I’m so pleased to have author Susan Connell on my blog today. Susan writes sexy and sophisticated romance, and she’s here to tell us about her adventures in publishing, including the re-release of her backlist, now available as digital books.
THE BACKLIST IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER
Thanks, Vanessa, for inviting me on your blog. I feel a little like Dorothy on her first time out of Kansas – things happen so quickly here in e-book land! Of course that’s what’s so wonderful about this new area of the book business. Back in the ‘90’s it could take up to two years, sometimes more, for a writer to get her book published and that was after it had been written, shopped around New York and finally accepted. If you were truly fortunate you worked with a talented editor; if not you were left with no alternative but to wonder what was happening to the people you’d created and the problems you’d given them to solve.
And those covers. Let’s face it, some romance covers were just awful. I’ll never forget the one for the paperback edition of TROUBLE IN PARADISE because, I swear, my heart dropped to the basement when I first saw it. How bad was it? It came with a note that the art department was “adjusting it” – two more tries and his head still didn’t fit his body. Forget about the loincloth, the monkey on his shoulder, and “Tarzan” himself sitting in a tree, all I saw was that little head. Mistakes like this don’t have to happen with e-books. Today, how a backlist is presented is up to the author.
When I realized I could present my backlist through e-books I couldn’t wait to begin. I found I missed my characters and the stories I had created for them. But this time around I was in charge of bringing them to the readers with plenty of TLC. A second chance at presenting these books, once I’d updated, re-edited and “re-covered” turned into nothing but fun. A classic love story never goes out of style, but freshening it up is always a good idea.
Here are the covers to the new and improved e-book versions for both TROUBLE IN PARADISE and, it’s stand-alone sequel, PAGAN’S PARADISE. They’re both available now – you can read about Reilly Anderson and then Jack Stratford on my website SUSANCONNELLBOOKS.COM Both Reilly and Jack are undercover agents working for an American pharmaceutical company in Central America. TROUBLE IN PARADISE takes place in the rain forest where Reilly must contend with a dangerous and greedy timber company threatening to end a worthwhile research project. PAGAN’S PARADISE takes place in the seaside capital where a coming revolution threatens to end Jack’s plan to keep a part of the rainforest preserved for research. As if there aren’t enough problems to contend with two bold and beautiful women bring Reilly and Jack some surprising challenges, at just the wrong time. Have fun but be careful. It’s a jungle out there!
By the way, I’m working on a new e-book and I promise it won’t take two years to make it available to you. SWIZZLE is a family-centric romantic comedy set in the Florida Keys. Bring suntan lotion; I’ll provide the banana daiquiris.
Vanessa, here. Man, those books sound like fun, don’t they? And Susan is donating a copy of Trouble In Paradise for one of my readers today. Now, take another look at the heroes on Susan’s covers. One is a bare-chested hunk and the other is a sophisticated James Bond type. Which one would you prefer on your arm? The more relaxed, casual guy, or the sophisticated man about town? One person who comments will win a copy of Trouble In Paradise.
Good Morning!!
I live in South Florida and everything here is pretty relaxed. Even when business attire for men in the NorthEast was a 3-piece suit…down here is was a shirt and TIE! Soooooo, I’m going to have to go with the bare chest! …informal all the way!
Susan Connell here – I live in South Florida, too, and I have to say I like them both – guess that’s why I write about both.
Hubby and I spend the winter in North Florida – I’m a big fan of that kind of casual living too!
i love james bond ^^.
relaxed and casual guys =D
Both kinds of guys are pretty great!
even though I love james bond…the guy from the cover of Trouble in Paradise looks a bit more relaxed and casual…which is SO my thing. James Bond is a hotty and is that type of guy that would have every thing planned. Spontaneous is way more sexy.
oops forgot to post my email…
tsimon7275@gmail.com
I always do that!!
Welcome Susan!!
Susan Connell – Hmmm. Sounds like you’re spontaneous, too. ;.)
Yes Susan I am lol. Congrats on the new book!! I love these blogs and getting to know new authors, well at least to me that is!
Hey Susan Just dropping by to say hi and congratulations on the re-release of your amazing novels.
Thank you, Cindy. Appreciate the comment on my novels. Susan
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy!
Both books look really good. I would have to say that I prefer the guy in the tux because as they say the clothes make the man….lol…seriously though I just like how a good fitting tux fits on a man..Thanks for the giveaway!
Maria – I know what you mean – and some men can look so comfortable in a tux. Susan
I’m not sure I could hang out with a guy as sophisticated as James Bond. This is a lady who once had a half a lemon fly out of her hand and across the floor at a very upscale restaurant. A passing waiter was gracious enough to simply stop and pick it up and move on, but my date was mortified.
great story Maryann, but i think I may have you beat lol. My bf years ago egged me on to try raw oysters. And well I couldn’t get it down and it went across the room. My gag reflex kicked in. Yikes. That memory haunts me to this day. He of course laughed at me the whole night after that!
LOL! I can relate, Maryann. I’m always dropping my fork or spilling stuff.
I will take both actually… but if I really have to choose one… I’ll take the James Bond. 🙂
May, you scamp!
Casual! For sure! Hi Susan and congrats on your new adventures!!
Dianne – Thanks and casual works for me, too. Susan
I don’t really have a preference. I just love beautiful men. Obviously I love to see men with very little clothes on, especially with nice abs. I think even men fully clothed are just as sexy.
I love to read and always looking for new authors and books to check out. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
Chris – I do too as long as the vibe is good. Susan
Bond, James Bond…. yum! It was a difficult pick…
Cate, maybe we should go with May’s solution – both of them!
Cate – Yes, a difficult pick but then JB, like my hero, Jack, can always take his shirt off. The best of both worlds! Susan
Couldn’t I have both. Bare chested hunk for fun & sun on the beach and the “James Bond” hunk for the fun night life:)
Yes, you can have both! Reilly Anderson (in Trouble in Paradise) and Jack Stratford (in Pagan’s Paradise) – shameless advertisement, I know, but oh, so true.
How did this get here? Technology, very scary for some of us. Of course, maybe I should resist the urge to push every button I see.
LOL! Comes under the heading of “stuff happens.”
Casual all the way! The sophisticated guy would be far too uppity for my taste and what good is being around a guy that is dashing and debonair if you don’t feel comfortable with them?
Good point, Lora!
Sipping my banana daiquiri while I think. I must say the Trouble in Paradise cover is very tempting, but I am not very good with bugs and I am starting to worry about leeches. Let’s imagine there aren’t any creepy crawlies in Paradise. He has my vote. But then I do admire a hot well dressed man, and in my imagination I can actually fit in that red dress. He has my vote, too. Might need another drink and more time studying of those lovely covers!
Maggie – Finish up that banana daiquiri because I’ve just mixed a pitcher of margaritas (frozen) and I need someone to test them for me. You can wear Joanna’s red dress, if you like. I’m not sure Allison’s wearing anything – maybe a sarong. Either way you won’t be wearing it for long.
Whew! It’s getting hot in here!
Like the hunk – mainly because of his five o’clock shadow. Love the whiskered look. But who knows what James Bond is hiding under his suit!
Perfection.
The covers are delicious, aren’t they?
Give me the relaxed guy. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but they sound interesting. Excuse me while I click over and check them out. 😉
I’ll miss you but I’m a patient person.
Check away, Trish!
Vanessa – I wanted to say thank you once again for having me today. It’s been fun – your guests are witty and smart and I’ve enjoyed the discussions very much. I’d love to do this again some time – your help was great. Best of luck, Susan Connell
Susan, come back any time – loved having you!
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