Leiland, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I've been reading about you on the web, so before I get to the questions, tell me a little about yourself.
Initially, I began reading Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Desire but later transitioned to Silhouette Nocturne. But after reading the first M/M erotic romance, tons of M/M material soon followed. As an avid reader I decided one day to take a stab at writing a book. These days, when not writing something new, I can be found reading a steamy romance (shifters are a fave!), taking my pet dog for a walk or watching movies such as A Walk to Remember.
Most people who recognize your name associate it with male erotica. Why did you choose this genre?
My interest in the genre stems from a fundamental fact that I am gay. But it goes beyond this. I have found m/m fiction offers a broader spectrum than other genres. One big factor that attracts me is the storylines. My original interest began with Harlequin romances. Although I enjoyed them, I found many of the storylines predictable. I was able to guess the plot of some books simply by reading the blurb. I find m/m fiction offers greater variety and piqued my interest much more than other genres.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Well, actually I have a favorite book and a favorite series – both for the same reasons. Wes and Toren by J.M. Colail and Andrew Grey’s Love Means series. Like everyone else, I enjoy an occasional vacation from reality and will pick up a story that allows me to get away from everyday life. But these two stories stand out the most for me because of their realism. The authors have kept the books so close to reality, they read like true stories. So I am able to completely engross myself in the story and feel and see everything as if I was a part of it far more intensely than a getaway fiction.
You moved into the role of publisher a while back. Why did you want to make that leap?
Several reasons. As an author, there were several areas where I felt there could be change. Researching, I found most publishers took a larger chunk of royalties than what they should. I also found most publishers take so long to give a reply – regardless of whether they accept or decline the submission. After reading other author’s comments about their experiences with some publishers, I realized there were few, if any, publishers out there who actually focused on the author and their needs. I wanted to change that – make a difference.
You have some very talented people working for you. How long did it take to get the right staff, or was that by trial and error?
Yes I do :)
Since opening our doors, we’ve gone through several staff changes all in an effort to make improvements where needed. We’ve been lucky in some departments, while others have been through trial and error. We’re still making changes and are learning as we grow. We are always receptive to corrections and suggestions that improve the quality of the products and services we offer.
Now that Silver Publishing is coming up on its first birthday, how do you feel about your progress? Have you lived up to your own expectations?
I’m proud to say we will be celebrating our first anniversary as a full service publisher on June 1, 2011 and that we have exceeded our expectations.
When you began as a publisher, did you have certain goals for five, ten or fifteen years down the road?
Our goal has always been to be recognized as the publisher for the author. I expect us to grow over the next few years. But ultimately, it’s not the growth that matters most to us, it’s the goal to ultimately be there for the author.
Do you envision reaching your five-year goal before/after that time, or do you feel you're on track?
Based on the current performance in such a short period of time, we’ll meet our five-year goal much quicker than we expected. Not only will we meet our goal, I’m certain we will exceed it before this time.
As a publisher, do you depend on your staff and go with their decisions, or do you have to have the final say on every book before it's published?
I have a handful of staff that I respect to make good decisions. However, there are times when I’ve overridden their decisions because I may know additional information, which may ultimately affect the expected outcome.
I noticed that one of your titles is in Spanish. Is this a trend?
Silver Publishing publishes Spanish books as well. We have a handful of translators that do the translations for us.
Are you still writing, or does publishing limit your writing time?
I’m still writing but publishing does limit my time immensely. I’m currently working on making a few changes in staff and responsibilities to allow me to delegate some tasks to allow for more writing time.
Now, for everyone out there, when a book is submitted to Silver Publishing, do you personally read them, or do you have an acquisitions editor? And how does an author impress the acquisitions department enough to get a contract?
Submissions are currently handled by our Editor-in-Chief, and she reviews all submissions. Honestly, an author impresses our EIC by providing a detailed synopsis, which provides a well-rounded picture of the manuscript and captures the author’s enthusiasm for the piece. If an author submits their work with only a two or three line summary, this shows a lack of interest in their submission. And if they aren’t interested in their own story, it’s a bit difficult to inspire any sort of excitement on our part.
Are you looking for any particular genre, or manuscript length at this time? Any submission calls for 4th of July or Halloween?
We currently have a call for submissions with a Father’s Day theme, as well as holiday submissions for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Thank you so much for joining me, Mr. Dale. Is there anything you would like to add?
Yes, since this is publishing in April, I want my birthday wish to be granted. A large sexy man with a beautiful smile and nice a$$ who brings me sparkly gifts.
LOL Well, there you have it. Any single guys out there that meet Mr. Dale's requirements, he's looking for a very special birthday surprise! (But he is a Taurus, guys so beware!) That's hilarious. Thank you so much for being Mister April, and I hope you have a great birthday. After all, turning 21 is a big deal! LOLOLOLOL
Leiland's Links:
Paul's D'Marco
Matt D'Marco has happily settled in his routine for years. Now with a pending divorce, recently promoted Matt's life is about to take an entirely new direction. Matt's first case as detective turns out to be a challenge. Desperation sets in when all leads in the child serial killer case leave the police department empty handed. Paul Whittington, psychic and medium, may be the only solution in finding a break in the case.
Matt and Paul are forced to work together. But when a work relationship turns into something more, it challenges everything Matt's known about himself, his life, and desires. Then, a turn in the case could put everything at risk. In the end, can Paul win over Matt's resistance and claim him as his own?
Matt and Paul are forced to work together. But when a work relationship turns into something more, it challenges everything Matt's known about himself, his life, and desires. Then, a turn in the case could put everything at risk. In the end, can Paul win over Matt's resistance and claim him as his own?
When The Bluebird Calls
Devon Reid, veterinarian, had a partner of 2 years, a beautiful house, and a fantastic job. Then, life as he knew it, changed.
Six months ago, he became his mother's sole caretaker when her cancer returned. With his constant absence from home, his relationship ends leaving him alone in one of the most emotionally draining points in his life. When his mother passes, he is lonely and loses his zest for life.
With his emotions and life in turmoil, Devon decides it's time to make a change. Leaving the city life behind and taking a job in a small town in Montana, was just what the doctor ordered. Then, he meets the hunky ranch foreman, Greg Elliot.
Greg has lived most of his life on a ranch. Living in a small town didn't offer many prospects for a relationship, until he meets the new veterinarian in town.
While they try to resist the obvious mutual attraction, a fateful call during the night changes it all.
What is a city boy to do when a small town cowboy ropes him in?
Six months ago, he became his mother's sole caretaker when her cancer returned. With his constant absence from home, his relationship ends leaving him alone in one of the most emotionally draining points in his life. When his mother passes, he is lonely and loses his zest for life.
With his emotions and life in turmoil, Devon decides it's time to make a change. Leaving the city life behind and taking a job in a small town in Montana, was just what the doctor ordered. Then, he meets the hunky ranch foreman, Greg Elliot.
Greg has lived most of his life on a ranch. Living in a small town didn't offer many prospects for a relationship, until he meets the new veterinarian in town.
While they try to resist the obvious mutual attraction, a fateful call during the night changes it all.
What is a city boy to do when a small town cowboy ropes him in?
Un Corazon Amante (Hart of the Mountain)
Durante siete a os, Jasper Elliot se sinti traicionado y solo, cuando su hermano se march de casa.Cuando un visitante inesperado se presenta y le descubre la verdadera razon por la que su hermano le dej, Jasper se enfrenta a una decisi n que cambiar el curso de su vida. Al llegar al Rancho Mountain Hart, no solo no van las cosas de la manera que l esperaba, sino que tambi n encuentra lo que cre a inalcanzable.
Seth Hart ten a un secreto que le hab a dejado profundas cicatrices. Para mantener su secreto a salvo, nunca sal a con nadie y siempre aseguraba no involucrar a su coraz n. Con la llegada de Jasper, las resoluciones de Seth vuelan por la ventana. La atracci n instant nea que Seth siente por Jasper es excitante pero tambi n le da miedo. Justo cuando las cosas empiezan a ir mejor de lo que nunca pod a esperar Seth, su pasado les alcanza.
Seth Hart ten a un secreto que le hab a dejado profundas cicatrices. Para mantener su secreto a salvo, nunca sal a con nadie y siempre aseguraba no involucrar a su coraz n. Con la llegada de Jasper, las resoluciones de Seth vuelan por la ventana. La atracci n instant nea que Seth siente por Jasper es excitante pero tambi n le da miedo. Justo cuando las cosas empiezan a ir mejor de lo que nunca pod a esperar Seth, su pasado les alcanza.
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