To ePub or Not to ePub

There's been a lot of cyber chatter about the recent demise of Mardi Gras Publishing, here and here for starters. Sadly, the former owner of MGP bid her adieu via the following statement:

~Mardi Gras Publishing is officially closing September 1, 2007~
I have been forced to make this decision based on lack of finances - hormonal females and bitching.

That's just a snippet, folks. It gets worse, read her entire rant here. The epitome of class and professionalism isn’t it? 2007 has been a bad year for e-pubs. First the Trisk debacle and now this. The problem with e-pubs is the business model. Anyone with a computer and a modicum of web design knowledge can start their own e-business. The onus is on the author to thoroughly check out any publisher prior to signing a contract. There are real, legitimate e-publishers and small presses out there. Though, it can be difficult to spot the shysters from the professionals. Here are a few great tips (courtesy of Dear Jane).

Piers Anthony runs a great site devoted to this. He periodically updates it, so it’s worth checking out every month or so. Below is a list of legitimate small presses. Please don’t take this as gospel, then come after me if things don't work out for you (for whatever reason) as leading you astray. As far as I know, given my own experience and after extensive research, I found these to be reputable. Of course, any business can fold at any time. But I know other authors published through some or all of these who are doing quite well. I, for one, enjoy seeing my book stocked at Borders and in libraries across the country, and as most know, I’m published with The Wild Rose Press. The key is to find an honest, professional publishing house (whether big or small).

Recent changes regarding TWRP, all authors can now get their first sales listed in RWR. Furthermore, you can now enter your stories into RITA. This is a big step for a small press; but just another example that there are “good guys” out there as well.

Cerridwen Press
Cobblestone Press
Elloras Cave
Phaze
Red Sage Publishing
Samhain Publishing
The Wild Rose Press