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Romance Writer of America
Welcome, Romance Lovers!
RWA is in the spotlight...and digitally-published Romance writers are clamoring for change. With differing opinions flying and hackles rising, the current debate over whether or not e-published authors are equal to authors who write for paper and ink publishers is coming to a head, and leaders of opposing camps are doing everything in their power to defend their positions.
To start off the current heated debate over whether RWA, one of the Romance Novel Industry’s largest organized group of authors, is discriminating against e-published authors of Romance, well-know author and owner of the equally well known Knight Agency, Deidre Knight, guest blogged on ESPAN, (Electronic and Small Press Authors’ Network) a RWA Special Interest Chapter.
RWA’s current President, Diane Pershing responded the following day on the same website, defining her views of the situation.
Yesterday, I witnessed the birth of a new, angry, outspoken organization that intends to fight for change within the RWA…and they call themselves RWAchange. This organization was hatched early Saturday, June 20, and by mid-afternon it was a full-fledged movement with over 200 members...all mobilized to bring about change in the RWA.
For several months, authors who have been members of RWA have been protesting RWA’s stand on e-publishing by allowing their memberships to lapse. But simply walking away does not make things change. So a large number of authors have been pro-ing and con-ing the changes that are such an issue.
Many authors are demanding change, like Melissa Schroeder. And Eva Gale. And even 'non-authors' are getting into the act, like Jane over at Dear Author.
And EREC has had an ongoing “discussion” with President Pershing for some time. Read the blogs here…EREC.
Now, as a e-published author, I would have no reason to join an organization that is geared to promoting only publishers who meet their specific requirements. Very few (if any) e-publishers meet RWA’s publisher requirements and RWA does not include e-published books in their yearly contest fort the RITA Awards. The rules for these prestigious awards state that only print books can be entered.
Now, President Pershing is basing her points on the fact that e-publishers don’t pay their authors an advance, so therefore are not fair to authors who may not sell as many books as better-selling authors. However, the real point here would appear to be that RWA simply will not accept e-publishing as a valid industry. I can see correlation between the refusal of RWA to equate e-published books with paper and ink published books and the fact that RWA will not allow an e-published book into their world-famous competition. RWA simply does not feel that e-published books are “real” books, worthy of consideration in the RITA Awards competition.
I am interested to see where this debate ends up.
You can follow RWAchange’s activities on Twitter, Facebook, and Google. RWA can be followed at their national website. http://www.rwanational.org/cs/home
Comments
It makes me sick to think I'm not considered a published author, by their standards, because I'm only published in e-format. F#$% them!
RWA's attitude is not beneficial to people who need to be educated about the future of digital publishing. I stay because I see the need for change. Great post, Fran!
Very nice article, Fran. Thanks for posting so everyone can think about this and come up with their own conclusions. RWAChange is about change in the organization for everyone. It's about education and respect and equality. I, too, look forward to seeing what change will come about!
I'm not a member but I'm following the debate carefully. Ultimately, I suspect most books will be published electronically and printed books may become increasingly rare. The exact same people who review well-known print authors review my e-works and I'm receiving reviews that are right up there with the best of them. And I have no agent or big-name publisher to help with any promotion. RWA could help us out if they had any interest, but it would seem those in charge prefer to disenfranchise a significant number of authors and publishing houses. It's an extremely short-sighted policy and in the end, it won't work.
Thanks for this. It will take a hammer to the head of the RWA to get through, but I think I hear a whoosh.
I'm not one for labels, so I have a difficult time with this whole issue.
I did renew my RWA membership, and I get so much out of my local chapters. Published members span the field of publishers, but regardless of who publishes their work, their input is invaluable.
That said, I think the only requirement should be non-vanity publishing. IF a company is willing to invest in your work, then it is fine by me.
Good luck to all of us.
I joined RWA in 1992 and resigned last summer. I found I didn't enjoy belonging to a group who de-valued others when they are meant to be a support group. RWA is so dreadfully behind the times I fear their organization will go the way of the dinosaur.
I have never joined RWA because I could see no point. RWA chapters do provide support and encouragement, and the organization is a great one, but their dues are high, and they offer very little to e-pubbed authors beyond the support and discussion thingy. I have my own small but elite support group and I have thanked God I have them. Having wonderful friends who offer advice and support is rare and essential to a newbie like me. Huge thank you to my 'kiddies'.
Fran,
This is so very sad. Just two years ago, DCL came to the NJ RWA book signing and had our authors and models sign promotional materials, sell their books, and we provided wonderful goody bags for book sellers.
I just found out today that we will not be welcome to do the same this coming October because it would be an insult to their approved RWA PAN members.
An insult? Huh? I thought RWA was suppose to be a support to all writers. But, as they continue to alienate who they think real authors are and who aren't, they will lose the support of many authors,aspiring authors and people who help to pay to run their events.
DCL will continue to find places to sign our novels, network, and have a wonderful time doing so.
www.thedarkcastlelords.com
Coming Soon!
www.dclpublications .biz
You are absolutely right, Pam! For an organization to claim leadership in this industry,it must treat ALL authors and publishers equally. Discriminatory treatment is an acceptable in any industry...and Romance novels are a HUGE industry!
I just heard from the NJ RWA Chapter President.
All DCL authors are indeed welcome at the conference and it was a misunderstanding.
That is good to know and it shows there can be a postive change in RWA.
Wow, Pam! I had no idea the lady reads Examiner...great timing, huh? ;P
You have a wonderful blog going! Keep up the great work! xo's
Wow, I'm glad you were able to use that blog post. And I'd also like to thank the incredible, smart, brilliant men and women who make up RWAchange-so far 449 of them! Every day I am in awe of their passion, their insight and their drive to make RWA better for evey member, not just the e-published ones.
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