Tease Publishing Circa 2007 -2011

Tease Publishing LLC was a small press publisher based out of Des Moines, Iowa, created with the primary objective of delivering quality women’s fiction and romance to a wide readership through both e-book and print formats. Operating from 2007 until approximately 2011, it offered a unique publishing model focused on author satisfaction, genre diversity, and fostering a “family” environment for its writers and staff.

History and Founders

Established in June 2007 by Tonya Nagle, Tabbitha Norris, and Stacee Sierra, Tease Publishing was born out of an urgent need: a group of authors had abruptly found themselves without a publisher and sought a new home for their previously released books. The founders and core team built a publisher that was both author-centric and quality-driven, eventually expanding to offer new works across multiple romance, speculative, and women’s fiction genres.

The leadership included:

• Publisher: Tabbitha Norris

• Marketing Director: Stacee Sierra

• Editor in Chief: Tonya Nagle

A supporting creative team included cover artists Stella Price and Kenna Sheridan, and editors such as Jennifer Grier, Jana Hanson, Jenna Sherman, and Alisha Pasley.

Mission and Philosophy

Tease Publishing operated with a mission to deliver the works of a select group of authors—often chosen by invitation—directly to the public, forging an ongoing relationship between writer and reader. The publisher’s 2007 mission statement emphasized building a “TEASE family” and providing a welcoming place for both authors and readers to find satisfaction and success in the world of quality women’s fiction.

By 2011, this vision had evolved alongside valuable lessons learned through years of operation, mistakes, and adaptation. The company positioned itself as a selective, author-friendly house—rarely open to unsolicited submissions but eager to nurture talent within its small community. This selectivity and hands-on management were seen as crucial to maintaining a high editorial standard and the intimacy that separated Tease from its larger competitors.

Operations, Submission Process, and Editorial Approach

Submission Policy

Tease Publishing was primarily an “invitation only” press for much of its existence, but occasionally accepted submissions, especially as it grew in size and confidence. The submission process required a detailed query, including:

• Author’s legal name and pseudonym

• Book title

• A brief blurb and synopsis

• Marketing plan

• Relevant web or blog links

Upon positive review of a query, editors would request a partial or full manuscript for deeper consideration. The publisher placed a particular focus on romance in all forms, including but not limited to M/M, F/F, multi-cultural, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, general fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, thrillers, and science fiction.

Editorial and Production Team

Tease fostered a collaborative and supportive environment. Authors praised the publisher for being attentive, communicative, and genuinely invested in their careers. Each accepted manuscript was assigned a team of editors—ranging from content to line editing—to ensure quality. Cover art was professionally designed and provided to the authors at no cost, supporting the press’s goal of attractive, marketable releases.

The publisher explicitly rejected the “vanity press” label. Authors did not pay for publication; instead, the press retained electronic rights and provided all editorial, design, and distribution services, including the assignment of ISBN numbers.

Author Earnings

Tease paid authors quarterly, splitting digital net sales proceeds 50/50. For print anthologies, authors received a 20% share of net returns (or pro-rated for anthologies). The publisher emphasized the necessity of marketing, as sales significantly depended on an author’s ability to promote their own work. If print rights were retained by the author, Tease permitted them to print and sell their work independently (with specific guidelines on branding and ISBN use).

Genres and Special Projects

Tease Publishing differentiated itself with a wide and inclusive approach to romance and women's fiction. The publisher focused on the following:

• Romance: M/M, F/F, multicultural, interracial, contemporary, suspense, and all subgenres

• General Fiction: Novels with compelling characters and plot-driven narratives

• Paranormal and Speculative Fiction: Shifters, vampires, weres, urban fantasy, and science fiction

• Erotica: Title offerings ranged from “sweet” to “naughty”

• Memoir and Nonfiction: Creative nonfiction and memoirs were considered on a case-by-case basis

Tease also ran seasonal themed calls for submissions, encouraging writers to submit novellas and stories tailored to biannual themes (e.g., “Love Bites” for Valentine’s Day, “Celtic Wonders” for St. Patrick’s Day, “Winter Wonderland” for year’s end).

The publisher’s “Dark Tarot” series for dark literature explored romance, horror, suspense, and alternative lifestyles—all linked to themes inspired by tarot cards. This ambitious, ongoing project was unique in blending the mystical elements of tarot with a broad canvas of dark fiction genres.

Print and Digital Publishing Model

Tease primarily released its titles via major digital outlets rather than direct sale from its website, citing profitability and technical constraints. E-books were available through distributors like All Romance E-Books, OmniLit, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Print distribution, managed through Ingram, was reserved for specific anthologies or titles that met sales and marketing benchmarks.

Print policies were author-friendly, often allowing writers to manage their own print distribution for titles where Tease only held digital rights. The press assisted with formatting and cover design for those authors electing to independently print their books.

Community, Author Experience, and Testimonials

A distinctive hallmark of Tease Publishing was its emphasis on creating a “family” atmosphere. Authors felt valued as partners rather than mere contributors. Testimonials routinely mentioned the accessibility of staff, lively editorial collaboration, and the absence of the impersonal distance typical of larger houses.

Authors like Yvette Hines and Laura Kitchell praised the company for its open communication, availability, and flexibility. Staff editors enjoyed the ability to telecommute, work flexible hours, and provide input to editorial processes that matched their strengths.

The publisher encouraged involvement and feedback from its authors in marketing and sponsorship decisions. Any sponsorship, product mention, or advertising had to be acceptable to both the author and publisher; most, however, was minimal and relevant to the author’s work.

Audience and Popularity

Tease targeted adult readers (age 18+) of women’s fiction and romance, with an inclusive focus toward multi-cultural, LGBTQIA, and genre-bending narratives. Its client base was entirely within the U.S. due to tax and business structure constraints. The press directed marketing efforts toward online romance communities, conventions, festivals, and direct relationships with booksellers, as well as maintaining a visible presence at genre events.

The publisher’s books routinely gained traction on e-book distributor charts, especially within niche romance and erotic fiction markets.

Notable Authors and Top Sellers

Tease Publishing nurtured a strong group of successful romance and genre fiction writers. The company’s best-selling print and e-book authors included:

Print Books

• Linda Alexander: Known for her boundary-breaking books spanning diverse topics such as Messianic Judaism, adult entertainment, and explorations of morality.

• Cara North: Blending intellectual and sensual themes in her romance novels.

• Tilly Greene: Recognized for her erotic romances featuring strong, successful heroines and their passionate journeys.

E-Books

• Cara North

• Yvette Hines: Renowned for her stories and strong presence within the publisher’s family.

• Diane Merlin: Acclaimed for her action, adventure, and speculative romance work, often featuring mythical or futuristic settings.

Awards and Recognition

While Tease Publishing did not claim national publishing awards during its operation, it stood out in the small press sector by offering a high level of editorial polish and author satisfaction. Its authors, such as Linda Alexander and Yvette Hines, brought their own accolades and fan bases to the press, contributing to its overall visibility and reputation.

Menus, Seasonal Calls, and Thematic Projects

Tease’s editorial calendar featured rotating calls for submissions on seasonal and culturally significant themes. Examples included:

• Love Bites: Reluctant romances themed around Valentine’s Day, open to shifters, vampires, and other paranormal beings.

• Celtic Wonders: Irish-inspired stories, honoring St. Patrick’s Day.

• Summer Solstice: Stories about new beginnings and summer adventures.

• When Worlds Collide: Exploring love across class boundaries.

• Behind Locker Room Doors: Sports romance.

• A Masculine Scent: Stories focused on M/M pairings.

• Magical Beings: Fantasy romance featuring creatures like elves, fairies, nymphs, and dragons.

• Winter Wonderland: Cold-hearted characters finding unexpected passion.

• Kiss Me Deadly: Romance blended with murder, mystery, and suspense.

• Heart of a Warrior: Stories centered around soldiers and love before, during, or after war.

Press and Media Coverage

During its lifespan, Tease’s authors and editorial staff featured in various writer-focused media pieces and online interviews and maintained a prominent presence in digital romance and small press communities. Authors like Linda Alexander appeared on major talk shows and genre conventions, furthering the reach of the publisher’s brand.

Cultural and Social Significance

Tease Publishing’s cultural significance lies in its championing of author diversity and genre inclusivity. The press welcomed stories from and about marginalized identities, leading the way especially for multicultural, LGBTQIA, and “niche within a niche” romance. It contributed to the romantic fiction genre’s growth by inviting new voices and themes, supporting authors following abrupt industry changes, and helping to innovate the digital-first release model in its segment.

Tease also fostered community connections between writers and readers, highlighted by a blend of in-person event participation, online marketing, and seasonal themed calls inviting fresh creative contributions.