I went to the Rogue Digital Conference (not associated with RWA but at the same hotel). I can’t tell you how happy I am that I went. I transcribed my notes on Scorched Sheets, so I won’t be doing that here. Instead, this is the distilled version of what I learned.

1. Angela James is a charismatic speaker. I’m glad she isn’t a cult leader. She has a casual style and an engaging demeanor that just draws you in.

2. There are evidently a LOT of publishers who still do geographic rights instead of world-wide digital rights. Why? That’s just hurting author and publisher. Silly rabbits.

3. Google thinks you’re stupid. Okay, maybe not. But they’re banking on the idea that you don’t know what’s in the Google Books settlement and don’t care to know. Sadly, they may be right for the majority of authors.

4. Bob of Books on Board is made of awesome, deep fried in FABTASTIC and served with a side of OMGSoCool! Just sayin’.

5. E-pubbed backlists settle into a sort of steady state that isn’t zero after the initial sales. Hooray!

6. E-publishing formatting software ain’t cheap. And there are a gajillion formats you need to have available.

7. DRM isn’t as efficient as THEY want you to think it is. There are better, more efficient options.

8. Jane Litte of Dear Author is one Smart Bitch. No wonder those ladies get along so well.

9. The Registry built into the Google Books settlement = HOLY SHIT WTF! It’s like the Bouncer at an exclusive club. Theoretically he’s there to protect you, but really he’s there to get all up in your face and rain on your parade, and there’s not a damned thing you can do about it.

10. Lauren Dane and Maya Banks are incredibly generous and awesome.

11. Kresley Cole is hawt even at 8:30 in the morning. I think she might be an alien.

12. Consider carefully all aspects of your contract – even the ones you think are minor. And think about what constitutes a deal breaker for you.  If it makes you uncomfortable, DON’T AGREE TO IT.

13. Profit margins for e-publishers are much smaller than you’d think. And distribution costs are much higher.

That’s it. Well, not it, but the points I wanted to share. Do you feel enlightented?

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