Since joining last summer - well actually, since I volunteered in January and am now very active in the chapter - I have learned an incredible amount about the industry I've entered. Yes, we have followings, readers who absolutely love LGBT romance. But we need to widen our nets, broaden our focus and damn it, shoot for the stars. Did I leave out a single cliché there? Not sure. Nevertheless, it's time to step us as writers (and readers) of LGBT romance and make our voices heard.
How to do that? Join RRW. Now. Right now. We are so energized about moving our members - and our industry - forward, it's simply amazing what's happening. We'll be an exciting presence at these cons in 2012:
- Rainbow Book Fair in New York, March
- LoneStar LesFic Festival in Austin, March
- Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Chicago, April
- RWA Nationals in Anaheim, August
- GayRomLit in Albuquerque, October
We've formed three distinct committees that are targeting Events, Research and Outreach. These volunteers have already made significant strides, producing a kick-ass brochure to reach potential members, setting up an impactful presence at the cons listed above, and investigating what publishers are buying, what readers are reading, and how to bring OUR books to both groups. We've established a relationship with GLAAD, and we're working on networking with national and regional LGBT groups and charities, to connect with those who share our intention to promote the ROMANCE in LGBT romance.
RRW was formed to:
- to promote excellence in LGBT romance writing
- to help members succeed as artists and professionals
- to advocate passionately for our rapidly expanding market online and at events both LGBT and romance-related
- to provide a dynamic resource for our members, the media, and the publishing industry
We're fast proving that professionalism will succeed. It's in the best interests of every writer of LGBT romance to join us, to add the weight of your work and efforts to ours. The publishing industry is undergoing significant upheaval. Anyone with an eReader can tell you that. The big six are moving into ebooks, and it's anybody's guess how that's going to impact the smaller epublishers. Those of you writing with small presses, you need us - and we need you.
I'll leave you with one last cliché: a rising tide lifts all boats. Get onboard with RRW - today.
http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com/
:P Thank you so much for the kind words, m'dear. I feel like the time has come for the RRW, y'know. So many exciting things happening already. It's going to be a helluva year!!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes it will. If we have anything to say about it, that is!
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