Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Happy Birthday Beachwalk Press!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jaye Shields, and recently, my dream of being published came true. Lots of e-publishers are popping up, but I hit the jackpot when I queried and recieved a contract offer from Beachwalk Press. Despite having a competing offer from a more established publisher, I went with Beachwalk because it came highly recommended by a talented author. I was also impressed that one of the books at Beachwalk offered a percentage of it's profits to a good cause.

Today I’m honored to have Pamela Tyner, publisher and editor-in-chief extraordinaire at Beachwalk Press. Opened by Tyner in July 2011, the happy authors at Beachwalk are celebrating its first birthday. In only one year, Tyner recruited the talent of over 20 authors, some of which have already been on bestseller lists.

Pamela, first of all, congratulations on the whirlwind of success in Beachwalk’s first year. Did you ever dream it would be so successful so soon?

Honestly, no. Before I opened the business I worked up a budget for the first three years, which included, of course, estimated income, and by the end of year one our income was already ahead (although just slightly) of where I had estimated us to be by the end of year three. Needless to say, I was very happy with that!

What was one of the most exciting moments for you this past year?

I would have to say the most exciting, for both me and the authors, was seeing several of our books make the best-seller lists. Be My Everything, a BDSM by Ella Jade, made the best-seller list at both Amazon and All Romance Ebooks. Macy’s Awakening, an interracial romance by Pepper Anthony, also made the best-seller lists at both Amazon and All Romance Ebooks. In addition, The Centurion’s Prize, a historical romance by Harper Bennett, also made the best-seller list at All Romance Ebooks. In the past year, our books have received other recognition as well, including some recommended reads from various review sites and some of the “Best of 2011” awards. I’m very proud of what our authors have accomplished!

Are you currently taking submissions, if so, what are you looking for? Does an author have an edge if they have an agent in tow?

We are always taking submissions. No agent required. Personally, I’m looking for BDSM, male/male, interracial romance, and paranormals. One of our editors, Antonia, loves shift-shapers with dragons. Leigh, another of our editors, especially enjoys fantasy and sci-fi. Authors can view our submission guidelines at: http://beachwalkpress.com/submissions/

What is your biggest advice to authors in the querying process? I can’t tell you how down I got when all I ever received were automated rejections. What are the mistakes you see most often? Any pet peeves?

First, if your book is not a romance, there’s no need to submit to us, because we only publish romances, and yes, it must have a ‘happily ever after’ or a ‘happy for now’ ending. Second, make sure there’s a conflict. The characters need something preventing them from reaching their goals and/or being together. Third—no head hopping. Our house style is one point-of-view per scene.

So, what’s a day like in the life of a publisher? Do you have time to breathe?

Some days it seems as if I don’t have time to breathe. I’m very hands-on with everything in the company, so my days involve a little bit of everything, from dealing with submissions, editing, production, cover art (no, I don’t create our cover art, although I wish I was talented enough to do that), advertising, accounting (all those years I spent doing corporate accounting have really come in handy), etc. I’m always very busy, but I love that, because it’s a direct result of how well the company is doing!

What can people look forward to from Beachwalk Press this upcoming year?

We have lots of upcoming releases that I’m very excited about, including The Sex Demon Trilogy by Jaye Shields J And I have no doubt that we will see yet more Beachwalk Press books on best-seller and recommended read lists!

*Pause for intense blush from interviewer aka Jaye “red in the cheeks” Shields*


Besides a talented editor and publisher, you are also a writer. Do you ever have time in your hectic schedule for writing?

No, I don’t L  Although I’d like to find the time at some point, because I have a couple of stories that really want to be told.

Last, but not least from the fabulous lady behind Beachwalk Press...

I’d like to invite everyone to stop by our blog this month and help us celebrate our first year in business. All throughout the month we’ll be posting various spotlights at the blog. These include author spotlights, series spotlights, book spotlights, etc. With each one we’ll be giving away a copy of an eBook, and all you have to do to be entered into the drawings is leave a comment on the posts.

Beachwalk Press is a truely unique publisher that offers authors a uniquely involved and professional experience. I adore my editor, my cover artist, and of course, the visionary that recruited me. I can't imagine a better home for my Sex Demons. :) Thanks for stopping by the Spicin it Up blog!
Thank you so much for having me here today!

XOXO Jaye Shields
and Esteemed Guest, Pamela Tyner

To celebrate Beachwalk’s birthday, all print books are 25% off. What a steal!

Or FREE…
The FREE Anthology, At the Beach, Round 2 from Beachwalk Press Authors

For a great read that donates 40% of it's profits to the Pixie Project, buy Kaylie Newell's Falling in Danger

Look for the snazzy Beachwalk Press ad in the July RWR magazine

About Me: Born and raised in the grunge capitol, I took my love of music and poetry from the Pacific Northwest to California. Now I live in Alameda, a quaint island town in the Bay Area. With a degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology, I'm just itching to climb some more pyramids. When I'm not writing, I'm either working at VW or taking long walks along the Alameda beach and gazing at the the outline of San Francisco in the distance. Oh yes, and let's all go to Paris...

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Beachwalk Press. Pamela you are wonderful to work with and I'm thrilled to have contracted Be My Everything with you. I'm both honored and flattered to have the opportunity to have the number of releases I do with such a class act publisher. Thanks for a fantastic year. Wishing you many more successful years.

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  2. Congrats Beachwalk! I love how wonderfully my books have been handled here! It's nice to get some insight into how much work is involved to make our dreams a reality. Thank you Pam!

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  3. Pamela, congratulations on Beachwalk's well-deserved success this past year. I'm so proud to be associated with Beachwalk, and I look forward to a long partnership. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Best wishes!

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  4. Happy anniversary to one of the classiest publishers in the business! I'm so proud to be a Beachwalk author and to have my books among such quality romances. Pamela, we love you! And Jaye, what a great interview :)

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  6. Happy Anniversary Pamela and Beachwalk. The past year has been an amazing experience and I'm so proud to be one of the Beachwalk Babes. From the first moment I joined with the other amazing authors here at Beachwalk, I've felt at home. Pamela's always got time to answer a question, deal with a problem or just accept the fauning accolated we do so love to heap upon her shoulders.

    Thank you for an amazing year, a great working environment, and a willingness to deal with us divas!

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  7. Congratulations Beachwalk. Publishing with you has been a wonderful experience.
    The whole team deserve lots of cake and alcohol!!

    Muah
    xx

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  8. Great interview!

    Happy Birthday! Pamela, I'm truly blessed that you took a chance on me and contracted Obsession. Beachwalk Press is an amazing place to be and that is because of you.

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  9. Congratulations Beachwalk!

    I'm one of those ever-so-grateful babes who really appreciate you taking a chance on us ;)

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  10. Great Interview Jaye!!

    As a reviewer for Beachwalk, I can say that Pamela sure can pick some Amazing Authors and has a nack for publishing wonderful books.

    Congratulations Pamela for taking Beachwalk from an idea to a great success!! Happy Anniversary!!

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  11. Congratulations! Wonderful interview Ms. Shields! Many years of success!

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  12. What a super illuminating and fun article!! Thanks Pamela for all you have done. Congratulations Beachwalk Press on your first birthday!! And thanks Jaye for the great interview!

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  13. Such a wonderful interview! I'm thrilled to be a part of Beachwalk Press. :)

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