When I started writing, I was mystified by why it took so long for editors to read my brilliant prose and send me huge checks. Since I opened BooksForABuck.com, I've learned their secret--submissions, especially submissions from unknown authors, come last. First, you've got to manage customers and current releases. Second, you've got to work on projects under contract, editing them into publishable shape, making sure that they have covers, converting them into the zillion different eBook and paper book formats. Third, there are all of those little issues like paying authors and checking proof copies. Fourth, there are new projects from existing authors. All of those are essential--which means that new and unknown authors end up at the bottom.

I try to do better than NY. I respond to queries within 24 hours almost all the time. And when I request, I request a full--meaning there are no intermediate requests for chapters. But I end up reading submissions on the train--just like NY editors read their slush pile on the train as they commute to and from their offices--their actual work days are filled with other things.

Today, I responded to a batch of submissions. One of them, IN THE FLESH, was a manuscript I enjoyed but had to reject several months ago. The author revised with my suggestions in mind and this time I had to buy it (generally when I reject, I reject, but occasionally I invite the author to consider resubmitting). Look for FLESH later this year.

I'm going to make KORINNA by Kristina O'Donnelly the www.BooksForABuck.com book of the day. In the dying days of the Roman Republic, a woman finds herself caught between armies--and powerful men. Korinna seeks the secret of her past--and the passion she knows she deserves. Emotionally powerful with a wealth of history--only $3.99. Learn more, read the free excerpt, or buy the entire eNovel here: http://www.booksforabuck.com/rompages/rom_2006/korinna.html. (Korinna was an Eppie Finalist). Available in HTML, Adobe Acrobat PDF, eReader, Mobipocket and Microsoft Reader formats. Here's the cover:

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