Today we welcome author Tracy Sumner who is releasing her backlist on Kindle now!
What are some of the advantages to re-releasing titles from your backlist?
Easy one! Imagine, in the previous world of publishing, these books we loved (and you love them like children when you create them, at least I do), well, these books were sent out in print form…and had about a two-month shelf life, then they died. There were some bookstores that, if you had a good relationship with them, would stock the books longer, etc. However, they just entered this nether region. And only the A-list authors really got a lot of run from their backlist. Think Nora Roberts! 🙂 Now, with the e-publishing revolution – whether an author is with a publisher or not – these books have a chance to gain new readership! I don’t really care about anything but these guys (my books :)) having the chance to be read by someone who will care about the characters for even an hour or two. Preferably on the beach!
What do you legally need to do to ensure you can re-release backlist titles?
Well, I covered my bases very well. I closely reviewed the contracts – and I used an intellectual property lawyer in NYC so that all was laid out appropriately. I have a good relationship with my former publisher – and this is business only.
Do you see this as a trend among authors and, if so, of all or for certain genres?
YES. Perhaps in romance especially, because we are a very loyal genre and devoted to our authors, but why not? It’s a win-win for authors and readers.
Do re-release backlist books usually come out as eBooks?
Mine are. In fact, I have not, as yet, decided on even going the print route. You see, I had a very personal revelation when I received my first Kindle (I killed it and am on the second!) in Sept 2010. I was so into actual books in my hand. I am not an early adopter. And guess what? My first Kindle died in the middle of Julie Anne Long book at the beach this summer. And I finished the entire book on my phone!!!! If this is happening to me – it’s coming. No joke.
What else does it take to successfully re-release a backlist book?
I think you must keep writing. That is the most important element for any writer. I also think social media is crucial (in some manner, we could debate the details for months). So, promotion – which authors were consumed with before ebooks anyway.
How might sales figures differ from an original vs. a re-released book?
Well, I’ve just released my first backlist title about three weeks ago, so I’m really new to this process! But I’ve seen sales figures already (which would be laughable in the old system) and the income is coming directly to me. I have CONTROL. Which we never had before.
In addition to re-releasing backlist titles, do you plan to continue to grow your name by writing new books?
Yes! I’m working on a Victorian paranormal (light paranormal, I call it: psychic) and an anthology that is set to release in April. I also have another anthology with a couple of other authors in 2012, too. No release date yet. Also, working on getting the rest of the backlist out.
What are some tips for increasing backlist sales?
Connect with readers: Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook. The norm. I also am blogging and trying to connect. I love the genre. I’m a HUGE reader, too, so this isn’t terribly difficult.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
facebook.com/TracySumnerRomanceAuthor
Tides of Passion: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WVPFH0
Tides of Love: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0066B1XTY
To Desire a Scoundrel: A Holiday Seduction – hitting Amazon this week!
Tracy’s story telling career began when she picked up a copy of LaVyrle Spencer’s Vows on a college beach trip. A journalism degree and a thousand romance novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a southern version of the perfect love story. With a great deal of luck and more than a bit of perseverance, she sold her first novel to Kensington Publishing.
When not writing sensual stories featuring complex characters and lush settings, Tracy can be found reading romance, snowboarding, watching college football and figuring out how she can get to 100 countries before she kicks (which is a more difficult endeavor than it used to be with her four-year-old son in tow). She lives in Charlotte, NC, but after spending a few years in “the city”, considers herself a New Yorker at heart.
Tracy has been awarded the National Reader’s Choice, the Write Touch and the Beacon – with finalist nominations in the HOLT Medallion, Heart of Romance, Rising Stars and Reader’s Choice. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. She loves hearing from readers about why she tends to pit her hero and heroine against each other and that great novel she simply must order in five seconds on her Kindle.
Wendy L. Young, Writer 