I need feedback people - the more the better!
At this point, you could insert historical mystery, suspense, hard-boiled, etc for thriller... So just what is it do we publish? Midnight Ink has had a great history with cozy and soft-boiled mysteries. But we've also done well with a few thrillers. I've acquired quite a few that fall in the middle of the road -what we call medium boiled.Here is my question to you, dear readers - what is your perception of Midnight Ink? Do you see us as a cozy publisher? A plain old mystery publisher? What comes to mind when you think Midnight Ink? What would like us to publish that we aren't currently?
To foster conversation, I will send a couple random commenters a new book from our 2012 list. Comments need to be of substance. Thanks!!
12 comments:
I don't think of Midnight Ink as a cozy publisher, while acknowledging your success with them. (Of course, I don't think of my own books as cozies, either.) In my humble opinion, you should keep on acquiring good books across the mystery spectrum!
No one who has read Alice Loweecey's first book could think Midnight Ink only publishes cozies. When I think about Midnight Ink, I think of mysteries that cross the spectrum as well as suspense. I appreciate the variety.
When I think of Midnight Ink, I think of well-written mysteries that cover pretty much the entire range of of the broad "mystery" genre. That includes the sub-genres of cozies, amateur sleuth mysteries, soft-boiled, medium-boiled, thriller, and suspense. Not sure I've ever seen any hard-boiled or noir or police procedurals in the list, but since I generally don't read those, I haven't looked for them.
What I'd like to see are some stand-alone thrillers and suspense, but I have an ulterior motive for that. I've got a few rattling around in my head that I'd like to write. ;-D
I've been working my way through several of Midnight Ink's offerings lately. I tend to pick books that give me a chuckle so I'm not sure what you'd call that-- Sue Ann Jaffarian, Cricket McRea, even Alan Orloff. But there are so many edgier choices I could (and will) pick from. So far I haven't read anything I don't like, so I'd say your rep is for good mysteries and quality writing.
PS. Since you just sent me a freebie, don't feel you need to enter me into the contest! I loved Wined and Died, thanks!
I equate Midnight Ink with mysteries, the whole spectrum, but I do know that some suspense/thriller novels have been included in the lineup. So, to me the equation is:
Midnight Ink = Good Mysteries
Before I published with Midnight Ink, I thought of them as a publisher of mainly cozy/amateur sleuth mysteries, and was surprised to find edgier authors and stories in the catalog.
I don't read thrillers or suspense any more, but don't let that stop you from acquiring them!
This is a good question for the agents querying you. If they think of MI as a soft-boiled publisher, they may not be submitting their harder stuff. Sure, your regular agents know you accept everything, but other agents may not.
*hugs Barb*
I was at Sisters in Crime/LA's meeting last weekend where I enjoy the ample opportunity to talk books. There were over 50 attendees, which is typical. An unpublished writer was telling me the premise of his novel, the first draft of which is now complete. It sounded great, medium boiled. I suggested that when he get it polished, he consider sending it to Midnight Ink. He chuckled. When I did not, he said "But, they only publish cozies".
This is a very frequent occurrence.
I don't think of Midnight Ink as a cozy publisher since your offerings are across the mystery genre.
Not sure if this book giveaway has already happened, but I'll give it a try.
I'm new to reading Midnight Ink and have read Lois Winston's "Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun" and have browsed more titles and read beginning excerpts.
What I've seen so far is not cozy. I know this isn't a genre, but I think of it as "Smart, Women's Mystery.' The dialogue is snappy and the plot lines are fresh and maybe a something is learned, such as crafts. I enjoy these, among many other stories I like, such as the style of Harlan Corbin(?) and Lisa Scottoline.
Thanks all - what you've said pretty much matches up with what I was feeling...
Barb and Cathy - send me your address and I will send you a book. :) Send to submissions @ midnightinkbooks.com (take out the spaces.)
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