Author Debra Webb: Returning To Traditional Publishing

I’m delighted to welcome author Debra Webb to Thoughts today to discuss publishing. Debra’s latest release, POWER, is the third installment in her previously self-published series, Faces of Evil.

POWER is the first previously unpublished book of her series. Returning to regular publishing, Forever Yours has just published the first two installments in Debra’s series, OBSESSION and IMPULSE, as eBooks.

Here’s a brief synopsis:
POWER, an e-book original on sale September 4th,  the third of the series, sees FBI Special Agent Jess Harris begins the next chapter of her life as the new deputy chief of Birmingham’s major crimes division, reporting to her first love, Chief of Police Dan Burnett.  

She’s focusing all of her attention on work, including the demise of a celebrated ballet instructor, whose death is ruled an accident. Jess’s instincts tell her otherwise and, even with the case now moved to another division, she can’t shake the feeling there’s more to the story. Her investigation leads her to Birmingham’s gang culture and its powerful elite, where she soon becomes the killer’s next target.

Debra joins us today to answer some questions concerning her shift back into regular publishing and her excitement about continuing her series in 2012 with Forever and Forever Yours in both print and eBook editions. But first, she has a giveaway to share.

Thanks to Debra, Jessica and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have a unique prize pack to offer. Please see the giveaway guidelines at the end of the post. The ‘Fall In Love With Forever’ prize pack contains six fall titles from Forever and Forever Yours. They include:
THE WARRIOR by Margaret Mallory
BAREFOOT IN THE RAIN by Roxanne St. Claire
AN HEIRESS AT HEART by Jennifer Delamere
WHERE ANGELS REST by Kate Brady
TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE by Cara Elliott
TWO SINFUL SECRETS by Laurel McKee
 
Now to learn why Debra switch back to regular publishing.

Mason - Why the change back to regular publishing from self-publishing?

Debra - I would absolutely urge anyone considering self-publishing to do so. It’s hard work because you don’t have a publisher’s editorial staff or a PR group backing you up. BUT, for those stories that traditional publishers might not see the beauty in or simply for creative freedom, self-publishing is an awesome option. The one and only major drawback is the inability to get the books out to the masses in print form at a reasonable price and for some that’s still their only way of reading. It was particularly challenging for me since I have a “print” audience who wanted the books in paperback. Grand Central Publishing (GCP) offered an awesome publishing program that included reasonable prices for both the digital and the print formats—and by that I mean reasonable prices for the readers! GCP really is working hard to make books available to everyone, including those of us on a limited budget! I am very excited and proud to be working with a traditional publisher who isn’t afraid of change.

Mason - Would you advise authors to try or stay away from self-publishing?

Debra - Oops, I think I already answered that question. But to reiterate, I absolutely would recommend that every author explore any and all avenues toward publication. There’s a big world out there and more opportunities available than ever!

Mason - Will all your self-published books be re-released through your new publisher?

Debra - The first two books in the Faces of Evil series have just been re-released by GCP and at the same low price of $2.99! GCP is leading the way in responding to the needs or readers!

Mason - What are your thoughts on releasing both print and eBooks of your work?

Debra - I think both venues are immensely important. There are folks out there who really want the paperbacks or the hardcovers. Some love to read in digital but have certain keeper authors whose work they like to have in traditional form. For now, I believe it’s very important to have both formats available. The world of books is expanding and changing every day and I am so thrilled to be a part of it!

Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?

Debra - Nine more Faces of Evil books! The first three are out in digital now. OBSESSION, IMPULSE, and POWER will be released in paperback next March. Then, in April, comes RAGE, in July REVENGE will be released and REDEMPTION in August. The last three will be released in digital and paperback simultaneously! Be sure to visit www.thefacesofevil.com and sign up as a person of interest!

Debra, thanks for joining us today and sharing this insight into the two publishing worlds. You are so right when you said both venues are important.

For those who haven’t meet Debra before, here’s a little background on her. Born in Alabama, Debra wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned nearly 100 novels including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. 

Her debut romantic thriller series, the Faces of Evil, propelled Debra to the top of the bestselling charts for an unparalleled twenty-four weeks and garnered critical acclaim from reviewers and readers alike. For more on Debra and her fascinating and chilling series, visit http://thefacesofevil.com, find her on Facebook and on Twitter @debrawebbauthor

On to the giveaway guidelines. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win FALL IN LOVE WITH FOREVER.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for the ‘Fall in Love With Forever’ prize pack is 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, Sept. 28.

Do you enjoy reading both print and eBooks? Have you gone completely digital in your reading? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Friday and remember, sharing a book is fun.