Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

I love this month’s theme of abundance—there’s so much that can apply to this post for me, particularly on a professional level. Many of you have probably noticed I’ve been sporadic in my comments as of late, and I have an ABUNDANCE of new authors to thank for that :-) After the RWA National conference this past July, I really noticed how many authors we actually have signed to our romance line! There was this great moment during our spotlight when Deb asked all of our signed authors to stand up, and we took up at least a few rows. It was a great site to see from on stage, and one that really put how far we’ve grown over the last 3 years into perspective. However, new authors means MORE authors, and MORE authors means MORE of everything: more planning, more review copies, more new contacts, more blog tours, more specific requests, more more more. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining (exactly), but it seems like with more authors, I have less time to do the little fun things, li...

by Danielle Jackson For those of you who were at the RWA national conference this year, you might have noticed that I, your little publicist, have a tattoo going across my ankle that reads “ Nosce te Ipsum ,” which is Latin for “Know Thyself,” and has been attributed to may notable scholars, including Socrates… I got it when I was 22, and it was around that time when I really felt like I was getting a grasp on the adult I’m still growing up to be, so I decided to give myself a permanent reminder! Anyway, I thought about this the other day when I was trying to think about what to write for this blog. It’s incredibly important, even if you change genres, or your books aren’t in a series, to know who you are as a writer—and this might be something that takes some time to figure out. Nonetheless, one thing should remain consistent as you create your brand: you! I know it sounds all funny and existential and thought provoking, but I think if you are comfortable with who you are as a writer,...

Now it is my turn to celebrate with my Casablanca sisters and our faithful visitors. It is fabulous to be able to share this experience with these wonderful authors. Plus, since they have been through it before, I can watch and learn! I have some thoughts to share and then I want to hear from you. I will be giving away a signed copy , so read on and be sure to comment! Loving Them Sagas! I think I was eight when my mom bought me the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was captivated. Over and over I read those books, always wishing for more. I cried along with Laura when Jack the dog was lost in the rushing river, and cried again when he returned. I held my breath all during the Indian visitations. But I remember being equally enthralled learning how they made maple syrup and butchered the hog and harvested the wheat. Then there was “Little Women” and every other Louisa May Alcott novel. Growing up with the March girls was a pleasurable experience whether it was when Amy d...

Believe it or not, sometimes people do not believe I do what I do for a living. This is a subject I know I’ve brought up before with similar convo outlines: So what do you do? I’m a publicist for an independent book publisher… Actually I focus on romance novels. Like the ones at the grocery store? Or Borders and Barnes & Noble. Really? But what do you actually do? It’s always sort of a struggle when I get to this point in the conversation because it sounds kind of weird to say “I email people all day seeing if they want to review a book I’m the lead publicist for. And I also spend a good portion of my day researching new websites, new pitching ideas. Oh and I also schedule some interviews. And I also email back and forth with many of the authors all day—usually it has nothing to do with their books. Oh, and sometimes, I blog.” I could go on about all the things I do. Don’t even get me started about when people ask about the types of books I publicize. Take a recent convo I had wi...

by Danielle Jackson When you lovely ladies are reading this, I will more than likely be sitting outside in the freezing Philadelphia winter, watching Navy take down Army in their college football game! Most of you know my little brother (who is quite tall and can lift me over his head) attends the Naval Academy, and I am beyond proud of him ! So, I won’t be commenting back to you all today, but while I’m sitting in the cold, surrounded by sailors, I’ll be thinking of you—who knows, my little scenario might even inspire a scene in one of your books, haha! I thought this particular blog would be appropriate an appropriate time to discuss what you should do in the "off season" because the entire Casablanca fiction line finds itself in a bit of a lull—no new books in stores in December and January? What should you be doing? What can we do to continue the buzz? Is it too early to start talking about the next books? And what about our fresh newbies chomping at the bit—what should ...

by Danielle The internet is a big place—it’s literally endless. There are countless blogs, websites, webzines, etc. that are easily accessible. Book reviews are quickly making more and more headway on the internet for a variety of reasons, but mainly because it is cheap PR (often FREE) and it’s an easy way to reach a lot of people . So it makes sense that as a publicist I would do whatever I can to get the word out about many of your books on the web—quickly and furiously during the first part of your promotional periods, right? You’ve all heard my spiels about blog tours and q&a’s and personal blogs and group blogs and reviews, and I’m sure some of you find it a little annoying that the focus is on web and not in a newspaper or a magazine. But I truly believe that this is the future of book reviews. With so many newspapers shutting down their book sections and off the page book reviewers few and far between, this is an awesome way to market your book directly to ...

by Danielle Jackson Ok, ok, worst blog title EVER, but I wanted to let everyone know about a fun new contest Dominique, Linda and I came up with after a discussion at RWA. Some might think we’re crazy for voluntarily offering up characters to a fan fiction contest , but fan fiction is quickly becoming a growing “industry” of its own in publishing. I think the best example we have of it happens to be one of Sourcebooks claim to fame—Jane Austen Sequels. As the #1 Austen Sequel Publisher in the country, fan fiction, in almost every form, has become a great new genre that Sourcebooks is proud to excel in! Below you’ll find the guidelines and contest information—tell all your friends! Even if they don’t submit, I think this is a very commendable new way to promote a book (just LOOK at what the grand prize winner gets!), and you know I’ll let you all know how it goes! Until Next Time, Danielle Give us your best HEX ! A Fan Fiction Contest with Linda ...

by Danielle Jackson At RWA National, in between wining and dining with you lovely ladies, I actually went to a few workshops--many of which were publicity, promotion and marketing focused. There was one constant idea that came up: your BRAND. Now I'm not talking Cover Girl or Target or even Sourcebooks, Inc. YOU are your BRAND. Think about it this way--what's the one thing that stays the same in your books--even if you write a series? YOUR NAME. This is going to sound funny, but you are selling yourself along with these books. Readers like to know who's writing those books with shiny half naked men on the covers… You should always think about how to market your brand—YOU! How do you want to represent yourself when your book is being promoted? There are a few things to keep in mind: 1) Brand Development and Placement o Put your Name in front of the targeted audience - Whether you write contemporary, paranormal or historical, there’s an audience somewhere that ...