Why Valentine’s Day is your Favorite Holiday if you’re a Romance Author
Why Valentine’s Day is a Romance Author’s Favorite Time of Year
The settings, the characters, the time period may all change, but the universal appeal of a Romance novel is always the same — the love story. This timeless category has endured through time and across genre. Whether set in a fantasy world or modern day, it seems readers never tire of a great love story.
For romance authors, Valentine’s Day is like the Super Bowl. With flowers and candy hearts filling up stores, consumers are hungry for the idea of romance in all its forms. Whether looking for a gift for a book-loving Valentine, or having a steamy read as a companion, people are looking for what you are selling.
Love or hate the day, for romance authors, it’s the perfect time to get books in the hands of readers. Here are just a few ways in which emerging and established romance writers can embrace this holiday:
Exposure
WIth candy hearts and red roses filling up stores nationwide, consumers are hungry for a good love story. Bloggers, reviewers, and booksellers often create holiday themed lists. For Valentine’s Day, it’s all about the romance novel. It’s the perfect opportunity to get books in front of new readers who are already looking for what you have to offer. Actively reach out to affiliates and reviewers, who are looking to feature romance authors. Write your own list and publish it to your blog.
Outside of the internet, there are ample opportunities for promotion as well. Brick and mortar stores are often interested in holiday themed readings and events. Libraries, schools, and local businesses are always looking for creative ways to engage their customers. It’s a great time to not only promote your own books, but to network and make new connections in your local and online communities.
Give some love to your fans
Holiday promotions are a great way to give back to the people who already know and love you. Whether you are a best selling author or an independent just starting out, promotions are a way to appreciate your fan base, and possibly encourage new readers to give your titles a try. Contemporary romance writer AJ Harmon recently announced that her novel, “First Class Voyage” would be available for free download for the month of February. Offering a discount or free product can help not only cultivate your relationship with readers, but can be used to re-energize a specific title or series.
Use your creativity to engage fans. It doesn’t have to be a monetary promotion to be valuable. You might release a special Valentine’s Day short story featuring your most popular characters or create a downloadable Valentine’s Day card with quotes from one of your books. Offer a gift to your readers and watch them bring the love in return through sharing and supporting your work.
Inspiration
With love the main event, it’s the perfect time to start working on your next book. Have a date with your novel this Valentine’s Day, and curl up with your computer and a glass of wine. For a cure to writer’s block, take a notebook and pen to your local restaurant and observe some of the people out on the town for Valentine’s. If you are not working on your own project, it’s also the perfect time to get caught up on what other authors are writing. Peruse those “20 best romance books for Valentine’s Day” lists and discover some great new reads yourself. There is no shortage of great material out there for authors to learn from. WIth romance as one of the fastest growing genres for independent authors, it’s easier than ever to find great reads and new authors that will help inspire your own work.
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Writing!
Marquina
Originally published at Authorpreneur Launch.
