Angela James, the Executive Editor of Samhain Publishing and the women behind the blog Nice Mommy – Evil Editor. Here are three things you may not know.
Three things people don’t know about me isn’t as easy a blog topic as you would think. Mostly because I’ve been keeping my own blog for four years and feel like everyone has heard everything interesting there is to hear! So I’m going to tell you three things you might not know about Samhain.
1. The company was named before I was hired. Considering how many times I find myself explaining how to pronounce it (or at least how we pronounce it) and why we say it that way, I might wish I had been around for the name choosing. The name came from a suggestion made by a reader on author Lora Leigh’s forum and for those wondering, we’re fine with people pronouncing it any way, but we say it Sam-hane because people often think/hear phonetically and when you Google “Samhane Publishing” it asks if you meant Samhain.
2. Samhain started, as many epublishers do, as a home-based business with only a handful of employees (I can name them all on one hand, I think). In the three years Samhain has been open, it’s grown to a suite of offices in downtown Macon, Georgia and has close to 50 employees and contractors.
3. The company is female owned and operated, and none of the top executives are authors. I think people often believe that all epublishers are started and run by authors. While it’s true that Samhain does have some staff members who are also authors, not one of the staff in the office are authors, nor am I an author. In fact, people often ask me if I’m going to write a book, or if I’ve ever wanted to. I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, I think it’s only natural to daydream about being an author. But in reality, I might have ideas for books (which I share with my author friends so THEY can write them) and I might be a kickass editor (I think I am, anyway), but I don’t have the ability to write and execute the ideas. That’s okay with me. I love editing and helping polish and mold!
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Lynda
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:10 am:
I’m fairly new to Samhain but an really impressed! I’ve just started linda Winfree’s Hold On to Me and am loving it!
kh
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:14 am:
me too nice blog. your blog is cool too cute kids
cyclops8
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:31 am:
I’m looking forward to Deidre’s book.
Karin
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 2:07 am:
Thanks for sharing about Samhain. I’m glad to know I have been pronouncing it the way you say it.
pambook
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 6:10 am:
Hi Angie. I’ve been reading ebooks for a long so I knew most of the above except wasn’t sure if you were an aspiring author (I’ve found even most readers around the ebook groups are aspiring authors, unlike myself, and nice to know I don’t have to try to remember that other way to say Samhain, lol (the google thing is smart). Samhain has certainly grown well in a short time. Hope to be back later before the day is done.
Amy
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 7:09 am:
Enjoyed the video. I just brought a Kindle and I’m downloading e-books like crazy and wondering what took me so long to get here. I’ve been reading e-books off of my computer for about a year now and with the Kindle I’m finally FREE.
Interesting that epublishers are willing to think outside of the box when it comes to subject matter. I’ve seen a lot of authors start with epublishers and then go to print. Do you think that they have to tone down their work or write more conventionally, or are print publishers getting more daring?
Paige
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 7:36 am:
Hey Angela, I’ve gotten some of my books from Samhain and discovered some authors that I really liked on your site, like Lauren Dane and Shiloh Walker. So thanks for that.
I was wondering if it was a conscious decision that Samhain would be a female owned and operated buisness? Do you have many or any men submitting manuscripts?
Stacy ~
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 8:27 am:
Hi Angela, it’s awesome to have you here. I’m a frequent lurker at your blog. Samhain (however you pronounce it) is one of 2 ebook publishers I buy from. I don’t buy a lot of ebooks, but I just got 2 from you guys last week. I love the quality of work your house puts out. Plus I think Samhain is well respected in the community. You run a business and keep it professional and provide high-caliber, enjoyable stories from very talented authors. I see wonderful things for Samhain’s future.
Where do you see the company in the next 5 years, and is there any upcoming news you care to share? *g* Btw, I’m thrilled you’ll be going to Lori Foster’s event again this year. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
katiebabs
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 8:49 am:
How are you able to handle everything from being a wife, mom, editor and world traveler?
Maria Johnson
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 8:54 am:
Hi Angela. I have been a regular reader of your blog since the long period of time. Samhain is the highly esteemed recognized publishing company I have ever known. Reading romance novels has always helped to generate romantic love in my relationship. Thanks for the wonderful information.
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 9:33 am:
Thank you Lynda and kh!
@cyclops8 — it’s a fabulous book, I can’t wait for readers to see for themselves!
@Karin — the most difficult thing about the company is people always wondering if they’re saying it right
@pambook — it does seem like many people would like to write a book, doesn’t it? I’m not one of them, maybe because I know it’s not as easy as it looks. Or maybe because I’d rather not have some editor tell me I don’t have the skills for it, lol.
@Amy — I think that the prevalence of erotic romance in the traditional marketplace shows that traditional publishers will change and be more “daring” if it can be shown that’s what readers will buy! And yes, having an ereader is amazingly fun and it’s awesome to have so many portable books you can take anywhere.
@Paige — thanks for the compliments. Samhain does have male authors, and our art director, Scott Carpenter, is the lone man in sea of female executive hormones, lol. So it’s certainly not that men aren’t welcome at Samhain, in any capacity, only that romance publishing seems to be more female driven.
@Stacy — I love to hear from readers how they think we’re doing and your words just made my day, thank you! I will definitely see you at the Lori Foster event, make sure you say hello! There’s no big news that I can think of right now, though we do always have plans in the works. Right now, we’re really trying to continue to make the company as stable as possible while growing our readership (so tell your friends about us!) I think five years from now should find us firmly established, and hopefully with the epublishing business model viewed as a legitimate way to do business!
@katiebabs — very badly some days
Mostly I have to force myself to be organized, stay on task, and have a plan.
@Maria Johnson — thank you so much. I love to hear from both my blog readers and fans of Samhain
Maria Lokken
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 9:39 am:
Hi Angela! So glad you’re with us today. I love ebooks and it’s become a bit of an obsession for me of late – for many reasons. One, because there are new authors I can discover, because of the ease of getting a book at the crack of dawn if I want to, because I don’t have to lug around a lot of books and because it really does help the environment.
I’m wondering what you think of the ‘enriched formats’? And do you think readers what the extras in their e-books, like photos, videos, links, etc.
Marisa
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 9:48 am:
Hey Angie
thanks so much for being with us today and for arranging this wonderful celebration of Samhain Authors. You know I love your publishing house and I’m there every week to find out what new books are in. That’s one of the reasons I love your site- EVERY WEEK – new books. Yes, just when I thought my TBR pile couldn’t get any bigger. Fortunately – my e-book TBR pile is handily stored in my computer. You see, I’m only half way into this digital revolution – I’ve yet to buy an e-book reader. Can’t decide on which one to get… I know lame excuse.
Kristen Painter
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 10:00 am:
I’m so happy that my debut paranormal romance, ALL FIRED UP, is coming from Samhain in September! This company rocks!
-Kristen Painter
http://www.kristenpainter.blogspot.com
Nice Mommy~Evil Editor » Blog Archive » Romance Novel TV
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 10:07 am:
[...] fabulous Marisa last October while at NJRW, and part of that is up now, so wander over, check out my interview, my blog post and those of the authors in the next two days. Post in the comments over there and [...]
Kati
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 10:26 am:
Hi Angie! Welcome to RNTV! I love your blog (especially the recipes), and pop by regularly to see what’s going on in your world.
So one of my all time favorite people and authors, Monica Burns has some stuff published by Samhain. I love her work, which is really lush and evocative, I think. But I wondered, how many books do you end up reading daily, and how do you determine what trends you think are going to hit?
Also, when you’re not reading for work, who are some of your favorite authors? What books are you really looking forward to this year?
I’m also going to Lori Foster’s event this year and I’m really looking forward to having my chance to meet you!
K. Nelson
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 10:32 am:
Hey Angela,
I’ve been a long time fan of Samhane (er…I mean Samhain) and thanks for clearing up that pronunciation thing for us. Actually, through one of your authors, I discovered your blog and joined in the fun Christmas competition that you had going on for the Kindles. It was a blast!
I’m a newly published romantic suspense erotica author and I’m interested in submitting some other works to Samhain. I loved your interview posted here in which you say that you are able to “take chances” on books in the e-book industry. I truly believe that the e-book industry will discover some great talent out there that might not have otherwise been noticed.
I hope to work with you in the future. Thanks for coming out to play at RNtv.
Allison
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 10:34 am:
Hi Angela, I’m just discovering e-books, sort of late to the party. But I just checked out your website and I didn’t realize how many authors were available there. I’m going shopping.
Annmarie
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 11:08 am:
Great interview!
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 11:25 am:
Maria and Marisa, you guys are so good to have us today!
Maria, I’m not a fan of the enriched formats, really. For one thing, as of right now, the enriched formats are only really for those who read on their laptops or computers, and I don’t think that’s where the ultimate digital reading experience is. I think the best ebook reading experience is on a dedicated device. Also, when I’m reading a book, I don’t want anything to distract or lead me away from the story. I just want to be in the moment, in the book. I appreciate the idea behind enriched formats, but I think there are other things that need to be improved with digital formats instead!
Marisa, which ereader to buy is such an individual choice. I have both the Sony and the Kindle. I used the Kindle for six months but I broke up with it last month and switched to the Sony. You might have seen the posts on my blog. I’m really enjoying the better file management of the Sony!
@Kristen Painter — I’m happy it is too!
@Kati — Thank you, I love the recipes too
Monica is a very talented author! To answer your question, I don’t read submissions every day, I usually sort through them once a week, respond to easier rejections and set aside those that need more thought. Samhain doesn’t have quite the intimidating slush piles that traditional publishers do, plus we have ten editors to split it, so we see less than many traditional editors. Thank goodness! Reading submissions is an exhausting part of the job.
In epublishing, I don’t want to say we don’t pay attention to trends, but it’s not as urgent for us as it is for a traditional publisher. For one thing, we’re not buying books to be published a year or two down the road. We’re buying books that are going to be published usually 6 months down the road. I do pay a lot of attention to what readers are asking for, but I must be honest and say that what readers say they want, and what actually gets bought are often two very different things. But in epublishing, we can afford to publish niche and smaller market genres, thankfully.
When I’m reading for pleasure, I read a lot of fantasy and urban fantasy, because it’s not something I edit as much of so I can turn my brain off and enjoy. Currently, I’m reading and loving Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs, whose work I love (old and new). I also enjoy authors like Ilona Andrews (who is actually going to publish a short story with Samhain!), JD Robb, Nalini Singh, C.L. Wilson, Anne Bishop, Lois McMaster Bujold and Charlaine Harris.
For 2009, I did a post full of some of the books I’m looking forward to. You can check it out here: http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/blog/?p=1973 Please be sure to find me and say hello at the Lori Foster Event!
@K. Nelson — that Christmas contest really turned out to be so much more fun (and work, lol) than I thought it would. I’m so glad it helped people discover Samhain (and me!). I think you will find that the e-industry has already grown a reputation for discovering talented authors. Quite a few of them have then gone on to great NY careers as well. One of my very favorite things about this job is signing new authors.
@Allison — the hardest part about growing a business is always getting the word out. Hopefully you’ll like what you read and tell everyone you know
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 12:32 pm:
For those wondering about Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight, releasing in April, you can find more information here: http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/butterfly-tattoo
Amy
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 12:35 pm:
Thanks Angela, just went over to read the summary, and it sounds like a tear jerker. Just the kind of book I can’t wait to read.
Deidre Knight
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:04 pm:
Wow!! First of all, loved your “Three Things” post, Angela! And second…just WOW! Thanks for saying such nice things about BUTTERFLY TATTOO. And thanks to all who said they’re excited to read it.
I love writing for Samhain, and for Angela in particular. She’s a terrific editor! Hugs, Deidre
Brandy W
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:06 pm:
Hi Angela… I think its great that Samhain offers such a wide range of genres. I am more apt to try something I normally wouldn’t if it were in print. I can spend hours browsing through the site and make a great wishlist and buy whatever, whenever. As a side note I really enjoy your blog as well. The one thing I wondered and I’m sure this has been asked or you’ve heard it a lot, how did you become an editor? I’m a person who likes the behind the scenes stuff more than being out front.
DarleneW
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:30 pm:
hello Angela, just new to RNTV and came for a visit. I like contest. I apologize that I have not visited you site but I promise to in the future (near future). I am not an E-book reader yet. I think I fear these books are pirated or copyright infringed… I am hearing so much about this type of thing lately. Makes me leery to buy a book on line. Do ebooks also come out in paper print eventually?
Jokingly I checked for a question to answer for your segment but didn’t find any. Does that mean you aren’t giving away anything… no free evaluation maybe… hint hint… or something?
Ok I’ll settle for winning a free ebook “sigh”
MarnieColette
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:36 pm:
Great Interview… interesting to hear how it all began. I really like e-books because I get to try authors out in genre’s that I normally wouldn’t find in print. My question is how does one go about starting an e-publishing business. Is it hard? What kind of background does it take? How do you go about finding your authors or do they find you? How did you find Samhain or did they come knocking on your door?
BTW – I love your blog.
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 1:46 pm:
@ Amy, it has just the right mix of drama and lightheartedness to make it a great contemporary romance!
@ Deidre — hey, I just tell it like I see it!
@ Brandy — I do get this question a lot but I understand that people are curious about how these things happen. One day I’ll learn to keep a Word doc with answers to some of these questions and I can just copy and paste!
I have a degree in Occupational Therapy and spent a number of years working as an OT in mental health. About 5 years ago, I started reading ebooks and participating more in the online community. I got a “job” with Ellora’s Cave doing some proofreading and one of the editors there encouraged me, telling me I had a good eye for editing and I should pursue it. It sounded like something that would be fun to do as a part-time job on the side, so I started doing some side editing for a few authors, in addition to the proofing for EC. As it turns out, I did the editor test for EC and they didn’t want me
(this is the part where everyone is always surprised that I tell people this, but I’m not upset by it!) so, with the encouragement of some authors, I started my own editing business. As these things happen, right at the same time Christina Brashear was looking to start Samhain and she, of course, needed editors. Several of the authors I’d worked with in the past knew me and knew she was looking so they recommended she test me out. She did, I was the first editor hired, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Karen
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 2:03 pm:
Angela, thank you so much for your insightful comments. Samhain seems like such a great company. I’m glad that there are companies out there that take a chance on authors who have something to say. Samhain has a high quality of authors and books, that it really sets the standard in the field of e-publishing. The cover art is just spectacular! And the Sammies were so much fun. Thanks.
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 2:15 pm:
@ Darlene — lol, sorry, no free evaluations here. I come with a price tag
But if ever you’re really interested, I donate a critique for auction for the Brenda Novak auction every May. Some of our ebooks do go into print, but only those that are long enough, with enough word count. Which leaves a whole bunch of really fabulous shorter books you might never get to read if you don’t give ebooks a try!
As a reader, I don’t think that you should be worried about either piracy or copyright infringement; don’t let it stop you from buying an ebook. Yes, piracy does happen, but you might be shocked to know that even books that aren’t produced digitally are still pirated–readers scan them in with a scanner and upload them for sharing. The best thing you can do, as a consumer, is to be aware of piracy and encourage people you know not to participate on those forums. There’s a whole world to be enjoyed in digital publishing and I’d hate for anyone to miss it!
@Marnie — Your questions are good ones, though I think a whole post on their own! What I often tell people is no, opening an epublisher isn’t hard at all. But running it, making it successful, and making it profitable are very difficult. It takes both an understanding of the publishing industry, and an understanding of business. Oh, and a LOT of patience, determination and time! At the beginning, I did invite some authors to write for us, as we were trying to grow the company, but that’s rare now and usually our authors submit to us. They’ve either heard of us online, from other authors or at conferences.
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 2:16 pm:
Oh, I meant to leave this link for Marnie. Marnie, if you want to read more about opening an epub and how the business model works, I put that article on my blog: http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/blog/?page_id=2191
@ Karen — wow, thank you so much!
Buffie
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 4:14 pm:
Angela, we are so happy to have you with us today and tomorrow and to hear all about the company and the authors. Thanks for the information. I wasn’t sure I was saying the name right either, but I guess by your definition, I’m okay.
Now, how is it possible that I am only 30 minutes from Macon and didn’t realize you were located there??!!??!! Maria & Marisa — I’m thinking this would be a great day trip for Andrea and I (Andrea, hope you don’t mind me volunteering you
) and we could do a blog on our thoughts of the business. Too cool!
Deidre Knight
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 4:30 pm:
Wait, Buffie, Maria, Marisa where are YOU guys? B/c I’m an hour from Macon! I live near Athens (madison).
Buffie
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 4:42 pm:
Deidra — Maria and Marisa are in the NYC area, but Andrea and I (reviewers here at RNTV) are in the Atlanta area. I’m between Atlanta and Macon. Since you are so close, maybe we can try to schedule a lunch or something.
Angela James
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 5:02 pm:
The office is in Macon. I’m not
I live in Maryland! But I’m sure they’d be happy to have you, though all you’d see are some offices, lol.
Eve Vaughn
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 6:44 pm:
Hey Angie! Great interview!!!
Fedora
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 8:32 pm:
Hi, Angela–great interview! I’m pretty new to reading Samhain, but have loved everything I’ve read. Thanks for the background scoop!
Deidre Knight
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 9:31 pm:
Buffie, you should come out! I’m a native Atlantan who moved to Madison about five years ago.
We could host you at the agency offices and take you to lunch! Maybe you’d want to do a “Day at TKA” clip??
No matter what, would love to see you and intro you around at the agency! Hugs, d
Email me at Deidre@DeidreKnight.com
Deidre Knight
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 9:32 pm:
Whoops, Buffie–I probably wasn’t clear…you and Andrea should come out!!
Lori
on Feb 4th, 2009
@ 11:11 pm:
Great interview, Angie! I agree with Stacy – Samhain puts out high quality books. It’s so nice to see the care that Samhain puts into every aspect, including the cover designs, a pet peeve of mine with many epublishers. Samhain covers are particularly beautiful, and it makes it an even greater pleasure to shop on your site (which I do quite frequently, as my credit card bill proves).
DarleneW
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 12:04 am:
Made it back… thank you for answering my question…
Angela James
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 9:51 am:
Thank you all so much for the wonderful compliments about Samhain and the books. It’s fabulous to get feedback like that from our customers.
MB (Leah)
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 11:09 am:
I totally love Samhain. You guys are my favorite ePublisher by far. I love the type of books you put out and the ease in which you offer books to be searched and downloaded. It was nice to hear you talk about it. And you totally sold me on Deidre’s Book. I must have it now!
Liane Gentry Skye
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 11:29 am:
I am beyond impressed with the quality level of all the titles I’ve read from Samhain. The quality standard you have set is outstanding, and the history of your company makes me even more eager to get my urban fantasy ST whipped into submission ready shape.
I’ve been dying to read Butterfly Tattoo since Deidre first mentioned it to me as the “book of her heart”. Can’t wait to get my hands on it…truly chafing at the bit, seeing as how I’m a rabid Deidre stalker fangirl!
pambook
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 12:20 pm:
Publishing stories for the niche markets is one of things I love about epublishers, rather than just following the current trends.
Angela James
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 1:22 pm:
Everyone will get their chance at Deidre’s book in April
Though if you visit my blog in March, I might be giving away some copies. You never know!
Liane, get to writing, girl!
@pambook — being able to publish unique niche stories is a lot of fun!
Brandy W
on Feb 6th, 2009
@ 1:10 pm:
See I always wondered and now you have answered. Thanks I appreciate you taking the time to tell me how you got into editing. Maybe it should be a link on you blog…How I got into this.