man. Things go from bad to worse as Mark’s crazy revenge scheme uncovers shocking secrets–sending him straight into the arms of hunky lawman and old friend, Tony Gervase, a man of limited patience and secrets of his own.

You can read an excerpt here.

Please welcome LB Gregg!

**********

How long have you been epublished?

Since Feb 6th. So six weeks, sister. I’m brand spanking new. Aspen Mountain Press has picked up the series, as well as ManLoveRomance Press for the print release.

What made you decide to go the route of epublishing?

M/M isn’t exactly what Harlequin is looking to publish. Pity, really… I love shopping on line, paper or ebooks, and the instant gratification to be found with ebooks cannot be undervalued. I want my book, and I want it right now! ::click::

What do you use to read your ebooks?

I’m SO embarrassed. I can’t remember how to put ebooks on my ebookwise (unless they’re from fictionwise) and then I lost my power supply (although I recently found it) and..ok my laptop. ::cringe:: I do like my e reader though and, honestly, I bought a purse big enough to hold it.

Where do you see the epublishing industry headed in the future?

It’s a wide, wild open world. I think the price of ereaders and kindles needs to come down so the common man (or regular gal like myself) can afford one. I think as the technology gets easier to use and the price becomes right, ebooks are the way to go. I only buy paperbacks of the books I truly want forever. Like my own book: Smart Ass:Close Quarters. (Yes. That’s what we call a shameless plug.)

Who are some of your favorite epublished writers?

Josh Lanyon, JL Langley, Samantha Kane. Josh is more literary m/m mystery, JL is about as fun, romantic and smexy smexy as it gets, and Samantha writes m/f/m, which isn’t actually my fav, but she’s terrific! May I recommend At Loves Command? Oh. I did already.

***

I really need to read some Josh Lanyon. It is sad that I still have not.

Thanks for stopping by, LB!

Bree and Donna have graciously agreed to give away to one lucky commenter their first Samhain release, Cry Sanctuary. I highly recommend this book, and here is the blurb, for those of you who need some convincing.

He is tired of fighting. She has nowhere to run.

Red Rock Pass, Book 1

Keith Winston is tired of fighting. The war between werewolves and wizards rages on in Europe, but he’s come home to Red Rock, Montana in hopes of finding a bit of peace. Instead he finds more strife as he struggles against the pack’s dictates that he resume his place as the alpha’s right-hand man.

When he rescues a new wolf on the run, he knows his instant attraction to her could cause trouble. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself embroiled in another battle that goes against all his instincts—and his heart.

Abigail Adler learned about the existence of werewolves only when she became one. With her life threatened by a corrupt alpha, she flees to the only sanctuary she knows: Red Rock. While she’s grateful for the pack’s protection, she chafes under its unbreakable rules of conduct—except when it comes to submitting to the passion Keith stirs in her.

Then her tormentor kidnaps her sister in an attempt to lure her out of hiding. To save her, Abby and Keith must be willing to do the very thing that could get them all killed—break all of the rules.

Warning: Hot werewolf sex, violence, explosions, and a heroine wielding a makeshift implement of destruction.

You can read an excerpt here.

Please welcome Bree and Donna!

*****

How long have you been epublished?

Donna says:

Bree and I signed our first contract in January of 2008, and had our first
release in June of last year.

What made you decide to go the route of epublishing?

Donna says:

We had started a book in September or so of 2007. We’d joined the RWA, and
one of the things we noticed was that so many of what they called their
“prepublished” members had been writing for years without selling. And it
seemed like a strange thing to do, to write so long with only minimal
feedback from critique partners and contest judges. So we decided to write
a few shorter pieces for the epublishing market, because we figured, if
nothing else, we might get some quick feedback from editors.

Now we have over a dozen short stories, novellas, and books out, and several
more on the way later this year, and we love it. We’ve been lucky enough to
work with some terrific editors, and to be able to really write what we
love. Our first urban fantasy, that first book we ever wrote, was just
released from Samhain, and we’re very excited.

Bree says:

I wanted to learn about the business of writing and the publishing
industry, and it seemed like a great way to do that would be to get
into a market that allows for quick turn-around, detailed revision
notes and variable lengths and genres. Instead of waiting the six to
eight months that can be common in traditional publishing, I got to
submit stories and get feedback from publishers and editors quickly.
You really can’t beat that for learning!

And I love ebooks. I really do.

What do you use to read your ebooks?
Bree says:

I have a Kindle, which I was enamored of until I got enough books that
the lack of file management started to grate on me. I also read
ebooks on my laptop and my iPod Touch.

Donna says:

I have a Palm PDA and an iPod Touch, though I do most of my reading at my
desktop.

Where do you see the epublishing industry headed in the future?
Donna says:

I think the past several years have really seen epublishing being used as a
springboard of sorts into print publication, or as an alternate marketing
route for authors looking to fill a specific erotic niche. I hope that will
change in the future, as more mainstream works become more popular in
electronic format, and as more authors realize that careful planning and
branding, along with some hard work, can make epublishing a very rewarding
career path.

Bree says:

I think it’s just going to get bigger. While the Kindle certainly has
caused controversy, its visibility has made huge inroads to teaching
people about alternative ways of reading books. And now Barnes &
Noble has jumped on board by purchasing FictionWise…well, I think
that makes it clear that everyone’s taking notice.

Who are some of your favorite epublished writers?

Bree says:

I’m a huge fan of Linda Winfree, and I’ve recently rediscovered an
appreciation for vampires through the works of Keith Melton and
Barbara J. Hancock.

Donna says:

I love Linda Winfree. I am a HUGE fangirl, and I want to tell everyone
about her writing. Her settings and characters are wonderful, all
three-dimensional and beautifully rendered.

*****

Thanks for stopping by, ladies! I have all three of the authors you mentioned TBR. Clearly, I need to read faster!

Sam’s latest book, Islands is available from Ellora’s Cave. It’s another historical, but this time M/M. Here’s the blurb:

Lieutenant Commander Gabriel Conlan, United States Navy Seabees, knows he’s not in Kansas anymore when he steps off the launch at the small island of Ile Dorée and sees gorgeous Frenchman René Dubois waiting for him on the dock. The year is 1943, the place is the Pacific and the world is at war. Free from the censure of the military, Gabe has an explosive affair with René. But when the world intrudes, Gabe denies René and tries to forget the best sex of his life.

The only westerner on his small Pacific island, René is desperately lonely. When the tall, lanky American steps onto his dock, René knows his life will never be the same. He teaches Gabe how to make love to a man and, unexpectedly, falls in love. René will brave prejudice, Japanese Zeros and Gabe’s reluctance to find love at last.

Publisher Note: This story was published elsewhere in a print anthology titled Esprit de Corps.

You can read an excerpt here.

Please welcome Samantha Kane!

********

How long have you been epublished?

My first book was published by Ellora’s Cave in April 2006. My eighth just came out.

What made you decide to go the route of epublishing?

It wasn’t e-publishing so much as it was Ellora’s Cave. I had a series in mind, my Brothers In Arms series, and I thought at the time that EC was the best publisher for it. Other publishers are doing m/m/f menage now, but I still believe EC was the perfect home for BIA.

What do you use to read your ebooks?

I used to use my computer. Then an eBookman. And now an iTouch. I love my iTouch.

Where do you see the epublishing industry headed in the future?

Wherever it wants to go, lol. I really do believe the future is in e-publishing. We are becoming more and more technology reliant. With each successive generation we are raising increasingly tech-savvy kids. As people get used to other areas of their lives being computerized and digitized it will only make sense for them to want their books the same way. Kids who walk around with all their music and video games on hand-held devices will quite naturally want to put their books on there as well. It’s a natural progression of the technology revolution. All your entertainment needs met by something that fits in the palm of your hand, or your pocket.

Who are some of your favorite epublished writers?

You’re going to make me name names, huh? LOL All right, let’s see. My cp and blogging partner Mari Freeman, who is equally stellar in both contemporary romantic comedy and paranormal, Shelley Munro, Shelby Reed, Josh Lanyon, JL Langley, Delilah Devlin, Denise Rossetti, Madeleine Urban, Jet Mykles, Allyson James, ZA Maxfield, LB Gregg, just to name a few. I could keep going. I’ve been on an ebook binge lately. I have a whole host of print books waiting to be read, gathering dust on the shelves. And the sad thing is I really do want to read some of them. But I love my little iTouch. I just recently told someone that I’m going to be buying everyone in ebook now, and not bothering with print. Sacreligious, I know.

****

Thanks for stopping by, Sam! Buying the world an ebook seems like an especially cool goal during Ebook Week!

Don’t forget to leave a comment so you can win a copy of Islands, Sam’s most recent book!

I’ll be interviewing several of my favorite epublished authors about their thoughts on epublishing as a whole. Each of the authors I’ve spoken with has generously agreed to give away one of their books to people who comment on their interviews. I’m also giving away a $25 gift certificate to Fictionwise. at the end of this week, so there will be lots of opportunities for fabulous prizes.

Here is our lineup of guests.

• Samantha Kane

• Moira Rogers
• LB Gregg
• Kirsten Saell
• Lynne Connolly

These ladies write everything from historicals to paranormals to fantasies, with a variety of heat levels from the very sweet to the smokin’ hot. Some of them write M/F romances, some write M/M, and some write M/M/F or M/F/F. They also share the distinction of being some of my favorite writers, so you’re guaranteed a good story.

In order to be eligible to win, comment on any of the Ebook Week posts this week. The grand prize winner will be pulled from all the commenters. Winners will be announced next Monday!

Check back tomorrow for our first interview with the lovely Samantha Kane!.