Friday, May 18, 2018

Things Are Looking Up! by Jannine Gallant

As you read this, I'll be hip-deep in workshops and book signings at the 2018 RT Booklovers Convention. My very first convention ever! I promise a full report on what I learned for my June 2nd post. In the meantime, this one will be a mishmash of recent book-related news and possibly a photo from the convention if I can find time to download one.

Me right before the Kensington party ready to sign.

So, we've discussed in the past the importance of reviews and the magic BookBub has on sales if only we could get accepted by them! I've been busting my butt to get more reviews on WILDE ONE, the first book in my BORN TO BE WILDE series, but I've stalled at 19. Despite the high average rating, BookBub rejected my publisher's request, and I was seriously bummed. I've also been nagging everyone I know to review BURIED TRUTH, the first book in my SIREN COVE series. That one has 26 reviews, but after being hit by NetGalley trolls, my average is below 4, so not a contender until it gets a little higher. Thinking all had failed, I was amazed and delighted when the editorial assistant at Kensington emailed to tell me I got a BookBub deal for EVERY MOVE SHE MAKES! That book released three years ago and had two BookBub deals way back then. As a result, it has lots of reviews and a high average. Hey, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm simply going to cheer! I know from past experience that ALL my suspense books will see sales from one ad! I pretty much happy danced around my house. Anyway, the ad will come out on June 26th, release day for LOST INNOCENCE. How fortuitous! I'm hoping for a big boost in release sales!



AND, as if that wasn't enough good news, my buddy James the editorial assistant just sent me the marketing plan for LOST INNOCENCE. What do you know, it's been reviewed by both Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly--a first for me! More happy dancing, this time around the boat ramp booth. Check out my WEBSITE for the quotes!



The moral of this story is to keep at it and don't give up. Good things will happen! Now we'll wait for the end of June to see if those good things result in actual sales. Happy reading everyone, and if you're at RT, please say hello to me. I'd love to meet both authors and readers!

11 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Hope your first day was truly wonderful and that you got to meet lots and lots of readers! (You look fantastic, by the way.) And congratulations on the Book Bub news! Can't wait to read more about your adventures at RT! Most of all, have fun. :-)

Diane Burton said...

I hope you're enjoying RT convention. Also hope you'll share with us the news about RT closing. It's shaking up authors and, I'm sure, publishers alike. Good luck with Book Bub.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Great news, Jannine...you do look happy in your picture! Enjoy RT to the max...you will find it chaotic but energizing with a steep learning curve. In the melee, focus on three or four 'things to do' when you get home. Kirkus and Publishers Weekly...golden!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thank you ladies!

I've been enjoying RT. Some interesting workshops. Trying not to get lost in the rabbit warren of hallways from one event to the other... The signing yesterday was CRAZY! I went through all 96 books my publisher brought, and my hand was completely cramped up! I'm pretty sure I won't have cramping issues at the Giant Book Fair when people have to actually pay for the books! LOL

Word is Romantic Times is closing down, but the person who has been organizing the convention will continue it in a more reader oriented format under Booklovers Convention without the RT. Although I'm not sure if that name is completely set in stone yet. It'll be in New Orleans next year. I know my pub is bummed that the past reviews will all disappear from the web after one year. Maybe there's still time for that to change. Who knows.

Brenda Whiteside said...

So glad you're having fun. And what a lot of good news from your publisher. I wondered how RT closing down would affect you. I got the news via email while I was on vacation. Keep having fun!

Alison Henderson said...

So much good news--I'm thrilled for you! You've worked so hard, producing one quality book after another. I'm so glad it's paying off!

Vonnie Davis said...

Oh, I am happy dancing with you! Look the other way, it's not a pretty sight. I'm so pleased for you. Things like this really do help, as you know. So, yay you!!!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Add me to the happy dance chorus line. (Isn't that a scary word picture!) Much congratulations. I don't think I know anyone who has worked as hard as you have. And here you are, living proof hard work pays off. Continue to have a great time at RT, my friend. Though by now you're probably on your way home. In that case, get back to work! LOL Cute picture BTW. Put it on your website.

Jannine Gallant said...

Thank you all! I’m on a break before the last workshop. This is a less hectic day. Some people hear work really hard at the marketing. I’m wondering when they find time to write!

remullins said...

Best of luck at RT

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Robin. It was fun.