The Soapbox- Think Before You Speak

Before I get the official Soapbox started and rolling, let me point out the disclaimer at the bottom of this blog.
<<thank you for reading and understanding>>

Lately I have seen a tremendous amount of, how shall I say it, authors putting out their works and promoting it as 'smut' (which as a published erotic romance author, I consider degrading and a jab at my writing). Now, let me first start by saying, I am all for promoting and finding new fans and readers... but what I have witnessed is outright demeaning to some authors' talents, credibility and reputation.

Over the last few weeks I have seen advertisements (paid for by the author) to promote his or herself as a "writer of smut". Now that may be fine and good for him or her, but now you have categorized me and other romance (whether sweet, sensual or erotic) with you as 'smut writers'.

My prolific writing style has allowed me to be a published author in many sub-genres of romance from sweeter than sweet to four flame erotic. So my sweetest romance, without a single kiss until the final page of the 37k book, may be looked upon as 'smut'. Association as an erotic romance author with so-called 'smut writers' advertising their talents in this fashion is disrepectful in my mind.

"I have had the same reaction. Really? You call your work smut? Not mine. I work hard plotting, writing, rewriting and I'll be DAMNED if I'm going to have my work called smut," adds romance author Jean Joachim. "People who don't respect themselves, don't deserve respect from others. And then they complain other people call their work porn or treat them badly."

If you put yourself, your career, your writing and namesake out there as a 'smut writer' and turn around when someone else says the title in a distasteful way, you get up on your soapbox ranting and raving, adding fuel to the ever popular erotic romance novels' fight for reverence and value among the romance industry. So, which is it? Author? Or smut writer?

Is that what his or her business card states? Jane Doe, Smut Writer and Author? Or does it state Jane Doe, Erotic Romance Author? People need to remember that their name is their business. Just like Mrs. Fields' Cookies... or the Ford Motor Company. You are selling not only your talent but your namesake. So, please tread carefully with titles and think of others in the same business.

It doesn't matter to me what sub-genre you write in, whether GLBT, hard-core BDSM or three to five flame erotic, I enjoy reading and reviewing all those genres but I get a tad bit disheartened and foremost offended by having the word 'smut' attached to my name and career.

When people ask me what I write, I respond with "romance of many genres. I have a book for every taste." Let the readers decide the category and level of romance in my books. If they choose to call it smut, than that is their view and opinion, just as this blog post is mine.

Care to share your feeling and thoughts?


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Debut- The Romance Marketplace Soapbox

I have decided to start a weekly blog (up on a soapbox) about certain little personal irritations I see within the publishing industry. Each week a new 'pet peeve' of mine or an incident that raises temperaments will be posted. Keep in mind some of the posts may offend authors and readers, but these are little moments that will affect all of you some time in the future, if not already in the past. This will be a sounding board for all to either agree, voice his or her personal opinions or just read and soak up the information.

No names will ever be given.
No 'finger-pointing'.
No spamming allowed.
No flaming.
Nothing but my personal opinion (please keep this in mind).



Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other publishing person(s).

Promo Monday- Errors made in blurbs

Recently I have come across blurbs on websites, authors posting on social networks and on amazon that have left me scratching my head and asking "who would possibly buy this book? I don't understand it and I refuse to pay my hard-earned money for it." The blurbs tell part of the story premise and touch on the conflict or important twists necessary to sell the book.

Remember, the blurb is a main selling point of every novel. Order of sequence generally is-
Cover
Author name/reputation
Blurb
First few pages

I have seen authors omit and/or add wording to a blurb that is not a good selling point, just as I have seen authors create a 1,000 word blurb naming every secondary character as well as the main H/H and every event in the book. *cringe* I just recently saw a blurb that had dialogue in it. Now, this is not taboo by any means, but dialogue has a place in a blurb but the way this author set it up, it confused me. The section of spoken words had nothing to do with the premise of the book. Almost like a filler- which I refer to as when you're filling empty space and prolonging the book. 

So, my questions today are... how much is too much and where do you draw the line when writing blurbs?

Key points- 

• Do NOT paraphrase every moment-

By this, I mean, please do not just copy and paste sections of the book or a particular scene in the book just because you, the author, feel it was well written. Take the entire novel and simplify it. Break it down, hit the key events and points that are relevant to the premise and show what is inside the book. 

• Use of dialogue-

Dialogue has a place in a blurb, when used in the correct way. But please make sure it is pertinent to what you are trying to show, say and sell. If the novel is about a love affair gone bad and a crumbling marriage, is it appropriate for the characters to say loving whispers to each other or carry on in a love scene? Maybe use dialogue showing a fight moment. Perhaps dialogue with one partner questioning the others motives. Keep the dialogue applicable to the blurb. 

• Always add the conflict-

This is crucial in a blurb. Readers and potential buyers need to know the H/H may experience some difficulties in their relationship and on the way to a HEA ending. no romance, fiction or real life, is without issues, roadblocks and contradiction from an outside source- so show it in the blurb. 

When reading a book flap or blurb on amazon/publisher's website, I look for the twist that may keep the H./H apart, even if only for a few chapters. This adds to the readers' fantasy, delight and chance to root for the H/H's reunion. Add this to the blurb to show the reader that the book has it. 

Introduction to Marketing and Promoting Yourself... And Your Books

I have had my series on Promo Monday and have decided to emphasize and expand on this venture. The demand from authors is great about where to find readers and a new fan base. The success of this little endeavor has made me realize the market romance authors are seeking out. The influx of romance, of every sub-genre, has exploded over the last three years and finding readers is becoming difficult- this was the premise of starting Promo Mondays- and from there the idea expanded to other promotional and marketing techniques many authors, new or veteran, are seeking or have forgotten.


How will I open this project? 


By offering reasonably priced online workshops for marketing, promoting and answering the most sought out questions authors and writers have in the industry.


After in-depth conversations with a few mentors in the industry and brainstorming for the last week, the idea came into focus.


From learning where to find the readers to a step-by-step checklist of how to market your newest release to finding a reader fan base and building off of it. Participants can ask questions throughout the classes and there will be a Q&A within ten minutes of the class ending. 


FAQs


Each course/workshop will be conducted on skype as a group conference call. Participants will be added by instructor/moderator only. Classes/workshops will be approximately one hour in length. Night (EST) and weekends will be scheduled for classes with the potential for PDF summaries being offered to those who cannot attend or participate.


Cost: $10 USD paid via paypal account. Payment must clear 48 hours prior to start of class. NO refunds given.


Six classes/workshops will be conducted. Topics will be announced soon.


Participants can pick one or all classes/workshops. $10 each / $25 for any three / $50 for all six. PDF versions are free to attendees and can be purchased by authors who cannot participate at the cost of $7 per class. NO reduced cost per class PDF copy if purchasing all six classes.


All genres of the industry are welcome, as this information can be used.


For more information, please contact me at dawne dot prochilo at yahoo.com