I don’t know if your familiar with “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant. It came out in 1997, but I really enjoyed it. It was quite different in how it focused on the lives of the women in that era. I’d recommend it.
Source: How ‘The Red Tent’ invented a new kind of fiction | Jewish Telegraphic Agency
I am currently in the midst of genre switching, so this post by Loretta Milan caught my eye. Most of my books (5) are historical fiction. I have one memoir I wrote for a friend (Living in the House of Drugs) – a recovering addict and alcoholic – but I don’t think that really counts. But my newest book: Intrigue in Istanbul – An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure, not only is it a new genre but it’s a new audience – Middle Grade! What I’m noticing is that the audience isn’t so much of a challenge; so far they seem to like my book (adults too, which was my goal – Yah!), it’s more that it’s a whole new market. How to sell to middle graders, middle grade parents, and middle grade teachers? I’ve reached out the teachers I know in my area and who I know (see the post of my recent visit to a 6th grade classroom who read my book), so now I’m trying to think of ways to stretch my reach farther. I’ve entered contest, but those will take until the fall to get any results, so I have to look to other avenues.
I like the 5 points Loretta makes in her post.
Here’s how it starts:
Many writers dream of achieving what Rob Bryndza had. Not just a bestselling book, but a bestselling series. So why risk it all by switching genres? But, that’s exactly what he did, and now The Girl in the Ice has become an international bestseller, I wanted to discover how this comic, turned romance novelist, turned crime writer made a success of it all. So, I was delighted when he agreed to a chat.
Source: Five ways to succeed at genre switching | Literary Lightbox
I am trying to decide on the cover for my next historical fiction: Will the Real Carolyn Keene Please Stand Up.
It is a story about who created Nancy Drew. You would think that would be an easy answer but it’s not. In fact, in 1980 there was a lawsuit to answer just that question (plus who owned what rights to the Nancy) and there is still significant controversy even today. My book is currently in the hands of my betareaders, but after they are done with it and I make my appropriate changes from their comments, I’ll have it out for you-all to read – I’m hoping by July. But until then I have to decide about the cover.
My basic cover was created by SelfPubBookCovers.com. I worked with Rob – the creative director – and he was very helpful in giving the artist that they picked some examples of art of the era that I was looking for (the 50s), and the show I was basing my title off of (To Tell The Truth). I needed a custom cover, which cost a bit more, but they have lots of pre-made covers in many genres that you can pick from and tweak to your liking for cheap! That coupled with the excellent customer service, I’d recommend Self Pub Book Covers to anyone. Unfortunately for people like my brother (Earl Keleny), who do cover art for a living, they are some stiff competition. Though when you go to his site, you’ll see why he gets paid more for what he does.
Anyway, here are 4 different versions of the same cover. I’ve added a border to three of the four. You’ll have to look closely to see the difference between them. Let me know your preference.
Thanks!
CKBooks Publishing 