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My Call to Romance + Giveaway

By: Danielle Jackson

My Call is a little different that all of yours. It wasn’t even a call really, but a face to face meeting—I was called into Dominique Raccah’s office (the CEO and publisher of Sourcebooks), and she told me I was going to be working on our Sourcebooks Casablanca Fiction imprint.

What?! At that point, being called into Dom’s office was a rare occurrence, and I didn’t know her that well and I was very green to Sourcebooks and quite nervous.

You see, when I was hired, I didn’t work on fiction—our department was set up a little differently back then, and I worked on securing radio and internet hits for a variety of books and authors. Sourcebooks Casablanca had only been around for one season as that point—where we had 3 books: Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake by Laurie Brown, No Regrets by Michele Ann Young and Cotillion, a Georgette Heyer reissue. I knew we were gearing up for the next season’s books, but I had no idea what exactly that would mean… but I think I do now!

First of all—it means that every day I get to work on books that are sexy (and not just in the passionate sense), well-written and highly readable! I get so excited when I have a few minutes to read for my job!

I’ve met some fabulous women who take their writing so seriously, and yet have so much fun creating stories they want to share with readers everywhere.

I learn something new every day—whether it’s through market research, reading industry articles or a little fact from all of that research you guys do.

I work with an incredibly diverse and proactive team—the Sourcebooks publicity department is relentless in working on the best plans for all of our books across the board. And 2011 has been a particularly awesome year (so far)!

I’ve learned to adapt—between planning for conferences, working on blogger contests, speaking on panels and manning a Twitter handle, flexibility is key in this job—particularly with 30+ authors to work with over the course of the year.

3 and a half years later, I’m now the lead publicist for Sourcebooks Casablanca—my main focus is completely on romance novels and authors and how to continue to move our books forward. We’ve gone from 3 books a season to 5-8 titles a month of quality romance fiction that appeals to so many different readers.

Are there more changes afoot? Of Course! Will I be there for them? You Bet.

We’ve been hearing about authors getting “the call” that signified an important change in their lives… what are some other calls you’ve received that you’ll never forget? I’ll giveaway two sets of those first Sourcebooks Casablanca Fiction titles: Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake by Laurie Brown, No Regrets by Michele Ann Young and Cotillion by Georgette Heyer to two lucky commenters! (Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you’re chosen. US and Canadian addresses only)

Check out this week’s fabulous eBook deals—including a great Men in Kilts themed discount: http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.htm. Enjoy!

Comments

  1. I'm not a writer so I've never received "that call" but one cal I received that gave me more happiness and relief then any other was when I received the call that my 8 year old daughter's Cancer was in remission after spending 11 month as an inpatient. No call has ever come close to such joy. :) That was 13 years ago and she's a beautiful healthy young woman.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  2. I've been laid off a time or two. The last time I was a new single mom with a new mortgage, and a law degree so new the student loan payments were just starting to come due. The call that resulted in re-employment was life changing indeed!

    And while we have your attention, Danielle, an enormous thank you to you for accepting the big challenge Dominique entrusted you with several years ago. We owe you more than chocolate can say.

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  3. Wow, Carol, what a blessing, and nothing could compare to that. Congratulations to your daughter and you and your family.

    Danielle, you are the best! Dominique found a gem in you!! Keep up the great work! I so appreciate all you do for us!!

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  4. What a great call story! And readers have been reaping the benefits ever since - I love Sourcebooks!

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

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  5. What a great post! I loved reading about your call, Danielle and am so grateful that you are working with us!

    With your guidance, I was able to navigate my first virtual tour, and for that I'm forever grateful.

    A huge thank you, Danielle, for all you do for your Sourcebooks authors!

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  6. I'm so glad that you not only took the call but embraced the new job with gusto. I'm in awe of all you keep organized for me alone, now multiply that by dozens and WOW!!
    There have been several life changing calls along my journey of life but the few heart changing calls are the ones that stand out.

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  7. I'm not a writer so like Carol my calls are all of a personal family nature - like when my nieces and nephews have been born to let me know that my siters are fine and that they've had the baby. I've also gotten a call with a new job offer after having been laid off for about 6 months that was of course fantastic news...that's pretty much the highlight of the good calls...lol

    junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Danielle, I'm so glad you took that "call!" I don't know what we'd do without your knowledge and organizational talent.
    Two calls stand out for me, one personal and one professional. The professional one was the day I found out I was being "given" the Cheyenne Barnes & Noble (being promoted to store manager). The other was a call from my now-husband that told me we were becoming much more than friends. That was a call I'll always remember:)

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  9. I must be a half full glass type of personality because I can only remember the scary phone calls - accidents or a death. I'm thinking good news has always come in person while the bad was always a phone call - is that weird?

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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  10. Great post Danielle. I'm so glad you got your Call to Dominique's office. I don't know what I'd do without you!

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  11. Thanks, Danielle! Love this behind-the-scenes glimpse!

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  12. Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. It's been interesting reading the different types of calls that have been life changing!

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  13. Hmm, Danielle, I don't there is a call that is better than hearing an editor wants to buy your book. And you have done an outstanding job for all of us. You make us look good! And we thank you.
    Amelia

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  14. What a great blog, Danielle! So, so happy to be working with you on promoting my books. :)

    As for a call I'll never forget.... my husband calling me from his military airplane to tell me he was on his way home from the Gulf War. I told him I would be waiting for him with new lingerie.... th line got really ilent for a second.... and then I learned that the call was on an open frequency to every military plane in the Atlantic. My husband got ribbed all the way home with other aviators asking for our address.

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  15. I like your "call" story. I am not a writer but I do have a recent call story. It was from my friend so I didn't expect any surprises just a nice conversation. (It wasn't my birthday or any other special event). She asked me if I was busy the next day and I told her I wasn't. She ten told me she got tickets to a sold out even that I was looking forward to. Woot! A very plesant surprise. It's not job related but Iconsider it a random act of kindness that really touched me.

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  16. I like your "call" story. I am not a writer but I do have a recent call story. It was from my friend so I didn't expect any surprises just a nice conversation. (It wasn't my birthday or any other special event). She asked me if I was busy the next day and I told her I wasn't. She ten told me she got tickets to a sold out even that I was looking forward to. Woot! A very plesant surprise. It's not job related but Iconsider it a random act of kindness that really touched me.
    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. Well I have been laid off from several jobs so anytime you get called to a new job is always fabulous. Right now there doesn't seem to be jobs around here so when you loose your job your about out of luck.

    lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

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  18. My son just got back home from a two-week hike in New Mexico at the Philmont Scout Ranch. It's the longest he'd been out-of-touch in his life. He called home to ask how much money he had on his debit card. After two weeks hiking and eating freeze-dried food, they were having dinner at a restaurant and he wanted to eat--a lot. It was such a relief to hear his voice, even if it was only to beg for more money. He got home at weird o'clock in the morning today and had a fabulous time. He told stories of being stalked by a mountain lion--I'm just glad he didn't mention that little factoid until he got home.

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  19. Good Morning! Congrats to Carol L. and Na on winning the prize pack of early Casablanca releases. I'll email you this morning with more info!

    Thanks to everyone who commented--I enjoyed all of your life-changing call stories.

    Danielle

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