Romance, the Future of Promo by an Un-Tekki

Hi, romance novel lovers, this is an impromptu post brought on by a discussion of *what else?* how to promo in effective ways that reach the readers who are interested in reading your particular romance subgenres, or those readers who would simply enjoy the stories you write.

It’s the wild, wild west of promo-ing out there, right now, especially for those of us who pen for the small print/ebook publishers. Blogs, Yahoo chat loops, Twitter, sites like THE ROMANCE STUDIO and COFFEE TIME ROMANCE, and many other venues I’m not familiar with. Remember, I am basically an Un-Tekki kind of gal, in that I can’t keep up with the latest and greatest the web or the internet has to offer, as far as promo-ing, or anything else, for that matter.

Heck, I can’t keep up with the good opportunities out there that I’d like to take advantage of... ya know, because I’m penning that next story for submission ~ which I should be doing now instead of writing this blog.

However, I thought I’d let the psychic in me, some prefer the term intuitive, have it’s say... meaning, I have no clue what’s about to come forth. I’m just going to let it flow.

So, what are the best ways to continue promo-ing in the future? What will the opportunities be in the future? That is, how do authors connect with those readers who want to read their books? Because now is the time of the niche market ~ it’s the new frontier and the settlers are moving in.

Mass market, as it has been, is dying. Truth is, the romance novel superstar authors of today, will become a thing of the past. Niche stars will and are emerging. It’s a greater bigger galaxy for the romance novel, just like Hubble is showing us a greater bigger galaxy-filled universe. This, however, like most transitions, is both a gradual change and an eclipse of change. And, how it all plays out depends on many evolving factors... all of which are subject to change.

Yeah, that gives us all a clear picture, doesn’t it?

Okay, placing the magic hat on... given this is the Aquarian age, community is a dominant force in what occurs from now on. The more authors of a specific subgenre flock together, such as those of us at HAPPILY EVER AFTER, the stronger they will ALL be in selling their books. It’s like a cyber boutique, or the particular styles of romance are offered in an intimate webbie setting that reflects the mood, and the atmosphere of the genres.

One easy example of this is vampire romance, the sites that are devoted to this genre are obviously designed in a specific *bloodlust* manner, just as Western Romance sites have those sexy cowboys, maybe spurs and leather saddles. You get the picture. Yes, this is an obvious way of promo-ing and is being done, created more and more often. However, in the future, this becomes far more crucial and becomes like the change from black and white movies to technicolor.

Or, perhaps, think in terms of a Renaissance Faire. If you’ve ever been, it’s a celebration, it’s the type of entertainment that is liberating to the soul and spirit. And, consider all those vendors hawking their wares. As authors, we’re hawking our wares. The more we appeal to a reader by what we have to offer, the more likely a sale will be made.

Folks, readers, want to wander around in a cyber Renaissance Faire of reading goods. They want to enjoy their day and see what the world has to offer them. Or, they want to know where the booth is, enjoy their visit, find and purchase the books they want ~ in the most convenient way possible. Of course, the more they enjoy the experience and the read, the more they will return.

The idea of the everything-available shopping mall will be replaced by a Faire-like atmosphere. And, what will also be crucial is reliability. That is, a consistent, good service environment, a place the reader can count on to be there like a favorite haunt or a good-times’ tavern. Often, folks just like to rummage around in their favorite stores, a pleasure unto itself. And, more often than not, they’ll purchase because they’ll discover that irresistible read.

As the world closes down, with less and less opportunity to travel and explore our beautiful planet, the yearning to travel, to escape will only increase. Books, your books, could offer that escape. In fact, the demand for escape fiction of all kinds will only skyrocket.

As you peer into the future of promo-ing, what do you see, feel? What are the opportunities you sense on the horizon?
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May your romance reading dreams come true...
Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~