Follow In Your Favorite Author's Footsteps

Do you have a favorite author? If you're like me, you have several. I love reading, and I especially enjoy finding new-to-me authors and checking out their backlist.



I still remember the day I picked up my first book by Stephanie Laurens. I couldn't put it down! And naturally, I went to her website and let out a happy whoop that there were more--many more--books of hers I could read. Yippee!

The same happened with Jodi Thomas, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Ally Blake, Jessica Hart, Linda Goodnight, and the scads of other authors I adore.

Something funny happened around five years ago. I wasn't writing books at that point, just reading everything I could get my hands on, and I noticed a pattern (bear with me--you know the pattern--I did not). The single title authors published two books a year, plus maybe an anthology. The category authors published as few as one and as many as four a year.

The cycle intrigued me, and I began researching the publishers they wrote for. It quickly became apparent that even had the single title authors wanted to publish more than two books a year, their publishers might not let them. But hey, two books a year is phenomenal!

Everyone says to read tons of books in the genre you write. I agree, but I'd say to take it a step further. Study authors websites. Check out their publisher. Keep track of the book lengths, the time in between book releases, and the marketing efforts they pursue. Read interviews.

I always read author bios, study their websites, and make mental notes on their promotion efforts. Five years ago, I discovered Harlequin Romance author Ally Blake. Her career amazed me--still does. She was someone to look up to. Someone to emulate. I read every book she put out, and when I felt my spirits lag, I only had to click on her website to get a boost. Her interviews, articles, and positive attitude inspired me.

Do you study your favorite authors? You might be surprised at the things you learn about the industry from them. I know I was!

Have a terrific weekend!

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