What’s Important to the Reader?
Debut historical romance author Stefanie Sloane
As I write this, I’m busily continuing to plan and execute my writerly debut. Don’t get me wrong: it’s an amazing experience. But throughout the process I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed by the options and details, the opportunities and must-haves. As I sat at my desk the other day, pouring over my calendar and list of things to do, it occurred to me that I may have failed to look at things from a reader’s perspective. Sure, having been a bookseller and editor in the past, I know a lot about the business. But when it comes to launching my career, it really needs to be all about the reader. So I’m here to ask you, dear readers, what it is you want from a writer. Fabulous books? That much I know. But beyond that, where would you like to see your favorite writers focus their energy? Appearances? Blog tours? Personal blogs? Newsletters? There is only so much time in the day, which means an author simply cannot do everything. But if you had your say, what would we be doing to connect with you?
While you think about it, enjoy a description of my debut book, The Devil in Disguise, which will be available at bookstores on May 24, 2011.
“Smart, sensuous, and sparkling with wit . . . spectacular.”—Julia Quinn
“Captivating . . . With her fresh, original voice, Stefanie Sloane will charm her way into readers’ hearts.”—Susan Wiggs
Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for Lady Lucinda Grey. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot. To do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must use his devilish charm to seduce Lucinda and convince her he’s worthy of her attention. William never planned to become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or to lose his own heart in the bargain. Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. She’s tempted by his sinfully sensuous mouth and piercing eyes, and finds it hard to resist the champion thoroughbred he offers her in exchange for the honor of courting her. Can she keep him at arm’s length when his touch begs her to let him so much closer?
Now, write in and tell me about what you’d like to see your favorite authors doing and you’ll be automatically entered to win a signed copy of The Devil in Disguise.
About Stefanie Sloane:A native Northwesterner with the pale skin to prove it, Stefanie Sloane credits her parents’ eclectic reading habits—not to mention their decision to live in the middle of nowhere—for her love of books. A childhood spent lost in the pages of countless novels led Stefanie to college, where she majored in English. No one was more surprised than Stefanie when she actually put her degree to use and landed a job in Amazon.com’s editorial department. She spent more than five years reading for a living before retiring to concentrate on her own stories. Stefanie Sloane lives with her family in Seattle.
Order the books online:
http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Disguise-Regency-Rogues-Novel/dp/0345517393/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298956545&sr=8-1http://www.amazon.com/Angel-My-Arms-Regency-Rogues/dp/0345517407/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_bhttp://www.amazon.com/Sinner-Who-Seduced-Me-Regency/dp/0345517415/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c
Visit Stefanie online:
http://www.twitter.com/stefaniesloane
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stefanie-Sloane-Historical-Romance-Author/191673530858361Pre-Order the Books Now!
May 9th, 2011 at 10:23 am
I love to read anything and everything I can get my hands on. And, I really enjoy getting to know my favorite authors. Understanding that you ladies have so much to do, I’d rather have you focus on writing spectacular books than making 10 million appearances. I enjoy reading newsletters and blogs. But, what I enjoy most is daily snippets from my favorite authors on social sites such as facebook and twitter. Those are indeed highly enjoyable!
May 9th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Hey Stefanie!
Great question. It took me about a second to think about it, and my answer is this:
1) website/blog. I love roaming around the authors’ websites/blogs. If they’re maintained on a regular basis, it is a treasure trove of information from their upcoming live/blog tours, to ‘behind the book’ look.
2) Authors Notes. I must say that I take pleasure in reading those at the end of any book that includes them. They make me feel that the author cares for what I just read. It’s like a personal hug, saying “bye ’till next time”.
The reason behind my thinking is that I do want you to write the best book ever and I know that you’re only human, you have a life, and there’s only so much you can do to satisfy all of us.
That said you’re welcome on my blog ANYTIME! Name the day, month or a year for that matter! LOL!
Mel
BTW: I’ve read two of your books and I’m expecting the third one in the mail shortly. My reviews will be done for Romance Reader At Heart website, but I have a glimpse of those on my blog at:
https://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/debut-author-stefanie-sloane/
May 9th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Abigail and Melanie, I love that you understand all of the challenges authors face when it comes to writing the book and promoting is. Personally, I find Facebook and Twitter to be a great way to stay in touch. I don’t blog, so being able to quickly check in with readers is awesome!
May 9th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Congrats on your debut release, Stefanie. I like knowing what the author is currently working on and what authors they like and what books they’re reading.
May 9th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Thought about this awhile. Love to see Facebook comments. And live chats every now and then are good. Also enjoy the newsletters, so easy to keep up that way. Also, having a website that is updated frequently, so the information on it is up to date. Book tours don’t thrill me, because it seems only the coasts are ever targeted. It feels like you guys don’t realize some of your most loyal fans are from the mid-section of the country, the farm belt, the Midwest or whatever you want to call us. Hope this helps. Can’t wait to read your book!
May 9th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I enjoy seeing my favorite authors give interviews and guest posts on the blogs I like. I like authors that take part with a group of authors who take turns posting on a blog, such as the League of Reluctant Adults and Supernatural Underground. I also enjoy seeing my favorite authors posting on Twitter and Facebook, especially little details of what they’re working on, or little details of their lives. One example is Eloisa James, I love her posts. All of that helps make me aware of what new work the author has coming out and makes me want to read their books.
May 9th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
I love reading interviews at different review sites. But I have to say, these days, my most consistent and enjoyable place and way to catch up with my favorite authors is facebook. I think it is probably a relatively safe way to communicate with strangers. I enjoy it. I should add, my ”must ” read authors list has bloated because of facebook! Also, I love the book giveaways that are abundant there. One way to get me to try a new author or brave a new series, have a giveaway!! Books are so expensive these days!! So I am very particular!
May 9th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Jane, you like to know what all of us like to know about our favorite actors, musicians, etc–the interesting stuff that makes them tick. Makes perfect sense!
Sue, so interesting to hear you say that you like live chats. I’ll have to look into this. And I love newsletters too, but you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get people to sign up for one! And your “coast only” point is really interesting. Publishers and authors do know what voracious readers the middle section of the country is, so I’m not sure why you don’t have more authors coming through your town–though, I know very little about this at this point in my career because I’m such a newbie.:)
Barbara, I LOVE Eloisa’s posts too. Her latest are all about Paris and I swear, I feel like I’m right there with her.
Lisa, I completely agree with you re: Facebook. Such a fun, immediate, and safe way to interact with people!
May 9th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Stefanie, book sounds good and I’m always looking for new authors. It is hard to be everywhere, even worse for readers, trying to keep up with so many authors we like to read. I think a newsletter to keep up with new and upcoming releases is good, a reminder to readers too when it comes in the inbox. Blog tours are good, I find out about a lot of new authors that way, and less time for you vs, doing your own blog. Facebook I find some too, skim thru there when I have time.
May 9th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Pam, there are so many wonderful ways to keep readers informed online. I think the tricky part is to make the interactions friendly and fun–rather than cold and computer-like, you know? Thanks so much for responding!
May 10th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
I like the good old fashioned book signing, but now it is very pleasing to be able to connect with my favs on Facebook, Twitter, their blogs. What are you planning to do to promte? The book sounds fabulous.
May 12th, 2011 at 7:12 am
nice well deatiled blog..im really touched by your works ..please can i always get an update on my gmail.