Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 46

Anaiah Press Editor: Sean Connell

Bio: I started writing in elementary school, won my first writing prize in middle school, and sold my first piece in college. I took up editing because I enjoy it, and between the writing and the editing I’ve worked on a number of different projects, though none for AP. I also teach writing at a local university.


1.       Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press. I knew Eden Plantz through an online writer’s group, and she let me know there was an opportunity.
2.       What does your job entail?  Mostly content edits. It’s my job to look for plot holes, continuity issues, and smaller things like consistent characterization. I also fact check, when need be. Or at least ask the author to.
3.       What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor?  I like working with new authors, helping them get the most out of their manuscript, and helping them become better writers in the process.
4.       What have your experiences been like working with the authors? So far, it’s been great, but so far I’ve only worked with one.
5.       What is the hardest part of being an editor? Reading the same work multiple times. It’s necessary, but it breeds a certain familiarity with the story.
6.       And what is the best part? Reading the same work multiple times, and watching the author make it better each time.
7.       What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you? I’ve been hired to help get the spec fic section going, so anything that falls under those guidelines. I like to read a lot of things, in all genres, so mostly it comes down to telling a good story.
8.       Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why? Teleportation. Would cut down on the commute. 

Anaiah Press Acquisitions Editor: Eden Plantz

Bio: 
Eden found her love for Christian fiction as a child by raiding her family's well-stocked bookshelves. She has devoted her education and career to learning the ins and outs of writing, publishing, and marketing. She has almost a decade of marketing management and consulting experience, combined with experience as a fiction editor -- including publishing management experience. She's thrilled to use her knowledge and abilities to the greater success of Anaiah Press authors.Follow Eden on Twitter:  @edenplantz
1.      Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press.I’ve actually been w/Anaiah Press since the beginning. Noreen Walker and I partnered to make Anaiah Press happen.
2.      What does your job entail? What doesn’t it entail! J I do a little bit (or in some cases a lot) in every department of Anaiah. I’m sort of a Jill of all trades. In editorial, my responsibilities include acquisitions: offering and executing contracts, maintaining my own (short) list of authors, release/deadline planning and scheduling, Assigning projects through the various departments, etc. Outside of the editorial department I act as publicist/ marketing assistant to Marketing Director Melinda Dozier; I manage our art department and sometimes handle design work (covers and trailers). On the executive/managerial side, I handle sales tracking and royalty/ payment reports. The list goes on. I tend to be a busy woman!
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an editor? I think my favorite part of being an editor is the authors. I love getting to know them and getting to know their work. It’s exciting being part of their publishing journey and being able to experience their excitement and enthusiasm.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?Oh, I guess I kind of jumped the gun and answered this a question early, huh? Our authors are great. We have a really supportive, enthusiastic group.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an editor?Probably the fact that it’s so hard to stop working. There’s always something to be done, and it’s so easy to take the work “home” with me at the end of the day. I’ve been known to answer emails in the middle of the night because I woke up to get a drink or something and saw my email notification flashing on my phone. I have to make a conscious effort to stop working and go to bed at night. Otherwise, I would never sleep.
6.      And what is the best part?Well, I’ve always been an avid reader, so I’m going to have to say the best part is all the stories. I get to bury my nose in good books and it’s considered work.
7.      Last question; If you could bring any book/movie/TV show to life, what would it be and why?
Honestly, the book I’d choose would be a recent Anaiah Press YA release title Grit of Berth and Stone by Lisa Dunn. It is pretty much exactly what I envisioned for Anaiah’s YA imprint when the company was still a series of ideas pinned to our drawing board. The main character, Grit, is sort of a reluctant heroine and the way Lisa showed the stakes and developed her characters kept me hooked more than any book since I read The Chronicles of Narnia when I was seven. 

Anaiah Press Senior Editor: Giovanni Valentino

 Giovanni Francesco Valentino has struggled at the art of writing for four decades against many demons like self-doubt, chronic depression, OCD and severe dyslexia. He has written a few memoir pieces about his life struggles going undiagnosed for more the half his life. He hopes one day to be a famous published science fiction and fantasy author. He is glad to report that at this point in his life, he is happy. All of the credit for that goes to his wonderful wife, Carol Ann, who is the perfect spouse a full 82% of the time.He is an editor for the Anaiah Press Presence Line. Presence features Adult genre fiction, with a focus on speculative fiction: thriller/ suspense, science fiction, supernatural, dystopian, etc.He also produces a upcoming humorous anthology series, Alternate Hilarities.
1.      Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press.I just showed up at the office one day with my own nameplate and took a desk. I find that if you act like you belong there, sometimes people just believe you. JAlso, I know Kara Leigh Miller. We have been friends and critiquing partners for years. We’ve worked on editing projects together before like the Alternate Hilarities and Romanic Ruckus Anthologies for Strange Musings Press. So when there was an opening in the Presence line at Anaiah, Kara thought of me.
2.      What does your job entail? I mostly make coffee and stop the photocopy machine from attacking people. You should see it. It’s huge. JAnd I read the submissions from new authors for the Presence line or any other line if it has a speculative element to it. If I like them, I make a case for why I think Anaiah should take them and I send them up the line to Kara or other managing editors to review. If I don’t, I send out rejections directly to the authors.I also do content editing with authors we have taken on. Content edits are where the editor goes through your novel and finds all the potholes in the road. This issue range from large things, like pacing or character building, to smaller ones, like keeping track of details like how many front that buildings has or which event happened first.
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor? The power it gives me over other people. Mwahahaha. JMoreover, I like working with authors. As an author myself, I know what we have to go through to get published. I try to send a little feedback even if I’m rejecting the piece. Sometimes, your story isn’t a good fit for the publisher but you could still fix a few things. I’m happy to make a few notes and even recommend a better place to submit.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?I think the honest answer to that would get me in trouble. J No really, I have had many good experiences with my authors. Most of them are smart, open-minded people who understand the value of the feedback an editor can give. My favorite type of author is not the ones that just do everything I tell them do but ones that can convince me, in a professional way mind you, of how their way works.  The editing process is very give and take and it works well as long as there is respect on both sides.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?All that reading. I don’t know about you but I prefer TV. JAlso, I hate getting submissions that obviously do not fit. We are a Christian press. You’re story doesn’t have to talk about God on every page, we pride ourselves on considering any type of faith based work. Still, The Devil can’t be your lead character or the church your main villain.
6.      And what is the best part?Free donuts at the office and fighting the photocopy machine from time to time. JMy true joy is finding that perfect story and helping a fellow writer become a published author.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?I’d love for authors to submit bestselling novels that require no editing at all. JIn general, I’m looking for adult genre fiction, with a focus on speculative fiction: thriller/ suspense, science fiction, supernatural, dystopian, fantasy. Unlike other Anaiah lines, Presence is light on romance, and heavy on the spiritual/ emotional warfare.Specifically, I'm not looking for non-human leads. I'd prefer the heroes not use magic heavily, think The Chronicles of Narnia over Lord of the Rings. If your fantasy world has multiple gods in it, your story needs to be about your hero bringing the one true God to help them and it needs to be apparent very quickly.If you have something like this, send a query letter, synopsis and the first three chapters to Giovanni.valentino@anaiahpress.com.Please paste this into the body of the email as we do not take submissions as attachments.If I get another virus on my work computer, they might fire me. J
8.      Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why?Can I have all of them? Like all at once? J
If I’m stuck with just one, I would like the power to force people to be nice to each other. Flying would be great but I’d rather get everyone to calm the heck down and get along.

Anaiah Press Acquisitions Editor: Mollie Turbeville

BIO:Mollie Turbeville is a freelance book editorand managing editor at Anaiah Press. She is a blogger, coffee drinker, cat wrangler, and compulsive book buyer. When she’s not reading or tweeting, she’s usually wandering around the city, eating sushi, or at the dog park with her husband and lazy hound dog. There’s nothing she loves more than a compelling story; although, a good potluck meal with friends is a close second.



1.      Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press.Believe it or not, I found out about the opening at Anaiah Press through Twitter. Never underestimate the power of the hashtag (#editingjobs)! I learned about the Christian publishing house online and really loved the idea of aligning my passions for faith and publishing. I was welcomed to the team as a senior editor and am now a managing editor.
2.      What does your job entail? As a managing editor, I’m responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Adventures, Home School, and Inspirations imprints. I acquire and sort through submissions from authors and literary agents. I perform developmental and content edits for contracted authors, and I maintain positive relationships with each author to ensure a beautiful, clean manuscript. I typically provide multiple passes of content edits and serve as the point of contact throughout the editorial process: touching base on cover art forms, author guides, projected release dates, corresponding deadlines, etc. Most of the magic of publishing a wonderful book is in the details and the ongoing conversations about how to engage and build readership, how to really bring out a character’s voice, or how to expand the tension and improve pacing. Honestly, my job is all about conveying these important details to the author—posing questions for them to ponder as they revise. They are the courageous ones who do the really hard work!
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor? I love those queries that hook me right away, and I love falling in love with a premise. I always say editor-author relationships are a little like dating, and when you find that right match and you’re able to communicate and collaborate, it’s like magic. More importantly, it’s immensely satisfying to see a better product emerge through all of the hard work. I love to see authors come alive and really embrace the challenge of revising. When authors submit their manuscripts to publishers, there’s so much vulnerability—after all, the manuscript is their baby! I never forget that. It takes guts to hand over your creative projects, but it takes real courage and love to keep at it after the third or fourth round of edits and revisions. That’s what I really enjoy most: the privilege of having front row seats to an author celebrating his or her hard work and sharing it with the reading community.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?Wonderful! Truly, the biggest perk for me is helping an author’s publishing dreams come true. I’ve found that the majority of authors are eager, enthusiastic, and extremely receptive to edits and suggestions. There’s always a bit of tension when discerning what needs to change and what is simply a stylistic preference, but I’ve found that most authors are grateful for the feedback and genuinely want to make their books the best they can be. I love going back and forth with an author on a layer of character development just beneath the surface or a piece of the plot that is still in transition. Seeing that lightbulb go off for the author—and playing a small role in that process—is thrilling. Of course, I would expect a harsher reality for most author-editor relationships. I may be biased, but Anaiah authors are especially lovely to work with. J
5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?Learning to improve and edit a manuscript while preserving the author’s voice and unique style. As a meticulous editor, I abide by house styles and style guides. I take consistency very seriously. It’s important to know when stylistic preferences are stifling the creative process, and how diverse readers in different genres will react to those preferences. Of course, I also dread sending out rejections. Authors often think editors wait eagerly to send a rejection letter, cackling at their computer screens with their red pens and snarky comments. Not true! Often, I will enjoy a query and see the potential in a manuscript, but ultimately know it won’t be the best fit for the publisher and vice versa.
6.      And what is the best part?Again, the best part by far is watching that transformation and seeing a better manuscript shine. Once the language is tighter, the character development is deeper, or the plot is richer, it’s like reading a completely different story. Recognizing the potential in a manuscript and seeing all of your suggestions come to fruition is the most amazing feeling.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?I love character-driven, coming-of-age stories rich with complex emotions and redemptive storylines. At present, we are also accepting completed manuscripts for the Adventures Home School line. We’d love to see faith-based early readers, phonics readers, workbooks, and grade-level appropriate supplemental reading books that can be integrated into regular homeschool and classroom curriculum. To submit to the Adventures Home School line, send a query letter and the first ten pages to adventureshomeschool[at]anaiahpress[dot]com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response.
8.      Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why?
Oh, my. This one’s tough. I’d have to say either the ability to freeze and manipulate time—so I could slow moments down to enjoy them or get more work done during the week—or teleportation. Let’s be real; who wouldn’t want to lounge on a remote beach in Thailand for the afternoon and make it home by dinner? 


Gianna the Great

: 

Anaiah Press Author: Jennifer Novotney

                        

Jennifer Novotney is the Amazon bestselling author of Winter in the Soul. She was a 2014 recipient of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Jennifer grew up in Los Angeles, California and attended Northern Arizona University, graduating with highest honors in English. She lives in Pennsylvania.
Link: http://anaiahpress.com/JNovotney.htmlLink: http://anaiahpress.com/WITS.html



1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Anaiah Press. 
    I first came into contact with Anaiah Press during the 2013 Pitchmas Twitter event. Surge Managing Editor Kara Leigh Miller requested my manuscript and shortly after offered me a contract.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being a AP Author?         I enjoyed being an author with Anaiah Press because of the personal attention I receive. I enjoy being a part of the publishing and marketing process, something that might not be possible if I were with a larger publisher. Working with Anaiah Press is kind of like being a part of a community or large family. Everyone is very supportive of one another.

3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
    
     Publishing a book is no small endeavor. Since Winter in the Soul is my first novel, I experienced all the stages of publication for the first time. I think getting noticed, whether it be by an agent or by an editor, is the first great hurdle any author must overcome. Then comes the fun part. Getting my book ready for publication was hard work, but winning the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the young adult category really made it all worth while. It was like receiving validation for all of that hard work. I also love hearing from fans who enjoy reading Winter in the Soul.

4.     What would you have done differently?

     I don’t think there’s anything I would have done differently. My philosophy is that everything happens for a reason and I think that I was put on this path for a reason. I learned so much from my editors at Anaiah Press, which made my publication experience so valuable to me.

5.     How has your book been marketed?

     Winter in the Soul has been marketed through blog tours and with my amazing book trailer that you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5yYhX7lwQWe’ve also done flash sales, which were very successful, and giveaways.

6.     Any advice on how to better market a book? 

     Marketing a book is just as important as the writing process for authors. Being a savvy marketer is just part of the package nowadays. My advice would be to get your name out there. There are so many books being written and published every year that the challenge becomes getting your book and your name in front of readers. Any way you can do that as an author will only benefit book sales and your career.

7.     Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?

     If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to Europe, Paris in particular. I would love to go during the summer and I would be wearing a classic French outfit like a little black dress.

In a world divided by power and greed, seventeen-year-old Lilika harbors an intense desire to return to Winter in the Soul, the place her family left to escape the darkness that was manifesting from a coldness of the soul.When she meets Talon, their connection is evident right from the start, and together they travel through the Black Kingdom to recover Lilika’s stolen locket. And in search of an answer to the mystery behind Winter in the Soul.
Lilika holds the key to stopping the darkness from spreading. The fate of their world lies in her hands. Will she stop the Black Kingdom before its darkness overtakes them all, or will they succumb to the darkness that is spreading across the land?

Anaiah Editor: Laura Maisano

Laura has an MA in Technical writing and is a Senior Editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian Fiction. Laura is a language nerd, honestly an overall nerd, and loves to immerse herself in strange worlds through fiction. Her interests are geared toward YA/NA fantasy of all kinds and soft sci-fi.

Her gamer husband and amazing daughter give support and inspiration every day. Their cats, Talyn and Moya, provide entertainment through living room battles and phantom-dust-mote hunting. Somehow, they all manage to survive living in Texas where it is hotter than any human being should have to endure. Check out her blog at LauraMaisano.blogspot.com.
1.      Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press.a.       I had lost my job as a Technical Writer because the company ceased to exist. I had submitted to Anaiah previously, and so I had been following the editor’s blogs. Kara put out a request for Editors and I thought, why not. I applied, and they wanted me right away. I really think it was some Godly involvement to come work for them because it all lined up so perfectly.
2.      What does your job entail? a.       I’m a Senior Editor on the YA/NA line (Surge), so I’m charged with acquiring new books in that demographic. I go to twitter pitch parties and read queries to sort through and try to find new talent. Once I sign an author, I work through many rounds of content edits to help refine the manuscript to the best it can be. Because I get so involved with the book, I lose sight of the tiny details, so a line editor comes in after me to do the copy edit.
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an editor? a.       I love finding a book I’m excited about and helping to make it shine. I’m almost as excited about my author’s books releasing as I am of my own. I feel like they’re kind of grandchildren, where my own books are my babies if that makes sense.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?a.       The authors I’ve worked with have been really great. I’ve heard of some nightmares in the field, and that is not my experience at all. They take challenges and work with edits and surprise me with awesomeness all around. When we disagree on a change, there’s an open dialogue and we’ve always been able to come up with a solution that’s best for the book.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an editor?a.       The ones that get away. When I want a great book and the author doesn’t or can’t sign for some reason. Sometimes there are deal-beakers at the contract stage, like we’d ask for a specific change to the book before we can sign, and the author isn’t agreeable to that. It’s hard to watch a good book get out the door.
6.      And what is the best part?a.       The moment when the book is at the end of content edits and the author makes little teeny changes that end up making me go “Woah.” When the book finally gels together and it’s about finished. That’s the best moment.
7.      Last question; If you could bring any book/movie/TV show to life, what would it be and why?
a.       Anne McCaffery’s PERN series for sure. I love the dragonriders and would love to meet them in person, take a ride on a dragon, or eat some bubbly pies. Her world is so fascinating, I’d love to go there.
    Books Edited by Laura Maisano

Anaiah Press Acquisitions Editor: Kara Leigh Miller

BIO – Kara combines her knowledge and prior editing experience with a passion for the written word and a love of all things romance. She is a multi-genre published author and an avid reader with eclectic tastes that range from the tame to the taboo. She loves to help her fellow authors recognize their dreams of publication and is very excited about working toward that goal with Anaiah Press. You can connect with Kara on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KaraLeighMiller), Twitter (www.twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1) and on her website / blog (www.karaleighmiller.com) 



1.      Tell us how you came to work with Anaiah Press.I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Executive Editor, Eden Plantz, at a previous publisher (that has since closed its doors). I adored her from the moment we first spoke on the phone, so when the other publisher closed, I was crushed by the idea I wouldn’t be able to work with her or with any of my authors. I was basically out of a job. So, when Eden mentioned this new venture, Anaiah, I jumped at the chance to be able to work with her again! I’m proud to say I’ve been with Anaiah since the day they opened their virtual doors to submissions.
2.      What does your job entail? Everything! Okay, maybe not everything, but I do a lot at Anaiah. As Editorial Director, my primary responsibility is to oversee our wonderful staff of Senior and Associate Editors. I help to set release dates and editorial deadlines, and then I work to ensure editors are meeting those deadlines. I’m also very closely involved in the acquisitions process, reading every submission our editors send to me for approval before I send them on to the Executive Management team for the final approval. Of course, I work with my own small list of authors as well, editing their manuscripts. And emails! I answer a lot of emails every day.
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor? Being able to work one-on-one with authors to help make their books shine. There’s nothing better than sending an editorial email to an author and getting a response that drips with excitement. I love it when an author finds a renewed excitement for the book and characters. And seeing the book transform after months of edits, to become something the author didn’t think it could be, something they are so proud of – it’s amazing!
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?For the most part, they have been wholly positive. Unfortunately, there have been times when an author and I have disagreed about certain aspects of their books. It happens, but I’m always open to negotiations, and hopefully all my authors will say I’m willing to listen to their side of things. There hasn’t been a time I haven’t been able to work out a happy compromise with an author. Then we pick up and move along. No harm, no foul. I have wonderful relationships with my list of authors (and with every other author at Anaiah, for that matter, as I’ve dealt with all of them in one way or another…), but they’ll tell you, I’m not an easy editor. Ha! I make them work. I push them to go above and beyond what they think they can do, and the end result, every time, has been awesome.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?Losing a manuscript! Ugh. This is hands down the absolute worst part of being an acquisitions editor. There have been times I’ve fallen head over heels in love with a manuscript, offered the author a contract, began to formulate in my mind all the awesome things I’d say in my first editorial letter only to get a, “Thanks, but no thanks” email from the author. Those types of emails for editors are akin to a rejection for an author. They’re hard to handle.
6.      And what is the best part?The excitement of finding that manuscript you absolutely love and actually getting it! There’s something truly thrilling about getting so involved in a book that you read so fast you miss things, and then have to go back and re-read, but being okay with it because it means you just get to enjoy the book all over again. I’ve been blessed enough to find several of these while at Anaiah.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?I have to have some level of romance in all of my books, otherwise, I have a hard time becoming invested in them. There are always exceptions to this, but I never know what they are until a submission lands in my inbox that grabs my attention. At Anaiah, my focus is on adult, young adult, and new adult manuscripts. If you write non-fiction or middle grade, please see Mollie Turbeville. (http://anaiahpress.com/wishlists.html)
My current wish list includes:·         Romantic Suspense – I can never tire of this sub-genre, but show me something different and unique. No more bodyguards or police detectives.·         Contemporary – This is my absolute favorite! I would love to see a story set during camp, whether it be a camping trip, summer camp, bible camp, sports camp. ·         Dystopian ·         Speculative fiction with a heavy emphasis on spiritual warfare – good vs. evilOverall, I want stories that will make me laugh, cry, cheer, and get angry – preferably all within the same story. Some of the books I’ve acquired and edited recently are perfect examples of what I’m looking for. Tess in Boots – This book blew me away right from the first page. It put me through a range of emotions that left me feeling a sense of pure happiness at the end. 1000 Stolen Moments – This book is intense and full of so much raw reality and emotion. No matter how many times I went through this book during edits, it always moved me to tears. Just thinking about it now is giving me goose bumps ;-) Please remember, Anaiah is a Christian fiction publisher, so we don’t allow sex, cursing, religious intolerance of any sort, and all our books must have some level of faith in them. If you have something you think I’d be interested in, send me a query letter and the first three chapters of the manuscript pasted into the body of an email to: KaraLeigh.Miller@AnaiahPress.com
8.      Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why?
Wow. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever thought about this. Lol. Hmm… I guess it would have to be the power to telepathically translate my thoughts from thoughts to actual words on paper. I constantly have ideas rolling around in my head that I think will make great books or I have visions of scenes play out in my mind, but when I sit down at my laptop to put those thoughts into words, they disappear. I stare at a blank screen, unable to articulate what was such a fab idea in my mind, so I’d love to be able to have my thoughts spontaneously transfer from my mind to paper, without me actually having to type it.


TESS IN BOOTS: Tess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion, so when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.
            1000 STOLEN MOMENTS: Can you choose between fighting for your life and fighting for your heart?

When twenty-two year old Emme Sawyer joins a Marine unit heading into Helmand Providence, she focuses on what she does best: keeping her men safe. But, when the unit is hit by an IED, Emme realizes she can’t save everyone. With her humanity on the line, and her faith in question, she seeks comfort from Raven, her commanding officer. Soon, Emme develops feelings that don’t belong in a combat zone, where each step could be your last. 

Raven keeps his emotions locked up tight, never allowing the men to see him sweat. But when Emme joins his unit, all bets are off; and the feelings he thought he left stateside begin to emerge. Knowing that the deserts of Afghanistan are the last place to start a romance, and the United States military’s view on fraternizing; Raven tries to deny his heart. Emme and Raven learn you can’t always choose where love finds you. And that sometimes, you just have to trust in God’s plan

Anaiah Press Author: Linda Brendle

Author Bio:After 15 years as a family caregiver, Linda began writing to encourage, inspire and amuse other caregivers. She loves to travel and since retiring has traveled mostly by motorcycle and RV. She and her husband live in a small East Texas town where she gardens, writes and attends church.
      Website: http://www.LifeAfterCaregiving.WordPress.com      Twitter: www.Twitter.com/LindaBrendle/      Facebook: www.facebook.com/linda.brendle      Google+: http://goo.gl/5Ov8qoGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20983741-a-long-and-winding-roadAuthor Video http://youtu.be/1zUCl59eFA4  My page on Anaiah’s website http://goo.gl/cb0ZLj



Katie, thanks for the chance to share my Anaiah Press story with your readers.
1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Anaiah Press.
In July of 2013 I entered a blog contest and Twitter party called #PitchMAS. I didn’t make the final cut, but I wasn’t deterred. I continued to hone my pitch, and I tried again in December. The second time around, I squeaked in as #73 of 75, but that was enough to catch the attention of Kara Leigh Miller, Managing Editor of Anaiah Romance and Anaiah Surge, and Jessica Schmeidler, Managing Editor of Anaiah Adventures, Anaiah Inspirations, and Anaiah Presence.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being an Anaiah Press Author?
The whole experience has been amazing, but I think what I have enjoyed most is the feeling of solidity of the organization and the solidarity among the staff and authors. From the beginning, I have been impressed with the professionalism of everyone involved with Anaiah. At the same time, there is a real feeling of family--a real sense of caring about each other. I have especially enjoyed working with my editor, Jessica Schmeidler. She wasn’t put off by my new author insecurities, and she understood the heart of my story.
3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
My publishing experience has been, in a word, long. It took me four years to get A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos ready to shop around, and then it took another three years to find Anaiah. However, this is my first publishing experience, and each step has been a learning experience that I hope I will use again soon.
4.     What would you have done differently?
At one point, I was with a literary agency, but when I saw little results after eighteen months, I went out on my own. If I had it to do over again, I probably would not wait so long before making the move.
5.     How has your book been marketed?
Leading up to the publication date, Anaiah organized a social media cover reveal, trailer reveal, author video reveal, and a teaser release. I was also featured several times on the Anaiah blog. During the four weeks surrounding my release date, Anaiah organized a blog tour that included a release day blitz, and a giveaway of posters and notebooks as well as extensive social media coverage. A Thunderclap Campaign was launched, and media kits were sent to newspapers in and around my home town. The media kits brought two front-page articles and a radio interview. Two months after release, the marketing department continues with social media coverage and opportunities to participate in blogs and on-line interviews that keep me in the public eye.
6.     Any advice on how to better market a book?
Marketing a book is like any other business. The key is networking, finding your target market, and networking some more.
7.     Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
My first answer would be Portland, Oregon, to see my grandkids--and their parents, of course. If someone offered me a ticket right now, I’d grab my laptop and my I.D. and head for the airport. Unless it was Sunday, I’d have on jeans, a casual top of some sort, and sandals or loafers.
My second answer would be anywhere that had enough space to park a forty-foot motor home. My RV bucket list includes the balloon festival in New Mexico, the cherry blossom festival in Washington, D.C., and anywhere in New England during lobster season. The timing and dress would be the same as the Portland trip.
A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and ChaosBlurb:
Sometimes reality really bites. Alzheimer’s has wrapped Mom’s brain into knots, vascular dementia has attacked Dad, and instead of carefree retirees, we have become caregivers. Regardless, dreams die hard, and we somehow stumbled into the purchase of a forty-foot motor home. That’s when all four of us set out on this seven-week trek across sixteen U.S. states. Now, Dad stopped-up the toilet again, Mom wet her last pair of clean jeans, and David just announced that he was hungry. My head is beginning to pound, and I know this isn’t going to be the easygoing retirement we’d imagined for ourselves.

Video Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQU4LNJ5scYTeaser  http://wp.me/p4e8bN-66Available now at:
B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

REUTS Giveaway Winners!

Winners time! I will contact the winners in order and they will pick from the prizes available. Please share this with anyone you know, because I don't have a way to contact some of the winners. If you see your name on the list, please leave your email in the comments. As a refresher, here are the prizes:


REUTS has donated two hardcover copies of the 2013 Project REUTSway anthology,Fairly Twisted Tales for a Horribly Ever After, and then five additional eBooks of the winners choosing

One read report, and 3 first chapter critiques/polishes by Kisa Whipkey(A read report according to Kisa's site: Curious what reviewers/acquisitions editors think when they read your story? Here’s your chance to find out. Using my talents as a developmental editor, I will read your work and analyze it, from top to bottom, providing you with an in depth response that will help you refine your work and possibly land that elusive publishing offer.
Cover Art* and Five Query Critiques by Ashley Ruggirello*Note: if stock photography needs to be purchased that would fall on the winner to acquire.
Dare to Dream by Carys Green
Golden by Melinda Michaels
Sachael Dreams by Melody Winter
The Rose Master by Valentina Cano


And of course, the left over prizes from the last two months are also available:

Three of Matthew Cox's books, winners choice, of Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, Caller 107, or Operation Chimera

Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish, and Stiltskin by Andrew Buckley
The Undead by Elsie Elmore

Scrapbook by Amy Lynn Spitzley
2 ecopies of Kiss Me Dead by Dale Ibitz
2 ecopies of Protect Her by Sophia Kimble
The Tithe by Elle Hill

Riding for Love by Tina Susedik
Between Land and Sea by Joanne Guidoccio


Any of the prizes left over from previous months that don't get claimed I'm going to giveaway on my Facebook page, so stay tuned!Now, this month's winners are:Sydney Paige RichardsonAlexandra PerchanidouCaitlinKathleen PalmM.J.MichaelsEmily TaylorAnoosha LalaniC.C. DowlingAnn Noser

Congrats to all the winners! You will be receiving an email from me soon.

Anaiah Press Author: Paula Rose

Today we start interviews with the Anaiah Press Authors. Meet Paula Rose, author of Revenge.




Author Bio: Author Paula Rose brings an “average” family into extraordinary situations, brushes with life-size strokes of reality, adding just a touch of humor, and coats with suspense inside Christian fiction. Paula’s research gives readers a panoramic view from law enforcement and lends to character authenticity. She enjoys writing in the romantic suspense, suspense, and mystery genres, but when she’s not writing, Paula Rose is playing amateur photographer.


Author Links:http://paularosebooks.com/https://twitter.com/PaulaRoseauthorhttps://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-...http://www.pinterest.com/paularoseaut...http://anaiahpress.com/PRose.html1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Anaiah Press.
            I discovered Anaiah on their Publishers Marketplace page and liked the things I discovered during my research.  I submitted and was acquired.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being a AP Author?
             Being a part of the Anaiah Press family is an amazing experience to enjoy.
3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
            I've enjoyed this journey and have learned so much about my writing, the craft, and the publishing business and met many wonderful authors along the way.
4.     What would you have done differently?
I wish I had went to more writing conferences during my learning curve.  I didn't go to them until later in the process and realized how much I could have learned earlier on.      
5.     How has your book been marketed?
With excellent strategies including giveaways and social media parties.
6.     Any advice on how to better market a book?
            Don’t limit yourself and be willing try new options.7.     Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing? 

Italy in the summer, and I’d be wearing a flats and a sundress.




As a job coach, it’s up to Olivia Foster to ensure her clients work in a safe environment, understand their positions, and serve their employer’s mission. The death of her brother drives her career choice, and she loves her job. It remains her only focus until one of her autistic clients goes missing. Then Olivia’s employer ends her position and adds her to the suspect list, but she makes plans to bring the missing young man home. 
Detective Lt. Phillip Landon is deep into second-guessing his career choice, but his well-honed instincts see major flaws inside this missing person’s case. Surprising contacts, mysterious happenings, and threats can turn deadly. Can he keep Olivia safe, protect his heart, remove the job coach from someone’s target list, and adopt a faith he never knew all while adjusting to the new lives of his old family?
Purchase Paula's Book below:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q08LTO2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_mKWIub1Y5DG6F
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revenge-paula-rose/1120825781?ean=2940046422399
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/revenge/id945010698?mt=11 http://ow.ly/i/7Y3mK