MWA to recognize/accept Ebook authors/publishers

Hey all -

Today the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announced that they have established critera to make ebook and print on demand authors eligible for membership.  It appears they have stopped short of announcing that ebooks are eligible for the Edgar Awards, but I assume that will be just around the corner.  The critera, after a quick scan, pretty much looks like the same they have for printed books.

Check this out: (http://www.mysterywriters.org/node/10784?q=mwablog)

The publishing business is experiencing massive changes and if MWA is to remain relevant, we have to change, too.  That’s why we’ve revised our Approved Publisher criteria to make books published solely in e-book format or using print-on-demand eligible under certain conditions for MWA membership (and, perhaps later, for Edgar eligibility as well).  Self-published books, whether they are published in print or as e-books, still do not qualify for MWA active membership.

In crafting the criteria below, we had to strike a balance between including books published using those new technologies while also  maintaining our high professional standards and our commitment to protecting our members (and writers in general) from the less-than-reputable publishers who seek to take advantage of them.

Some folks may not agree with MWA's policies.  Self-published books don't qualify.  That may change in the future.  Who knows.  I think what is admirable here are two things - first, MWA wants to protect the integrity of their organization and their awards.  They are keeping shady publishers out of the mix.  Second, they are adapting to the times.  I think in the book world, we are occasionally slow to adopt new technologies... *big grin*  But here is MWA - I know they considered the subject carefully and thoroughly - and did the right thing.  I truly hope that eligiblity for the Edgar Award is announced in the very near future.

I believe Malice Domestic already considers ebooks for the Agatha Award.  Do you all know if the other mystery awards are accepting ebooks now?

Once Upon a Crime

Every now and then I will dedicate a blog to someone in the crime fiction industry that deserves some recognition.  Today I am proud to give a shout out to Once Upon a Crime owners Pat and Gary.  I first met them when I owned Booked for Murder.  We only ever talked via email, but I could tell they were incredibly kind and dedicated book people.



http://www.onceuponacrimebooks.com/



When I moved up here to the Twin Cities, I made sure to make a trip to OUAC as soon as I could.  They have such a fantastic store.  And finally meeting Pat and Gary in person was lovely.  Pat acts like my mom, chiding me to eat more or to take better care of myself, but that is Pat and I wouldn't want her any other way.  She genuinely cares for her customers - it feels like a big family. 

This year, Pat and Gary are being honored at the Edgar Awards.  They are receiving the Raven Award, which is for outstanding achievement beyond the realm of creative writing.  They will receive the award on April 28th.

Inker Jessie Chandler and her book at Once Upon a Crime's Write of Spring 2011



Outstanding achievement?  You better believe it.  Pat and Gary go out of their way to support authors in any way that they can.  Each year they host a Write of Spring event where 40 Minnesota authors are showcased.  They host 6-10 author events a month.  They read voraciously and handsell like the mad.  And they are succeeding in a time when the book world is a little shaky.  How do they do it?  Love of the store, for their local authors and community and for the larger crime fiction community. 

If you are ever in the Twin Cities, make sure you stop in and see for yourself.  I would bet you'll walk out with a armful of books and a huge smile on your face.  I always do!