Connie Brockway Is Launch Author in Amazon’s New Romance Imprint
We had quite a party around here when Connie Brockway announced her intentions to self-publish several books that readers have long been waiting for, including sequels to As You Desire and, my personal favorite, All Through the Night. While this discussion was punctuated with many booyahs, there were also quite a few complaints from those who don’t have an eReader and no plans to get one. Turns out more than just readers were listening.
Here’s Connie:
About a month ago I was here announcing my intention of “going rogue” by writing and publishing my own books. The announcement certainly garnered more attention than I’d expected, including from Amazon. Soon afterward, they contacted me with a fabulous proposition: Would I like to be the launch author Montlake, brand new digital and print and audio publishing imprint dedicated to romance.
It didn’t take long for me to say yes –even though it meant I had to down-grade my status from “rogue” to “roguish.” Because I’d been impressed with AmazonCrossings, and I knew they could do similar wonderful things for the romance genre. Now I don’t mean to sound disingenuous, but my first consideration really was the reader. One of my greatest regrets in “going e” was the thought of disappointing those of you without an eReader. (Oh, yes. I read every comment.) Montlake will make my books available to everyone, in every variety of formats, including print, though digitally the books will only be formatted for Kindle—but remember, you can download a free Kindle app that you can use on your phone or your computer.
What other “wonderful things” will Montlake do? One of the realties I faced when I made my decision to publish digitally was that as energizing and freeing as it would be creatively, it was also going to be a lot of work. And a whole lot of scheduling. Now, to be frank the only time I’ve been able to stick to a schedule was when my daughter was a baby and that was only because she cried bloody murder if I didn’t feed her exactly on time.
I would need to find an editor, a copy editor, someone to write cover copy and help produce the cover, and someone to format it. Then I’d have to schedule all these parts so they worked with all the other parts. And we haven’t even gotten to the important work of selling the book. So, while I liked the idea of bringing my own vision of a book cover to life, I was not thrilled about the rest of it because, as I’m sure most of you know, I’m not a particularly fast wordsmith and all of this, exciting as it is, is ultimately time away from writing.
Montlake is giving me the best of both worlds. They’ll handle all the nuts and bolts of production as well as use their considerable power and acumen to sell the book in a variety of formats (I could never find actors for an audio version of my book. Montlake can. I could never be able to find a translator and all the rest for say a German edition of my book. Montlake can) leaving me to focus on writing the freshest, most thrilling and romantic love stories possible. Stories that aren’t limited by anything but my own imagination.
And just to dot that particular “i” and kick off this venture, I’m thrilled to announce that my first book for Montlake will be The Other Guy’s Bride, and it is, as I have long-promised, the sequel to As You Desire.
I’m so thrilled to finally writing this book. I’m having more fun than I have in years. Thanks to all of you who’ve encouraged me to follow my heart and my instincts and have waited patiently to find out whatever happened to Harry and Dizzy.
As a thank you, I’d like to invite you to join my mailing list. In it, I’ll be keeping you apprised of my progress and sending out sneak peeks at some of the chapters as I write.
Finally, thanks Sandy, for giving me the platform that led to this really exciting venture.
You’re very welcome, Connie. Amazon has excellent taste.
Personally, I’m happy about this and encouraged by Amazon’s bold entry into the romance publishing market. Amazon has always struck me as a smart company -and one that understands the value of keeping a customer over the long haul. (And, speaking of smart, if you have a Kindle, you can download the first three chapters of The Other Guy’s Bride for free now at Amazon.)
The pricing seems sensible to me, as well, with the Kindle copy of the book $4.50 less than the paper version.
So, what do you think? Is this truly going to be the best of both worlds? Are you encouraged by Amazon’s entry into romance publishing? If you have another eReader, do you plan to use the Kindle app to read the book? Does the pricing seem fair to you? What other authors – or type of authors – would you like Amazon to consider? Connie (and Amazon) are ready to hear your thoughts.
– Sandy AAR
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.
Great weblog right here! Also your website so much up very fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Great weblog right here! Also your website so much up very fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
I can’t get enough of my Kindle
I can’t get enough of my Kindle
Hi there, I found your site by means of Google while looking for a comparable topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked to favourites|added to my bookmarks.
Hi there, I found your site by means of Google while looking for a comparable topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked to favourites|added to my bookmarks.
One of the comments here was that good reads tell you how to use Calibre to free up the ebooks. So, if you have a Nook, a Sony reader, whatever it is, you can download a Kindle book and convert it to the correct format for your reader. Don’t be put off because you don’t own a Kindle. I’m not sure if the new version of Calibre does this automatically or if you have to find the plug ins, but it will leave you free to buy books from wherever you wish, and convert them to the format you require. No one loses out here, the book is still paid for, the author still gets their bit and we get to read the books we long for.
I sent Connie a big hurrah for going rogue, especially as it meant she could write the books we want to read. I’m still hoping for the book that has ‘all’ of Lily and Avery’s correspondence from My Dearest Enemy – after all, their children got to read it!
One of the comments here was that good reads tell you how to use Calibre to free up the ebooks. So, if you have a Nook, a Sony reader, whatever it is, you can download a Kindle book and convert it to the correct format for your reader. Don’t be put off because you don’t own a Kindle. I’m not sure if the new version of Calibre does this automatically or if you have to find the plug ins, but it will leave you free to buy books from wherever you wish, and convert them to the format you require. No one loses out here, the book is still paid for, the author still gets their bit and we get to read the books we long for.
I sent Connie a big hurrah for going rogue, especially as it meant she could write the books we want to read. I’m still hoping for the book that has ‘all’ of Lily and Avery’s correspondence from My Dearest Enemy – after all, their children got to read it!
I love this. I love the whole idea of it. I love that Amazon is recruiting authors from any of the major publishers whose are stuck in the 20th century. If they continue to be so smart and keep the ebook price fair, they should do very well with this concept.
Connie, it’s very exciting that you will be the launch romance author. Now if only Amazon would consult with me on who else should be on their publishing lists…
I love this. I love the whole idea of it. I love that Amazon is recruiting authors from any of the major publishers whose are stuck in the 20th century. If they continue to be so smart and keep the ebook price fair, they should do very well with this concept.
Connie, it’s very exciting that you will be the launch romance author. Now if only Amazon would consult with me on who else should be on their publishing lists…
I’m just happy that there will be a sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT!!
I’m just happy that there will be a sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT!!
So happy to see that this is going to be available from the amazon.co.uk shop! Thanks, Connie, for thinking of readers in other countries.
So happy to see that this is going to be available from the amazon.co.uk shop! Thanks, Connie, for thinking of readers in other countries.
YOU GO GIRL!!
As an unpublished author I can tell you that I hope to be published one day and maybe Amazon is the way to go. I applaud your creative spirit and the willingness to try something new. Best wished to you in this new adventure.
YOU GO GIRL!!
As an unpublished author I can tell you that I hope to be published one day and maybe Amazon is the way to go. I applaud your creative spirit and the willingness to try something new. Best wished to you in this new adventure.
Love my Kindle and audibooks, too. More power to Connie and other authors who pursue this opportunity.
Love my Kindle and audibooks, too. More power to Connie and other authors who pursue this opportunity.
I am happy for Connie and those readers that want print versions of their books. I do not have a kindle but a nook color and sony reader so the amazon format is a little limiting. However, I do load kindle format books on my android phone. Not quite the best of all worlds but close. As an alternative, I do love audiobooks. When will Connie’s new book be released in audio?
I am happy for Connie and those readers that want print versions of their books. I do not have a kindle but a nook color and sony reader so the amazon format is a little limiting. However, I do load kindle format books on my android phone. Not quite the best of all worlds but close. As an alternative, I do love audiobooks. When will Connie’s new book be released in audio?
Excited for Connie and me as the reader. I agree with Nicole, if I really want to read the book, I’ll read it on the PC or laptop if I have to, it’s not so bad once in awhile.
I think it’s great that the door is open now for authors to be able to write stories they want and can’t get traditional publishers to contract. I can’t imagine that I’m not going to love this sequel of Connie’s along with other fans, and if she didn’t go this route, we wouldn’t get to read this story so many are excited to read. Now instead of an editor/publisher deciding if it’s the type of story I want to read, I get to choose since the author has put it out there. And I know there are many more popular authors having a hard time getting their next sales whose stories I most likely want to read. So I’ll read those I want any way I can as Nicole says.
Excited for Connie and me as the reader. I agree with Nicole, if I really want to read the book, I’ll read it on the PC or laptop if I have to, it’s not so bad once in awhile.
I think it’s great that the door is open now for authors to be able to write stories they want and can’t get traditional publishers to contract. I can’t imagine that I’m not going to love this sequel of Connie’s along with other fans, and if she didn’t go this route, we wouldn’t get to read this story so many are excited to read. Now instead of an editor/publisher deciding if it’s the type of story I want to read, I get to choose since the author has put it out there. And I know there are many more popular authors having a hard time getting their next sales whose stories I most likely want to read. So I’ll read those I want any way I can as Nicole says.
As You Desire is a top ten book for me. I’ll purchase it in print, ’cause I don’t have Kindle. I’m so glad Amazon is offering a print copy.
Sort of off topic – Any idea why Amazon chose Montlake for the name of their romance line?
June
I’ve read it’s as in Montlake, a Seattle neighbourhood. (I used to live in Redmond WA. When we drove in to town, we passed right by Montlake.)
As You Desire is a top ten book for me. I’ll purchase it in print, ’cause I don’t have Kindle. I’m so glad Amazon is offering a print copy.
Sort of off topic – Any idea why Amazon chose Montlake for the name of their romance line?
June
I’ve read it’s as in Montlake, a Seattle neighbourhood. (I used to live in Redmond WA. When we drove in to town, we passed right by Montlake.)
I’ve been longing for a sequel to As You Desire, so I’m very excited about The Other Guy’s Bride. Just a random FYI, the title, The Other Guy’s Bride, sounds like a contemp to me. But the title’s a minor point. I’m looking forward to November.
I’ve been longing for a sequel to As You Desire, so I’m very excited about The Other Guy’s Bride. Just a random FYI, the title, The Other Guy’s Bride, sounds like a contemp to me. But the title’s a minor point. I’m looking forward to November.
Hi. I was happy to read that Connie was e-publishing her backlist because I bought a Nook after Christmas. With this news from her about needing a Kindle, I’m not so happy. It’s good for her, but crumby for me. :-(
Hi. I was happy to read that Connie was e-publishing her backlist because I bought a Nook after Christmas. With this news from her about needing a Kindle, I’m not so happy. It’s good for her, but crumby for me. :-(
I mainly just listen to audio books now so thank goodness there will an audio version. Maybe now with Amazon on board we’ll get audio books faster and wouldn’t it be wonderful if some of our old favorites could be put in audio!!
I mainly just listen to audio books now so thank goodness there will an audio version. Maybe now with Amazon on board we’ll get audio books faster and wouldn’t it be wonderful if some of our old favorites could be put in audio!!
Gee, I saw my name and had to come and see who was talking about me. :)
Kim, you will be able to buy An Heir of Deception as a POD (print-on-demand), but you will also be able to buy it in ePub format–it will available on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, etc.
I’m really happy that Connie has found a route to publishing these long awaited books with Amazon but as a eReader myself, who doesn’t have a Kindle and who has the majority of my ebooks in Adobe Digital or ePub format, I would really like my books to be available in those digital formats too.
Gee, I saw my name and had to come and see who was talking about me. :)
Kim, you will be able to buy An Heir of Deception as a POD (print-on-demand), but you will also be able to buy it in ePub format–it will available on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, etc.
I’m really happy that Connie has found a route to publishing these long awaited books with Amazon but as a eReader myself, who doesn’t have a Kindle and who has the majority of my ebooks in Adobe Digital or ePub format, I would really like my books to be available in those digital formats too.
I was hesitant to commit to an ereader, but finally I ended up with a Kindle because Amazon seems to have the best selection, especially for releases in Canada. Sony was initially better, then suddenly most of their catalogue was geographically restricted whereas Amazon’s was not. Kobo also just doesn’t have as much out there. But now, my next purchase will be an iPad because you can download all the different readers, Sony, Kindle, Kobo, et al and so it won’t matter what format the books are in. Eventually things will whittle down to just a few formats, but in the meantime, a laptop or iPad (and probably the new Blackberry tablet) are the best workarounds to the multiple formats out there.
But usually making a purchase boils down to whether or not I really want this book. If so, I find a way to read it, as in this case. And I have enjoyed what I have read so far.
I was hesitant to commit to an ereader, but finally I ended up with a Kindle because Amazon seems to have the best selection, especially for releases in Canada. Sony was initially better, then suddenly most of their catalogue was geographically restricted whereas Amazon’s was not. Kobo also just doesn’t have as much out there. But now, my next purchase will be an iPad because you can download all the different readers, Sony, Kindle, Kobo, et al and so it won’t matter what format the books are in. Eventually things will whittle down to just a few formats, but in the meantime, a laptop or iPad (and probably the new Blackberry tablet) are the best workarounds to the multiple formats out there.
But usually making a purchase boils down to whether or not I really want this book. If so, I find a way to read it, as in this case. And I have enjoyed what I have read so far.
the plan (!) Jackie is that they’ll be available in brick and mortars stores as swell as online . Thanks for asking!
the plan (!) Jackie is that they’ll be available in brick and mortars stores as swell as online . Thanks for asking!
Connie, I’m wondering whether print versions of The Other Guy’s Bride will be available in brick-and-mortar bookstores or at other online retailers?
Connie, I’m wondering whether print versions of The Other Guy’s Bride will be available in brick-and-mortar bookstores or at other online retailers?
Will this book be DRM-free?
Will this book be DRM-free?
Believe me, I considered the ramifications of having a book that available as an ebook only on dedicated platform (KIndle) and while yes, it would be wonderful if it were going to be available to everyone in every format, the trade off only benefit MORE readers than it does exclude. 1> print versions of the book (and look for more news regarding that in the near future!) 2> audio versions (currently only four of my titles are available as audio downloads) 3> availability in other countries (England, germany et al) and translation when necessary 4> the FREE Kindle app is available for download and enables you to read on ipads phone and any Mac or PC and, I’m assuming, other pads that are now being developed.
I would never ask or assume anyone would buy a Kindle just to read my books, but there’s a number of other options as I’ve just cited.
Thanks so much for the support and I hope you get a chance to look at the free chapters!
Believe me, I considered the ramifications of having a book that available as an ebook only on dedicated platform (KIndle) and while yes, it would be wonderful if it were going to be available to everyone in every format, the trade off only benefit MORE readers than it does exclude. 1> print versions of the book (and look for more news regarding that in the near future!) 2> audio versions (currently only four of my titles are available as audio downloads) 3> availability in other countries (England, germany et al) and translation when necessary 4> the FREE Kindle app is available for download and enables you to read on ipads phone and any Mac or PC and, I’m assuming, other pads that are now being developed.
I would never ask or assume anyone would buy a Kindle just to read my books, but there’s a number of other options as I’ve just cited.
Thanks so much for the support and I hope you get a chance to look at the free chapters!
To add to my comment above. I am happy for Ms. Brockway that she is able to get the books she wants to write published in multiple formats and that she got a deal that’s good for her. I’m also happy that those who read paper books and listen to audiobooks will be able get this (and the other books which will be publshed by Amazon. If and when the “”one ereader to rule them all”” comes out, or Amazon publishing decides to make the ebook available in other formats, I will be a happy camper.
To add to my comment above. I am happy for Ms. Brockway that she is able to get the books she wants to write published in multiple formats and that she got a deal that’s good for her. I’m also happy that those who read paper books and listen to audiobooks will be able get this (and the other books which will be publshed by Amazon. If and when the “”one ereader to rule them all”” comes out, or Amazon publishing decides to make the ebook available in other formats, I will be a happy camper.
This is fabulous news! I’ve preordered for my kindle and am beyond delighted that there will be an audioversion!! If only all of Connie Brockway’s books were available in audio format. Connie can’t but help being awesome (can’t wait till Nov) “”rock”” is in her name. Rock On Connie Brockway, Rock on!
Also for those of you worried about Amazon’s proprietary format, dearauthor has information about how to strip drm and format to your taste (epub etc.) with calibre. It’s really easy to do.
This is fabulous news! I’ve preordered for my kindle and am beyond delighted that there will be an audioversion!! If only all of Connie Brockway’s books were available in audio format. Connie can’t but help being awesome (can’t wait till Nov) “”rock”” is in her name. Rock On Connie Brockway, Rock on!
Also for those of you worried about Amazon’s proprietary format, dearauthor has information about how to strip drm and format to your taste (epub etc.) with calibre. It’s really easy to do.
Even though I agree with those who worry about Amazon taking over the world, I’m thrilled that this book will be available in a number of formats. I don’t yet have an e-reader, and I can put off the purchase a little bit longer now that Ms. Brockway’s books will be available in print.
To Leigh, re the new Susanna Kearsley,
I ordered it through bookdepository.com. They are a great alternative to Amazon for Canadian and UK books because they do not charge shipping.
Even though I agree with those who worry about Amazon taking over the world, I’m thrilled that this book will be available in a number of formats. I don’t yet have an e-reader, and I can put off the purchase a little bit longer now that Ms. Brockway’s books will be available in print.
To Leigh, re the new Susanna Kearsley,
I ordered it through bookdepository.com. They are a great alternative to Amazon for Canadian and UK books because they do not charge shipping.