BLOGGING WITH BEVERLEY: Kate Hill Blogging on Small Press

Monday, February 13, 2017

Kate Hill Blogging on Small Press

This week we’re going to find out a little about author Kate Hill. February’s theme is ‘Self–pubbed/traditional/ other writing formats’ so Kate will be talking about writing for small press. She’ll also tell us a little about herself and her writing, and her blog tour.

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago, for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas, and novels.

When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, spending time with her family and pets and running the Compelling Beasts Blog, dedicated to antagonists, antiheroes, and paranormal creatures. She also writes under the name Saloni Quinby.

Why I Enjoy Writing for Small Press

Back in 1996, I received my first acceptance slip ever for a story I had written. It was a short erotic vampire story and the publisher was Circlet Press. I was shocked because I had received so many rejection slips that I had started to think I would never get an acceptance.

With all those rejections, I noticed that the main difference between most small press publishers and the big publishing houses I'd contacted was the small press editors often took the time to tell me why my work was rejected. To me, that was incredibly important, especially during that phase of my writing career.

Twenty-one years later, I've had over a hundred short stories, novellas and novels accepted by small press publishers. I've never had one of the big publishers accept my work, and while I've occasionally queried them over the years, they have never been my main focus.

Not that I wouldn't like an acceptance from a big publisher, but I've been happy working with small press publishers because I've had the chance to tell stories I truly love while feeling like I'm part of a team.

I'm not saying this has been true for every small press I've worked with, but more often than not, I've thoroughly enjoyed my experiences.

My latest story, Fangs and Fists 1: Bolt, is published by Changeling Press. I've been with Changeling since 2004 and they've always been a joy to work with. When I came up with the idea for the Fangs and Fists series, my publisher and editor were great about helping flesh out the stories. I've given input on cover art and I've always had wonderful support with planning promotions.

At the moment, I have two more stories in Fangs and Fists under contract with Changeling and I'm also working on the last story in my Love in the Wild series (writing as Saloni Quinby).

Like most things, writing is an individual experience. Success is measured in different ways, depending on your personal goals. To me it doesn't matter if a book is electronic or print or whether it's indie published, published by a small press or by one of the big publishing houses. It's most important to love what you do and give readers an engaging story.

Blurb for Fangs and Fists 1: Bolt

Erotic Paranormal Romance

In a futuristic world ruled by demons, werewolves are enslaved to fight in gladiatorial matches for the amusement of their evil masters.

Kiara remembers what life was like living free–before she was taken by demons and bred to gladiators so that the new generations of wolves would retain their ferocity but forget their freedom. Mated to top gladiator Grit, she has a son with this surprisingly gentle lover who is also planning their escape. When Grit is killed in the arena, his close friend Bolt upholds his promise to protect Kiara and the cub.

Bolt and Kiara have loved each other from the moment they met, but they buried their feelings because she was mated to his best friend. When Grit dies, despite their guilt, Bolt and Kiara surrender to their desire for each other. Will their love be strong enough to help them win freedom from their evil masters?

Buy Links:

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2562