Hi there, Meredith. To write romance, you have to have hotness. Ah, yes, this is the question: how to get our books to readers when thousands of books are being dropped every day. I wish I had all the answers for you, but alas, I do not. I do believe writing consistently relatable novels, offering multiple places to purchase them, having your own newsletter, and building your readership is a solid foundation for any author. All of this does take time, unfortunately. Thank you for commenting!
There are readers for every type of romance, but finding these readers is difficult, no doubt about that. Finding your people takes time and can even earn you some negative reviews, but sometimes those negative reviews help you get book sales and new readers. Especially when it comes to darker romance. For every person who gives you a one or two-star review, because the hero did this and the heroine did that, it might be someone else's cup of tea.
Alas, my series (a) is multi-sub-genre; (b) includes a loving, consensual sadomasochistic relationship; (c) involves an esoteric notion of reincarnation ("soul fractions") along with a fair chunk of ancient (Roman) history; (d) revolves around classical music; (e) includes the Mafia (actually the Neapolitan version, the Camorra). Bottom line: too much for an unheralded, unknown author. I won't make that mistake again!
Many chuckles from the above, Kay! Certainly the many lavish launch parties and the expenditures for more than we earn!
Are you still traveling? Feeling well? - feel free to write to me privately!
PS I'm finally finished with the manuscript The Greatest Thing, which has consumed both last and this year - it's like a double book all in one. So relieved! Now I can get the publish things ready and launch next month.
Hi there, Meredith. To write romance, you have to have hotness. Ah, yes, this is the question: how to get our books to readers when thousands of books are being dropped every day. I wish I had all the answers for you, but alas, I do not. I do believe writing consistently relatable novels, offering multiple places to purchase them, having your own newsletter, and building your readership is a solid foundation for any author. All of this does take time, unfortunately. Thank you for commenting!
Well...at least for SOME types of romance. These, alas, are not the types about which I wrote.
There are readers for every type of romance, but finding these readers is difficult, no doubt about that. Finding your people takes time and can even earn you some negative reviews, but sometimes those negative reviews help you get book sales and new readers. Especially when it comes to darker romance. For every person who gives you a one or two-star review, because the hero did this and the heroine did that, it might be someone else's cup of tea.
Alas, my series (a) is multi-sub-genre; (b) includes a loving, consensual sadomasochistic relationship; (c) involves an esoteric notion of reincarnation ("soul fractions") along with a fair chunk of ancient (Roman) history; (d) revolves around classical music; (e) includes the Mafia (actually the Neapolitan version, the Camorra). Bottom line: too much for an unheralded, unknown author. I won't make that mistake again!
“Right on”, write on!
Thanks for the ego boost!
I always knew I was hot! Now, how to get my book to the readers who want it
Many chuckles from the above, Kay! Certainly the many lavish launch parties and the expenditures for more than we earn!
Are you still traveling? Feeling well? - feel free to write to me privately!
PS I'm finally finished with the manuscript The Greatest Thing, which has consumed both last and this year - it's like a double book all in one. So relieved! Now I can get the publish things ready and launch next month.
Attaching the cover reveal - https://shelleysommers.com/louisas-vineyard/the-greatest-thing/
Hugs,
Shelley Sommers
You explained it well!
Thank you for the message. I write romance novellas, and it's hard to compete since there are sooooo many romance authors. 💜