Never mind awards, memberships, pro-status, whatever.
Organizations like the MWA, RWA, & SFWA are there to PROTECT writers.
They inform writers about problems.
HQ has become a problem.
They have a vanity operation and fully intend to send vulnerable, rejected writers to that operation.
It's like the human resources manager sifting through job applications. Some are good enough to hire for legit work, but the rest?
Well, the HRM has a lucrative sideline: sending failed applicants over to a shiny new brothel. The HRM is also a PIMP.
The pimp is well-dressed, kindly, supportive, and enthusiastic. SHE can't hire you just now, but her friend over there CAN.
There's a fee involved, but that's perfectly normal. Everyone supposed to pay to get a job, I'm sure you've heard of that! Did you know that's how Donald Trump started out? Oh, yes, it's true, he paid to get his first job. So did Oprah Winfrey! AND, if you work real hard over there, I *might* be able to find you a better-paying spot with my company later!
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've encountered wannabe writers convinced that paying to publish is how you break in. Many accept it as an unshakable truth.
And here's HQ confirming it!
HQ has lost a ton of good will in the industry because of this ill-considered decision.
While it may not effect established writers, newbies are in for an expensive shock. I don't assume they've done their research. Many do not.
Now the biggest romance house in the industry telling them that it's perfectly okay to shell out a few thousand bucks to "get into print." (Carefully leaving out that such books rarely sell more than 75 copies.)
Will the neos bother to check this out or think it through? Maybe, but why should they? HQN's name and reputation (until now) has clout. You can "trust" them.
DellArte presents itself as a "self-publishing" venue, when it is not. Most neos know to avoid vanity printers, but you won't find the "V" word on the DellArte site.
Nope, given time you'll find rejected HQ writers who fell for the misleading sales pitch.
.
You were too quick for me.
