A Romance Small Press Offers Something Completely Different

Sarah Hansen of The Wild Rose Press

By Corrina Lawson
June 1, 2009

Sarah Hansen is an editor of the Faery Rose Line of The Wild Rose Press. She's looking for what many readers crave: something a little different, something that can't be found anywhere else.

This year, I finally celebrated my longtime goal of selling a book.

Not only did I sell a book, I sold a book that I was convinced was completely unmarketable. Mainstream publishers were simply not interested in an alternate history romance set in North America in 900 AD that featured a three-way conflict between Vikings, Native Americans, and a Roman Empire that did not collapse.

Wrong setting, wrong time frame, wrong type of lead heroine, I was told.

But Sarah Hansen of The Wild Rose Press loved it and bought it because it the story was so unique.

I've been noticing a lot of books with concepts that I have not seen anywhere at The Wild Rose Press website. So I interviewed Sarah about how she and the rest of TWRP editors find books like mine.

Sequential Tart: Could you tell us a little about The Wild Rose Press? What do you think it offers to readers?

Sarah Hansen: TWRP is a source for romance. What makes us special is we offer multiple book lengths and subgenres in electronic format (we also offer full-length books in print). One can come a find short and quick cowboy romance, or longer full-length book with ghosts or dragons, all in one place. Romance for all appetites, so to speak.

ST: Where do you see the future of epublishing? What do you think are the advantages of a small press like TWRP as opposed to a larger publisher? What are the disadvanages?

SH: I think the younger generations won't bat an eyelash at buying an ebook. It's how one will purchase books. I have great respect for print books and libraries; I still love to settle in with a great book in my hands. You can't beat an ebook for convenience, though. They sure weigh less when traveling!

Advantages of a small publisher: Quicker to initiate change, better communication. Also, we don't necessarily cater to mainstream interest. I can choose to work with a fantastic manuscript that is on the far fringes of mainstream demand, whereas a larger house would likely not even look.

They are looking for best-sellers; we look for best quality.

Disadvantages of a small publisher: Advertising — we are not as well known. Name recognition. These are things that sell books, and a house just gaining a toehold has to work hard at keeping their name in front of the reader. The bigger houses have been established, and you can find their releases everywhere. I have to say, I have run into people that have heard of TWRP now. That is rewarding.

ST: What attracted you specifically to TWRP?

SH: TWRP is a nice publishing house. Rejecting someone's pride and joy isn't an easy thing to do. We are less harsh here. Every rejection is formed for that particular author and manuscript. We offer suggestions and resources to help the author become a better writer.

ST: What can readers expect from your line specifically? Do you think there's an overall element to those novels that attracts you and will attract readers?

SH: The Faery Rose line includes what we call "light paranormal." Ghosts, faeries, good witches, mermaids, alternate universe, futuristic, etc. There is a wide range we cover, and I am always amazed at the creativity in the submissions I see.

For the second question, I have always been drawn to the unexplainable and the fantastic. It allows me an opportunity to lose myself in someone else's world for a bit — one that is different than the one I see everyday. The fact that TWRP publishes romance with paranormal elements — what more could you want?

ST: What's the most fun part of your job?

SH: Contracting a story. The author is dancing — through email; I am dancing at the privilege of being able to work with a great story. It is an exciting moment.

ST: What's been the most difficult part of your job?

SH: Rejections. I always try to craft my rejection letters with constructive criticism and encouragement. They have spent so much time and effort on creating their story, and I have to tell them no.

ST: What do you like to see in books that are submitted to you?

SH: Layers. I love good, tight subplotting. Overall, I appreciate a well-rounded and balanced manuscript, one the author has taken the time to polish up, eliminate all the mistakes they could find, and flows easily. I don't ask for much, do I?

ST: What are some of the favorite books that you've read over the years?

SH: I really enjoy books in a series. These are some of my absolute favorite series: Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy, Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy, Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and his Codex Alera.

One individual book is Cindy Spencer Pape's Curses, from TWRP — Curses is an excellent darker paranormal (Black Rose) with werewolves and witches and romance. I would love to list all of my authors here, too. *smile* That is why I contracted them, of course — I love their stories.

ST: What was the very first book that you fell in love with?

SH: That would have to be Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon.

The Wild Rose Press — Official website of The Wild Rose Press