Why I Write for Astraea Press: Patricia Kiyono

They say that if something is meant to be, it will happen. When I started writing a story about a wandering former samurai, I had dreams of one day having the book published and enjoyed by someone other than me. I had no clue what went into writing a book, but I'd always received good grades in school and felt qualified to do what it took.

I joined two writing groups and received lots of wonderful advice about shopping for editors, agents, and publishers. One group offered a wonderful, unique opportunity to have a written query read by an agent, and I took advantage of it.  The agent responded to my query by telling me that two things would prevent her from representing my book: the length of my novel (around fifty thousand words) was too short, and the fact that there were no explicit love scenes made it difficult for her to market. I was all right with adding more words, but struggled with adding spice to the manuscript. I just wasn't comfortable trying to write those scenes, and put it off as long as I could.

My writing group was very supportive. They told me not to worry. They said I would eventually find a home for my story. It was just a matter of finding the right home. If I believed in the book, it would be published, eventually. I really owe a lot to my writing group. They are a mixed lot of authors writing in various genres, at different stages of their writing careers. So I continued to write, refining my novel and starting storylines for other books. And the wait paid off. In early 2011, of our group members had her novel published at a brand new company called Astraea Press, and urged me to submit a story to them since they had put out a call for a charity program for Japan's disaster relief. I quickly wrote a short prequel to my samurai story and submitted it.

I was so pleased when The Legacy was accepted at Astraea Press. It gave me the impetus to finally complete my samurai story and submit that as well. And now that first book has a home. Astraea Press didn't tell me my book was too short. Thanks to their trademark clean fiction, I didn't have to add spice. And thanks to social media, I'm connecting with another wonderful group of writers. 

Another great reason I'm so thankful for Astraea Press: there's no middle man. I can deal directly with the owner of the company, or the editor working on my book, or the cover artist. Whenever I have a question, I usually get an answer within twenty-four hours. After hearing about various woes from authors signed with other companies I am so glad I held my ground and waited for a company that wanted what I had, rather than tailor my writing to what someone else wanted. 

Astraea Press truly is the best.

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Jeff Salter

When I think of some of the storied histories of the better known New York
publishing houses, I’ve been awed at how much influence they’ve wielded in the
universe of letters. Some of them go back a century or more; most were already big names in publishing long before I was first aware of books ... nearly six decades
ago.

All that is only to say: each of the most famous publishers you’ve ever heard of ... began with a concept, an investment, some sacrifice, a marketing plan, and a good story to print. At some point, every one of these big name publishers likely started with similar general circumstances — someone recognized a need that was not being met or believed they could do a better job at meeting the needs and desires of readers / buyers. Or perhaps they thought they could publish potentially great books that were falling through cracks left by the other publishers currently operating.

But they all started with the first functional day, that initial manuscript query, the starting round of edits on their very first contracted book.

Astraea Press

And all this leads me up to the second anniversary of Astraea Press, the brainchild of
publisher Stephanie Taylor, who saw a need not being met, believed she could assemble ‘clean’ stories which readers wanted, and knew there were great books falling the cracks elsewhere.

It took vision, concept, investment, sacrifice, good stories, faith ... and lots of guts. Stephanie has admitted that several people tried to talk her out of trying and others (who knew she was forging ahead anyway) tried to discourage her. Yet she prevailed. I won’t attempt to represent the numbers here, because those statistics will be surely
be covered elsewhere during this anniversary month, but Astraea (in two short years) has collected some 150 authors and published well over 200 titles. Some have won awards and some have appeared on prominent best-seller lists.

My Journey

Having just completed my seventh (unpublished) novel manuscript in the summer of 2011, I realized I was at a crossroads and began asking for Divine insight into WHERE that story should go.

I wrote down my goals (for writing and publishing) and listed the pros and cons of continuing a search for the perfect agent. I analyzed the pros and cons (as well as the mathematical improbabilities) of ever reaching the ranks of the Big Six publishers. I actually (no kidding) noted the pros and cons of achieving fame and fortune as an author. Yes, there ARE cons to that status.

During and after all that deliberation – and with a great deal of additional prayer – I realized it was more appropriate for me to seek one of the smaller digital-first publishers ... of which there are MANY. But one of the troubling issues was how my Christian witness might be affected by aligning myself with a publisher which also produced some very racy material. How comfortable would I be telling my church friends to go to the site of Publisher ABC ... where they would also find material which could make all of us blush?

So my new prayer was: “Lord, help me find a publishing outlet which will not reflect badly on my Christian witness.” And the converse: “Lord, help me find a publishing outlet which will be a GOOD reflection on my Christian witness.”

Several years of networking among authors, writers, agents, publishers, bloggers, etc., had set into motion a series of contacts which led me to a very short list of potential publishers. On that short list, the SOLE publisher which published only ‘clean’ books
was ... Astraea Press.

Finding Astraea

To make a long story short, I submitted this seventh manuscript to Astraea. The result was a lengthy, personal reply from the CEO, expressing praise and encouragement for my story and indicating potential acceptance if I was
willing to revise and resubmit. Which I did.

Exactly one year after being inspired to write this novel, I was proofing the galleys for the romantic suspense novel which resulted. And it was only possible because of Astraea Press.

Stephanie and her crew have built a wonderful sense of community and mutual encouragement among the A.P. authors: when good news is shared, we cheer for
each other ... when it’s not so good, we commiserate and console. There’s a healthy
sense of competition, but I believe all of us recognize that when any Astraea
title or author does well, it makes things potentially better for all of us.

As I’ve told Stephanie, I feel I have found a home with A.P. and sincerely hope to publish many other novels here.

So, during the anniversary month, I dedicate this blog column to Astraea
Press and to its Founder / CEO Stephanie Taylor, who had the vision, faith, and courage to launch a company to publish clean fiction. Also to the A.P. staff I’ve had the great fortune to work with, including Kay Springsteen Tate, Opal Campbell, Cheryl
Grey, Traci Pollitt, Elaina Lee, and Stephy Smith.

Happy Second Birthday, A.P.!

    

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Lynn Spangler

I chose to submit my story, Whiskey Whispers of the Past, to Astraea Press because I was looking for a sweet romance publisher. I had general questions I needed to ask and the owner, Stephanie Taylor, responded immediately, which is important to me. She answered my questions completely and clearly.

The staff is professional, and more importantly, friendly. The authors at Astraea Press are quick to share useful information and support their fellow authors. It's feels like family instead of just a publisher.

Astraea Press is a author friendly, sweet romance, young adult, new adult, and inspirational publishing house with awesome staff and editors.

Who could ask for more?

Lynn Spangler

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Sherry Gloag

“You can choose your friends, but not your family.”  I don’t know who said this first, but while they are right—technically, on another level this saying is not accurate as there are many kinds of ‘family’.

Writing is a solitary occupation so it is more important than may be imagined by most readers for the author to find a publisher that they can ‘fit-in’ with. The relationship between author and publisher is not the same as a worker and employer relationship in a normal business environment.  So it is important to find the one that is right for you. So how do you choose a publisher?

When you write a certain kind of book and you have to search and wean out the publishers that take those genres. But it’s much more than that.  It’s the integrity of the company, it is the attitude of those employed at, and by the publisher, those who will be working with you to provide the best product possible before it hits the e-shelves.

Astraea Press is owned by Stephanie Taylor, and she has employed some awesome people to work with her authors at every stage of production. It is then, that first time you work with them on your book, you find yourself being absorbed into the ‘family atmosphere’. 

Don’t be fooled by that terminology, Stephanie runs a tight ship.  She knows what she wants and sees to it that her authors comply with her wishes and her standards. And—she listens to her readers.  If they have a grouse, she’s there, offering one-to-one discussions to see how she, and her authors, can rectify/better the already high standards Astraea Press work with.

Astraea Press have published two of my novellas, and one full-length novel, and it has been a pleasure to work in conjunction with every single person detailed to take me through from acceptance to release date.  Standards are high, and sometimes extremely challenging, and that has to be good for publisher, author and readers. 

After finding it hard to acquire books Stephanie Taylor wanted to read it became one of her aspirations to ensure Astraea Press provides Sweet and Clean romances. Stephanie Taylor and the people that work with her are always striving to raise the bar of quality, and to expand opportunities for the company and therefore for their authors and readers.

In the two years since Stephanie opened the doors of Astraea Press it has gone from strength to strength and carved its own particular niche in the publishing world. It has become a company to be reckoned with and one that authors strive to join.

When you put it all together, it is the the camaraderie between fellow authors and Astraea press personnel that helps to create that special family atmosphere.

    

Why I write for Astraea Press: Brenda Maxfield

                 I love to assign silent reading to my high school students. With frenzied lives full of homework, sports, work, and other activities, they don’t have a minute to spare—let alone twenty uninterrupted minutes to read. So, as often as possible, I give it to them.

                Silent reading is always with books of their choice (within reason, as I do answer to parents). Often I see students, especially girls, yearning for romance and drama and adventure, but unable to find them in a good, clean read. Many of my students don’t enjoy foul language, promiscuous relationships, and lurid details, nor do they like being surprised by them after they’re already entranced with a story.

                So finding Astraea Press with its high standards was a delightful surprise. I not only found a company to recommend to my students, but also a company to pursue personally as an author. Luckily for me, I’ve become an Astraea author. Astraea Press has blessed me with an approachable and enthusiastic company president, wonderful editors and staff, and a close welcoming group of authors.

                Frankly, I fell into a gold mine.

                Astraea Press is releasing my first book, The Lance Temptation, a YA contemporary, Feb. 12^th and I’m under contract for book two. I look forward to a productive long-term relationship with Astraea Press. Their number of repeat authors speaks volumes. Authors don’t stay and submit multiple times with a company unless they’re happy.  

                Kudos to Stephanie and everyone who helps make Astraea Press an exceptional, growing company. I’d encourage readers everywhere to explore and enjoy what we offer, and I’d encourage writers to give Astraea Press serious consideration.

                You can join me in the gold mine!

Brenda Maxfield, Author

http://www.brendamaxfield.com

https://twitter.com/BrendaMaxfield

http://www.facebook.com/TheEdgemontCollection

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6570620.Brenda_Maxfield

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Joselyn Vaughn

I have been delighted to be published with Astraea Press. Two years ago, I wasn’t sure where my writing career was going. I knew I wanted to try e-publishing, but didn’t know what publishers to try.

Then I came across Astraea Press during a pitch day at Sweeter Romantic Notions. It was a successful pitch day for me, and by the end of the week, I had three contracts to compare. After reviewing them, I decided to sign with Astraea Press and I have never regretted it.

Astraea Press has been wonderful: excellent cover designs, quality editing, and a fabulous reputation. My favorite thing about working with them is their communication. The publisher or her staff is always available to answer questions, provide information, or just chat. And if they can’t be, they let us know. If there’s a problem, they let us know. If things are going well, they let us know. It makes the publishing venture so much more exciting to know what is happening behind the scenes. It creates a camaraderie with the other authors and gives us more reason to cheer each other on. I don’t think this atmosphere is replicated in other places.

I am so honored to have been with Astraea Press from its inception and to have watched it grow so successfully.

Joselyn

http://joselynvaughn.com

Sweet, small town romances

New! - The Warden's Lantern - Astraea Press

 

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Stephanie Michels

I first became acquainted with Astraea Press two years ago when my critique partner (and later co-author), Patricia Kiyono, told me AP was doing a fund raiser to support Tsunami Relief for Japan. At the time, Patty was thinking about writing a story for them since she has relatives in Japan, and the topic was very dear to her. I immediately went to the AP website http://www.astraeapress.com to check them out and discovered Astraea was a very new publishing house. Since I'm a business person, I knew the first few years for any company is pretty much of a struggle. So, I was very impressed that AP would donate their profits to such a worthy cause.

What really sold me on Astraea Press, however, is its fundamental principles. At a time when most of the biggest ePublishers were publishing erotic titles, Astraea's owner, Stephanie Taylor, set a much different standard for her company.  AP prides itself on good, clean, and wholesome stories. There is plenty of romance and sexual tension, but no actual sex shown.  Hallelujah! I have a good imagination -- I don't need every Tab A and Slot B spelled out for me.  

Since I'm also a grandmother, I don't like picking up some supposedly YA title one of the teenagers is reading to find sex scenes that are far too explicit and adult in it. Since I found Astraea Press, I've been able to share their titles with the kids.  Clean romances and YA books where men and women treat each other respectfully, and the only stalkers and abusers are the bad guys.  Books where actions have consequences, too!  There's something for almost everyone: great romances, contemporary, historical, paranormal, Regency, suspense, YA, etc., And the stories have believable heroes and heroines of all ages and walks in life. Heartwarming proof that romance can happen to anyone. Books you hate to have end.

So, when it came time to look for a publisher for our Stitching Post series, Patty and I both had Astraea Press on the top of our list. We like the people -- anyone who has ever met Stephanie, Kim, Elaina, and others will say the same -- and AP has a reputation for the kind of books we admire and want to be known for. There's nothing on their site or in their back lists that would make me feel uncomfortable about sharing it with my friends from church or my women's groups.    

I'm grateful to Astraea Press for taking a chance on an unknown author like me.  Management is fun and the other authors are friendly and supportive. Behind their notes of welcome, I can almost hear them saying: C'mon in a sit for awhile!  I hope it will be a good long visit.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Michels

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Bri Clark

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Elaine Cantrell

I found Astraea Press a few months before it officially opened for business.  I belong to a yahoo group called Sweeter Romantic Notions that was sponsoring a pitch day.  Various publishers would talk with the authors who had posted their pitches on the loop.  If they liked the pitches, they requested either the manuscript of the full novel.

Well, Astraea Press requested A New Dream.  I had a few reservations about submitting to a brand new publisher, but I decided to give them a chance because of the way the publisher Stephanie Taylor interacted on the Yahoo group.

I soon found I’d picked a winner.  Stephanie was open and friendly with the authors, and so was the rest of her staff, all of whom knew their business.  They also listened.  Best of all, the press wouldn't publish anything but sweet romance.  What a dream come true.  In some places I had felt like a red headed stepchild with my sweet romances, but not at Astraea.  Sweet romance is what Astraea is all about. 

I also liked the friendliness of the other authors.  They were willing to help each other out in any way they could.  As the press grows, it will be harder to know everyone, but I’m thinking maybe some of these authors will manage it.

At present Astraea has published three of my full length novels and one short novella, and I’ve also contributed a story to a charity anthology.  I just signed a contract for another work called The Enchanted which I think is a fun story. 

If you’re an author I don’t think you’ll go wrong at Astraea, and if you’re a reader, do check out all of Astraea’s lovely books.  There’s a whole lot of talent here. 

Elaine Cantrell
http://www.elainecantrell.com
http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

     

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Nell Dixon

I'd 'met' Stephanie on line via Facebook and other media back when she was setting up Astraea Press. I'm published by several publishers in the UK and the US from large - Headline and Mira - to tiny. I'd previously been published by a specialist sweet/clean/ inspirational publisher and loved that my books didn't have to fight to be seen amongst the plethora of erotica and more sexual romances that fill the shelves elsewhere. Not that I have a problem with reading or writing smexier books but I knew lots of my readers hated trying to find clean reads in that kind of market.

I was thrilled that Astraea Press had and has such a clear vision of the kind of book they wanted to sell and happily it coincided very beautifully with the books I love to write.

I currently have eleven titles available with Astraea and hope to have many more in the months and years to come. I'm very happy my books have found such a good home.

Love Nell

Romance with Heart
www.nelldixon.com

         

Birthday Bash!!!

Well, here we are!  Two years into our wonderful journey at Astraea Press, and I have to say, I’m the most blessed business owner in the history of business owning.  I have a wonderful staff, and wonderful authors. What more could I ask for?

2012 was an AMAZING year for our company!  We sold our first foreign rights, acquired a NY Times bestselling author, two USA Today bestselling authors, numerous number one bestsellers, award winning titles, and also secured a NY agent to handle foreign rights and audio.  Astraea Press is moving on up!  I can’t tell you how excited I am about all the new developments.  In all honesty, I expected Astraea to be where we are now around the year 2015 or 2016.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect such a huge demand for sweeter books, especially in a predominately erotic market.

Last year, we had a phenomenal turn out with our first anniversary having a free book a day.  So for our two-year anniversary, we’re giving away TWO free books a day for the entire month of February! It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for keeping Astraea in business, for supporting us and making us the success we are today and the years to come.  Without my readers, I wouldn’t have a business. My authors wouldn’t have a reason to find a publisher.  So you, my dear readers are the essence and the life force behind what we do. Astraea Press strives to make you happy so you’ll keep coming back for more!  And the biggest compliment you can give us is to tell a friend to check us out!

Visit our blog every day for information on how to download a free copy of two titles a day!