Louise Lennox's Blog
June 7, 2021
Joining a Multi-Author Series: Is It Worth It?
What an amazing release week! Savannah’s Salvation surpassed all my sales and review expectations. I know I owe a lot of this success to being a part of The Indie Pen PR's Single Dad's Romance multi-author series (MAS).
I loved being a part of this MAS and I look forward to doing one or two in the future.Through this process I’ve attracted new readers, met amazing bloggers, and stepped out of my comfort zone to bring the world another African Alpha Hero! Michael Asara is something else!
Now that my wonderful experience with this series is coming to a close, I want to share my pros and cons of participating in a MAS and what to look for if you decide to join one!
PROS:
· A MAS will save you a lot of money on publishing and marketing costs! The Indie Pen PR Group managed the Single Dad’s Romance Series, and for a one-time fee I received everything from Beta Readers, cover design, and even a tailored social media marketing plan with images! I literally saves about 50% on my normal costs when I purchase these things individually.
· You get to cross-promote your work with an amazing cadre of romance authors. The exposure to new readers throughout the process is priceless.
· Most MAS require you to engage with each other’s social media posts and that gains traction for your social media.
· You get a break from the project management side of self-publishing. The scheduling for every step of the process is mapped out for you. All you have to do is write the book and stay on schedule!
· If you pick a good PR group, you will get access to an expanded ARC Team and over 100 bookstagrammers and bloggers to review and spotlight your work!
· The marketing plan is already set!
CONS:
·There was only one for me: lack of full control. If you are a perfectionist; you will cringe. I did. Some of the contractors used to edit, format, etc. may not be your first choice. But it’s a package so you roll with it unless you want to shell out extra money. However, once I relaxed, I realized everything worked out in the end, and I’ve got to learn to chill lol.
Is a MAS right for you?
I think it’s a great option for one or two stand-alone books a year. I write books within a series, so this was a nice break for me. Make sure the PR group you work with has a great relationship with a diverse group of contractors and reviewers. Also ensure they have excellent communication and project management skills. Finally, ensure the other authors in the group write similar work to yours. If you write sweet romance, a MAS with steamy authors will not work for you!
If you’re interested in signing-up for one. Check out the Indie Pen PR at:
https://theindiepenpr.mailerpage.com/
In the meantime, read Savannah’s Salvation. You won’t regret it!
April 26, 2021
Yes! Billionaires Belong in Black Romance Too...
Today the cover and preorder link for my May 31 release, Savannah's Salvation become available.
The title is part of Single Dad's Romance Series that consists of seven dynamite romance authors. Each book is about a different sexy single dad.
When I joined the series, I was given the opportunity to choose a trope. While many may think the cocky billionaire trope is over done. I know better. Black women did not get to indulge in those fantasies to the extent other readers did.
Often if the Black alpha was a billionaire he was a criminal or gangster. Maybe he was a self-made man that owned clubs and restaurants.
Hardly ever was he an Afro-French single dad from generations of old money. So, that's what I decided to write.
Michael Asara is the black Alpha you've been waiting for. He's gorgeous, African, and all alpha. He's a man navigating the duality of being a black Frenchman in Paris.
He's deep and brooding. Hurt from his past. Unforgiving of his baby's mother, but a loving father to his baby girl. Michael becomes the key to setting our heroine Savannah free from years of grief. And it all stars with one night!
Preorder your copy today: ww.tinyurl.com/SavannahsSalvation
Single Dads Cover Reveal Raffle
Enter here to qualify for a $30 Amazon eGift Card: http://bit.ly/dadreveal
Raffle closes May 1st at midnight EST.
April 5, 2021
#HappyBlackRomance Joins New Multi-Author Single Dads Series!
About a year ago, I put pen to paper and outlined my first romance novel “Craving A King.”
By most accounts, I had a successful first year of indie publishing. From August 2020 to March 2021, I’ve released six titles and sold almost 5,000 books. I have a sizeable number followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And my newsletter mailing list is popping.
I focused on defining my target audience (Black women), defining my style (happy romances with Black, smart and sexy heroines), and captivating story lines that go through extensive Beta Feedback and editing.
Now I have a chance to expand my readership by contributing to my first multi-author endeavor! It is a Single Dad’s romance series (seven authors and seven books!) and I’m so excited to be a part of this smexy collection!
To be honest, the venture is also scary. For the first time, I’m intentionally sharing my brilliant Black characters and stories with readers outside of my primary market. My current readers feel like home.
But I know it’s time…a good love story has the ability to teach us how to love not only ourselves, but others!
So…
On May 31st, 2021, I will introduce the world to the reluctant billionaire dad, Michael Asara. in Savannah’s Salvation (a billionaire romance). He’s African, He’s Alpha, and He’s AH-MAZING!
I hope everyone, no matter their cultural background, will appreciate just how beautiful Black love is through Savannah and Michael’s love story. Over the next few weeks, I will share the cover reveal, blurb, and some teasers right here and on all my social media. So, stay tuned!
Follow the @IndiePenPR FB Page for all the Single Dad's news: ,https://www.facebook.com/IndiePenPR
And consider joining our Single Dad's blogger and ARC teams so you don’t miss out!
Readers: ,http://bit.ly/3c1Y867
Bloggers: ,http://bit.ly/38Y9ohZ
March 9, 2021
BLACK ROYAL ROMANCE "POSSESSING THE PRINCE" IS HERE!
My latest Ashanti Royal Romance, ,Possessing the Prince is live today on Amazon!
It is book three of the ,Sexy Sovereign Series!
If you love hot and heavy royal romances with lots of steam, this one is for you! Set on Africa's beautiful Gold Coast, in Accra, this love story also gives you a nice touch of Ashanti history and culture.
I will miss my three sexy Ashanti brothers, but I think Senya and Abena's story is a proper send off!
Possessing the Prince has the following:
A Marriage of Convenience Forced Proximity (Abena can't run away !) A Heroine you'd love to hate, but can't An Alpha male finally allowed to flex his power (You thought you knew Senya...) Community Conscious and Rich Africans A blood feud between tribes A daring escape from a tribal kidnapping HOT! HOT! HOT! Love Scenes Family Drama and Healing And a proper Happily Ever After!Overall, Possessing the Prince, book 3 in the Sexy Sovereign series, is a hot, steamy, international, contemporary romance series featuring a strong, smart heroine and a powerful prince determined to protect her heart.
Download today and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite book boyfriend.”
November 24, 2020
The Power of Black Woman Book Clubs
I feel like an author!
I had the honor of speaking at the Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyer's Book Club yesterday and it was a blast! We talked all things Kofi, Ella, and Craving A King!
More importantly, we explored what it means to be a Black woman exploring love, careers nd a pandemic in 2020. We asked, what does it mean to be a Black woman, like my protagonist Ella, with opportunities to lead, travel and love. We discussed how to shake off limitations, just as Ella did, while setting healthy boundaries in love.
But what excited memos was our conversation around what makes good Black romance and why our stories must be told! It warmed my heart as a Black romance writer to witness Black women that serve in the highest ranks of government and commerce talk about their appreciation of healthy Black love stories!
Speaking at the book club reminded me that I am writing for my audience. When it comes to books, the power is with the reader not the writer and itt is a privilege to empower my readers with every word I put on a page. I do not take it for granted.
In the end, being invited to talk about something I've created is an honor. I've been a published author since August 2020, but yesterday, talking to those phenomenal Black lawyers about my romance novel made it official fro me.
I am a Black Romance Author and I am determined to share this message of #HappyBlackRomance all over the globe!
If you have not picked up Craving A King do it today! I promise you will close the book feeling empowered to love!
September 30, 2020
Get “Love & Lipstick”Free!
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY
When I launch a new novel, I launch a new novella the week before. It is my way of saying thank you to my most avid readers. The novella is free for one month to all of my newsletter subscribers and ARC team.
Love & Lipstick is the second Steamy novella in my Passionate Professors Series. It follows the second Attah triplet: Peter.
Peter Attah is a British Ghanaian chemist assigned to help American attorney and entrepreneur, Mia Farris, launch new products for her popular natural cosmetics line. There’s just one problem-they can’t get along-or can they? It’s a thin line between love and hate... Right?
If you want a free copy, simply sign-up for my V.I.P. List or join the ARC Team. Both can be done from this website. The book will be delivered to your inbox on October 1st!
Otherwise, it is available on Amazon for .99 cents: Click Here
Book One Love & Lyrics is also available on Amazon for .99 cents: Click Here
Happy Black Romance Reading,
Louise
Get “Love & The Lab“ Free!
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY
When I launch a new novel, I launch a new novella the week before. It is my way of saying thank you to my most avid readers. The novella is free for one month to all of my newsletter subscribers and ARC team.
Love & The Lab is the second Steamy novella in my Passionate Professors Series. It follows the second Attah triplet: Peter.
Peter Attah is a British Ghanaian chemist assigned to help American attorney and entrepreneur, Mia Farris, launch new products for her popular natural cosmetics line. There’s just one problem-they can’t get along-or can they? It’s a thin line between love and hate... Right?
If you want a free copy, simply sign-up for my V.I.P. List or join the ARC Team. Both can be done from this website. The book will be delivered to your inbox on October 1st!
Otherwise, it is available on Amazon for .99 cents: Click Here
Book One Love & Lyrics is also available on Amazon for .99 cents: Click Here
Happy Black Romance Reading,
Louise
September 9, 2020
Choosing The Chief Cover Reveal
I'm beyond excited that my second novel, "Choosing the Chief," releases in next month on October 6,2020. A follow-up to "Craving A King," it is another page-turning African royal romance!
Adom and Maya are long-time best friends that fall in love!
We remember Maya from " Craving A King," as Ella's best friend that is tragically in a life-threatening car accident while Ella is in Ghana. Ella's best friend Adom goes back to Atlanta to take care of their mutual friend with his prescribed method of control and care. Eventually Adom's family drama ( remember he is Kofi's half-brother and cousin) and royal duties bring them both to Ghana where their love is tested. Can their new relationship survive Adom becoming chief and Maya returning to self-reliance? This is a love story about healing from the past and fully embracing the future!
My cover designer did not disappoint and the Sexy Sovereign Series is shaping up tone a beautiful box-set you will want own in paperback and hardback!
"Choosing The Chief." is available for pre-order on Amazon Here.
Click Here to add it to Your GoodReads Want To Read List!
https://youtu.be/OmSg4xFqO4s
August 13, 2020
So You Want to Write a Romance Novel? Start Here!
1. Write the story you already have: If you are sitting down to write a novel, you have a story idea. No matter how thin or undeveloped that idea is; it is a story. Develop it. Ask the idea questions. Focus until you get some answers. Write everything down. Don’t waste time trying to come up with the perfect story-you will write nothing that way.
2. Set Boundaries: Writing is a discipline. Set aside time to write and publish. Do not think for one second that a book will magically appear after writing a couple thousand pages here and there, month after month. If you want to produce a marketable book; write something every day. Your pen is a muscle; use it!
3. Write to the market you know: Listen! Reverse Harem romances are all the rage right now. So are paranormal romances. But I would be on a fool’s errand to write either. I have never fantasized about having multiple men at once, and the most fantasy I’ve ever read is Harry Potter. Nope, I know Africans, African Americans, international travel, bossy men and sassy females, happily ever after and ridiculously good and hot sex. Therefore, that's what I write.
4. Know thy heat levels: This can really be its own blog post. Listen, the industry has at least 100 names to quantify the amount of sex in romance novels. These names also do the double duty of preparing the reader for the sex they will encounter in the text. The only problem is-sex and heat levels are subjective! So, what’s a girl to do? This is what I’ve learned. All that really matters is knowing the difference between four levels/descriptors: Clean/Wholesome, Sweet, Steamy/Sexy/Contemporary, Dark, and Erotica. Once you’ve got those down, you can find your way. Everything else is a sub-category of one of those five. Once you master the rules of your chosen genre you are good as gold. That leads me to my final tip.
5. Read Your Sub-genre: Read what sells and what does not in your sub-genre. Get to know how the masters weave their tales. read reader reviews and find out what the people want-and what they don't. In my eyes, this is truly writing to market. Judge your writing accordingly!
At the end of the day, you have to believe in your story and know you can do it! faith will allow you to conquer anything!
Grab Your Copy of Craving A King on Amazon today. Click here to purchase or borrow on Kindle Unlimited.
July 31, 2020
Stock Photo Sites Need to Do Better by Black Love
The most frustrating part of my publishing journey so far is finding romantic stock photos that feature Black Americans for my covers. The pool is shallow! Conversely, there are many pictures available for White couples-ranging from erotic to sweet.
For Black couples, the high-quality pictures are far and in-between. I’m tempted to contract a photographer and start a service for independent Black romance authors.I do not know how else we will be served.
So, why is this so frustrating you ask? Below are the top three problems with the stock photo industry in my humble opinion. I wonder if I scream loud enough will they hear me!
The Search Function: It is pointless to search for Black couples on major stock websites. If you input “sexy Black couples” you get twice as many White couples with black dresses, black backgrounds, or even a photographer with the last name Black! Try African-American, your chances may be a little better. I’ve had the most luck with “African Love” and here’s the kicker....none of the true black couple photos from my previous searches will show up here. It takes HOURS to get something usable.
The Male Models: The trend for Contemporary Romance novels is to have a ripped sexy half-dressed man (rock-hard abs, low-slung pants showing the hint of that sexy V, and pecks for days!) with a beautiful face as your cover. Just slap old boy up there with a sexy font and the women drool. WELP! Good luck finding a Black man like that in stock photo searches. If you find one; he’s in the gym or on the basketball court. Apparently, Black men do not get the privilege of being sexy for sexy’s sake. What gives?
The Hug & Kiss: Trying to find a Black couple kissing or hugging is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack; it is impossible! Apparently the companies do not think Black people love enough to have these pictures available.
I have managed to find a few Facebook Groups that specialize in covers featuring Black people. If you are interested check out The PoC Cover Market and Photographer Lindee Robinson's Group The former often produces photo shoots of Black couples; you can then claim pictures form the photo shoots! If you have any other resources to share, drop the links below!
