Interview with author Jan Romes

The following is an edited excerpt from my interview with author Jan Romes. Read the full interview on Focus on Fiction

Jan’s novels—romance and women's fiction (humor included)—focus on the power of love and friendship. Her first book came out in 2010, and to date, she has written 28 books, with two more due out this year!

To learn more about Jan, visit her website.

Let’s start with your career as an author. When was your first book published and what was it? And how many books have you published to date?
My first book was One Small Fib published by The Wild Rose Press in September 2010. It's still one of my favorites. I have twenty-eight published stories, with two more waiting in the wings.

What is your writing schedule?
Regarding my writing schedule... It has been a lot of hit and miss in the past couple of years due to some unexpected life events. I wasn’t sure I would get back on track. Fortunately, things leveled off and I'm back to writing every day (even if it's just a page or two).

What are the advantages of self-publishing?
Some of the advantages of self-publishing is being able to pick the date a book will be published, whereas with a traditional publisher they pick the date. With self-publishing you have full control over the title of the book and cover art. You have to make arrangements for formatting and editing, set the price for your e-books and print books, secure ISBN numbers and protect your work by getting it copyrighted. You're solely responsible for promotion.

What is your marketing strategy for your books?
My marketing strategy includes having a website and blog, a daily presence on a few social media sites, book signings, attending events like literary festivals and craft-vendor shows, and word of mouth.

How important is it for an author to have covers that clearly define the series and more broadly, serve as a branding image?
It's important for the covers to reflect the genre and contents within. The branding image affects how the reader perceives the series, so it's important they get a feel for what awaits them in the books.

My No Sweat Pants Allowed Wine Series is easy-reading, humorous women's fiction. Lighthearted cover art was a must. Texas Boys Falling Fast Series is romance with just a touch of humor. To convey serious romance, I chose wedding dresses and flower bouquets to grace the covers. Each book has different flowers and the reason for them is revealed as the story progresses.

What is the next project you have in the works?
I have several, but to name a few: the sequel to Tucked Away, also book #3 in my Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series, and possibly the three-book romantic suspense series I mentioned earlier.

What advice do you have for those who are dipping their toe into writing and publishing novels -- whether on their own or through a traditional publisher?
Be true to your writing voice, we all have one. Be fearless in your quest to have a career - the old adage 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' applies.

Listen to what other authors have to say, but sort through the information - what works for one, may not work for another, that's just the way of it.

Don't get discouraged if you want to go the traditional route and you query agents and/or publishing companies and receive the dreaded rejection letter. Those happen. Keep your chin up.

Keep writing. Keep learning.