Back in July of 2013, I published A Woman Lost, my first book. When I tried promoting the book with some of the major sites, I had three major strikes against me:
- I wrote lesbian fiction
- I was self-published
- I was an unknown author
Even some of the sites dedicated to LGBTQ fiction wouldn’t let me use their services because of the last two points. I have to admit it hurt being rejected by everyone, but it really stung when so-called inclusive sites wouldn’t give me a chance.
Those who know me will tell you I’m a stubborn person. So, I continued writing and publishing, hoping I could build up my name.
Unfortunately, I continued to run into gatekeepers who deemed my books unworthy simply because they had the power to do so.
So, in 2017, I decided enough was enough, and I started networking with other lesbian fiction authors. At first, I organized coordinated sales, and they were successful. It got me thinking, which can be dangerous for me, like the time I decided to climb a mountain without training for it, but that’s an entirely different story. In this instance, my pondering how to unite all lesbian fiction authors for the greater good is how I came up with I Heart Lesfic.
To be honest, at the time, I had no idea how much work it would involve, and I’m glad I didn’t because it may have scared me off the whole concept. Not only has it allowed me to work with other lesfic authors, but it’s helped readers find new books.
It was recently shared with me that since January of 2020, one reader has devoured over 500 books. Most of them were lesfic, and many were found via I Heart Lesfic.
Also, I’ve heard from many authors saying the IHL newsletter helped them launch their first book.
These comments from readers and authors encapsulate why there was (and still is) a need for I Heart Lesfic.
I set out to include all lesbian fiction, whether it be traditionally or indie published, because I didn’t want to leave anyone out in the cold. Putting a story out into the world is scary, but it’s nice to know you have a tribe cheering you on.
For three years, I ran I Heart Lesfic all on my own, and the website takes an inordinate amount of time. By the end of 2020, which was difficult on all levels, I nearly tossed in the towel and shut it down.
Luckily, Miranda MacLeod talked some sense into me. Also, she joined the IHL team, and she’s been an immense help.
It’s not simply the time it takes to run I Heart Lesfic, but the fees add up, including website hosting, mailing lists, universal links, and so many other little things I completely forget about until I get an email receipt and I’m like, oh yeah, there’s that.
One of my goals from the outset of launching the website was not to charge authors or readers. I’m committed to this. (Remember my stubborn streak.) I do not want to charge an author to be featured, and I never want readers to have to pay to be part of such an amazing community.
This is why we recently setup a Buy Us a Coffee page, which allows people to help out to cover the costs. We announced it in last week’s newsletter, and I have to admit I was blown away by the response. Not only were people willing to pitch in, but all of the kind notes and encouragement brought more than a few tears to my eyes.
I know this is the long road to saying thanks, but I wanted to share why I started I Heart Lesfic to show you how much it means to me to know you appreciate the hard work and dedication.
Back in 2013, I felt so alone, publishing in a genre many told me could never make money, and if I believed the ones who kept slamming the doors in my face, I wouldn’t be where I am today: making a living writing lesbian fiction, but it’s even more than that.
I now have a place where I belong. That’s the greatest gift every single person who has visited the site has given me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It’s true. As a reader, at least 4 out of every 5 books I read come from your weekly list. Selfishly, I really appreciate your efforts. It means I can be lazy finding books all the time because of your hard work.
Happy to help and lazy is not a word I would associate with you. You’ve always been an amazing advocate for lesbian fiction. Thank you!
I LOVE this page and look forward to every Tuesday! Thank you for all your hard work it’s truly amazing and inspiring.
Thanks so much!
This is where I get my books! I can’t remember how I found it, but this newsletter started me on an adventure that I hope never ends. It led me to your podcast with Clare and now I’m writing books! It’s given me a community and so much more. Thank you TB for everything!
I’m honored to have played a small role in your writing journey. Congrats for all that you’ve accomplished.
Hi
Thanks for your work, I await your letter on Tuesdays and I choose mostly all my books from the list. Cheers to your dedication.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I really appreciate your efforts. I look forward to Tuesdays so much that I even reached out to you over the holidays last year when you took a much deserved break, to tell you that I missed you. (As well as telling you how much I appreciated the weekly email.) LOL.
In today’s crazy, mixed up world, we need so much more of this: people supporting people.
So I’m happy to help support and be a part of the reading community that really enjoys having this website available. Thank you TB and Miranda.
It’s weird on my end when I take time off, but I know I need it.
Thanks so much for your support and kindness.
Thanks so much for creating this site! I always read your lists and other posts. Especially with the end of Women and Words, your site is going to be the best way to find out about new books other than the main publishers (Bella Books and Bold Strokes Books), so it’s going to be more essential than ever! Thanks again!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
You are so sweet! I want you to know that I get most of my books from your recommendations. I have been on your mailing list for a long time and will stay on it until you either throw in the towel or retire! Keep doing what you do and we will keep supporting you.
What a lovely message. Thank you!
I can’t ever thank you enough for building this website and mailing list! It’s not only a huge resource for readers, it’s helped me as an author immeasurably. I know I wouldn’t reach as many people with my books if not for your newsletter. Also, when I was just starting out and didn’t know much, you actually found my newly released books yourself and messaged me to say you were putting them in the newsletter! That sort of kindness is rare. The LWR podcast has absolutely helped my writing too. I really appreciate the hard work you and Miranda and Clare put into the lesfic community!
Aww, thanks so much for the kind words!
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Thanks a lot TBM for creating such a wonderful place to find books. I look forward to every email you send and the majority of book I read comes from IHS , I have discovered great authors too. Since I started reading sapphic romance is my favorite genre.
Thanks a lot TBM.
Ngoni Brian from Zimbabwe living in South Africa.
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