The Value Of A Free Book
I am now able to stay online for more than three seconds at a time - wahoo!!
While at the RWA Conference, I picked up several books. In fact, I have a few to giveaway here, but I need to finish up some immediate writing needs before I can get a list together. Stay tuned for the book giveaway. Anway…one of the books I grabbed (after waiting my turn in line) was LAST NIGHT AT THE HALFMOON by Kate Austin. It’s from the Harlequin Next imprint. What jumped out at me was the cover. It was kind of different. Totally jumped off the page for me. Here it is:
While looking through Austin’s book last night, I saw the page for the upcoming Next books (the June offerings). I read through the paragraph for one, then re-read, then went hunting on the internet for more info. The book is MADAM OF THE HOUSE by Donna Birdsell. Read the copy, keeping in mind this is a Harlequin Next book, and I think you’ll see why I did the doubletake:
It was a great idea—why not bring lonely hearts together and make money? Real estate agent Cecilia Katz’s brilliant brainstorm gave a whole new meaning to an open house. Especially with her hunky new assistant hiring the hot young studs to mingle with bored housewives. Who dreamed a game of Truth or Dare would lead to a flourishing business for the nearly broke single mother?
Until a stash of drugs is found and the cops start nosing around. Add in a lethally gorgeous real estate rival, and a risky business just got a whole lot riskier. But Cecilia’s up for the challenge. And with the help of Jake the babe-magnet, watch her transform a life that’s boring and sexless to one that’s hot and reckless!
I’m thinking the copy sounds a bit more provocative than the actual book is, but maybe not. Anyone read MADAM OF THE HOUSE? I am oddly intrigued.
I would also add that without the giveaway of free books, I probably would not have known about the books by Kate Austin and Donna Birdsell. Now I do. I’m checking them out. I’ve been to their websites. I’ve looked at their backlists. Seems to me it’s worth it to the publishers and authors to offer some books for free if it means readers will get hooked on authors or an imprint.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:58 am
One of the Harlequin editors was at the Long Island RWA Luncheon in June and spoke (at length) about Madam of the House and how excited they were about that particular book.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:05 am
I’m thinking Next is coming up with some rockin covers. Love those.
And damn. I didn’t get that book at RWA. Wish I had. Looks great.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:08 am
I remember standing next to someone at the publisher signing and discussing how attention grabbing the cover was and how unusual for a NEXT.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:17 am
Angela - do you remember what the editor was saying? I’m just trying to figure out if MADAM OF THE HOUSE is as cool and different as it sounds. And, yeah, I ordered it.
Like you, Jaci, the covers totally work for me. Thanks to Austin’s cover, I’ve been checking out the entire imprint. Up until now the Next books did not register with me at all. So, big cheers to the Harlequin Art Department, the editors and the authors who seem to pushing the boundaries and making the imprint more interesting and diverse.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:21 am
Um no. I don’t know how to say this, but she spoke too long about it (I think she spent 20 minutes speaking about two books and how excited they were about them). My attention wandered, lol. I only remember that she spoke of it at all, because it was out of the norm for the plot of a Next (I thought)
July 31st, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Wow–those are eyecatching, and that sounds like a bit of a new direction for Harlequin (although you’re probably right–it’s probably the hook, and the actual story less “out there”)
July 31st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
You should check out these urls to learn more about the NEXT imprint and to follow the authors:
http://home.comcast.net/~nextauthors/
http://www.nextauthors.blogspot.com/
July 31st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Free books (contests) have got me hooked on a lot of new authors. It’s the best way since you don’t have to chance investing in an author you don’t know if you’ll care for their work. Many times I am pleasantly surprised with a book that I probably never would have picked up on my own.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Love the covers. Very colorful - I like that. The Madam book sounds v.g.
August 1st, 2007 at 4:42 am
I have found a lot of new authors to read through book giveaways.
August 1st, 2007 at 5:31 am
I too have found authors I now read many of their books I may not have if it weren’t for the book giveaways & contest. When I come across their books in the stores now I notice them were before I didn’t because I didn’t know who they were. I am a lot more tempted now to buy their books were before I didn’t give them much notice. I always look for the authors I know first for books before I check out any of the other books that are in the shelves.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:03 am
Books sound good! Great covers!
August 1st, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Free books are a GREAT way to gain new readership! I’ve been an advance reader for Harper Collins several times, and I have often added the new authors to my “must buy” list!!
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 am
The covers are eye-catching and attractive. I love that new one by Kate Austin. Looks so interesting. A free book introduces me to a new author and then I am hooked.
August 2nd, 2007 at 10:47 am
Free Books! Oh I like that phrase as its a great way to find some one new to add to the keeper shelf
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:23 pm
The cover that you have shown is extremely appealing. I always look at covers as a way of enticing readers with their cover art.
August 5th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I love contests for free books, it encourages me to look for new authors to read.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I’ve found many new authors to read by entering contests for free books. It’s always very exciting to win a book, and I’m more likely to buy an author’s book if I’ve read one already.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:07 am
The covers are great especially when they match the writing of the book and it becomes one fantastic book as I find myself checking the cover as the descriptions of key players are revealed to see if it matches my imagination. I love it when it all comes together. In July I picked up 13 books at the RWA signing that I had waited on and it was worth the wait just to meet you guys even though I had to wait to read your books. Thanks for the great covers and the great books.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Hi
this is a book giveaway rite????
if it is thanx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i always enter book giveaways and always love the chance to enter one……………..by mail did u mean email b/c thats wat i rote… if i win pleez email me and i will give u miy address!
thanx
those books do seem good!
ya i am always entering and searching 4 book giveaways…i havent won yet but who knows? i mite soon! hope so
lol
]thanx
stephanie