If you liked DEXTER, you'll probably like this one, too!

Rachel Starkey Tobias was born into the Starkey family shipping empire. During the year of 1930, a hard and ugly ruin slams many in this country. The events of the era later described as The Great Depression. None of this affects Rachel. She remains one of the wealthiest women in the world. She is also one of the deadliest.

Happy NEW YEAR 

readers and writers, everywhere. 

The best of futures to all of us!

2013 NEWS SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR

Despite the fact that Shelley spent from July to December doing nothing but expanding markets,  we published 28 new books in both paper and e-book editions during that time. All the while weathering computer problems and other  kinds of slow-us-down troubles.We are still behind, but will catch all of you up as quickly as we can. With both of us working from Jan. to June, we only managed 31 titles for a total of 59 new titles in 2013. Not too shabby for a small family firm.

NEW MARKETS AT SMASHWORDS AND KOBO

We listed more than 125 titles for sale at SmashWords, and  opened 135 for sale on Kobo, so far and are doing our best to get as many of our old catalog up for sale in new venues as possible. We will continue and list at other popular sites as quickly as we are able.

TEMPORARY CHANGES IN EDITORIAL STAFF

Shelley's day job ended, as of Dec. 31. Wish that meant more time for us, but she has an opportunity to continue her education if she returns to school full-time this semester and that's what she plans to do. NO WORRIES. Shelley is family, as well as an excellent editor, and she will be around whenever she is able. We wish her all success in expanding her opportunities. Meanwhile all the editing and publishing work will fall to me and I will do my best.

FREE BOOKS DURING THE HOLIDAYS WENT WELL

We did receive a mixed response on the free books during the holiday season. Some had many downloads, some none, depending on how much self-promotion the authors did.  It wasn't a work-intensive feature and We'd be willing to continue it during the year if authors are interested.  What do you all think about that?

FEWER TITLES TO BE SCHEDULED FOR NOW

What this does mean, however, is that we will be contracting for far fewer titles from new authors in the future. The submission process will remain the same, with a peer review by a committee of published authors deciding acceptance. It's just that fewer query letters will receive a positive response to send us a sample. 

THIS WILL NOT AFFECT ANY SERIES TITLES, OR OTHER TITLES ALREADY CONTRACTED WITH AUTHORS WHO ARE ALREADY INVOLVED WITH OUR HOUSE.

ANNUAL SLOWDOWN ANTICIPATED

We will be experiencing our usual year end slowdown, as our annual corporate taxes must be done, and authors quarterly royalties much be paid in January 2014. We will do our best to get back to production as quickly as possible.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS CAUSE SLOWED PRODUCTION TIME

My Dear Hubby was quite ill in the spring, but is better now. As for me, as most of you know, I am what my DH calls "extra sweet" (diabetic) and changes in my medication have resulted in a few recent health problems. I am sure my doctor will get the chemistry in balance soon.

We thank you all for being so patient with our scheduling problems this year, and  promise to keep up as best we can. We will do every book for which we are contracted as quickly as we can and get them up for sale in as many venues as possible. 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 

FROM ALL OF US

Shelley:  To get all A's  in my classes.

Dave: To love my wife more every day.

Chrissy: To play with my new sister, Friday.

Arline: Not to lose weight, get up early, or give up work. AND  To make sure Roger does his vertigo exercises every day.

Honeybear (Our bookstore cat): Not to let Jack take my place again this year. I know he has his eye on my job! But I have been the bookstore cat since January 1, 2000 (I was 11 when I started) and am Not Ready to Give it UP YET!

Jack Dempsey (our Bossy Blue tomcat): I do hearby resolve to lose weight. After all, twenty-eight pounds IS a bit corpulent, even for a tomcat. Meanwhile, I stand ready to take over any time the old girl gives up watching the store. Meanwhile, I'll let her think she's top cat around here. For Now!

Spunky (our youngest kitty): Let them do whatever...I'm having a nap. I promise I will have one every day.  Hmmm.... maybe several....