Special romance (novel) edition

When I was in high school, I was obsessed with romance novels. Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey, Catherine Coulter, Amamda Quick, LaVyrle Spencer, Elizabeth Lowell, Jude Deveraux, Laura Kinsale…

If those names don’t mean anything to you, perhaps you remember everything with Fabio on the cover, chest bared or… bare?

Romance novel cover legend Fabio with his shirt going, going, gone… (image grabbed from eBay)

I haven’t read romances since the mid-1990s. But I made a special dispensation recently because two people I know have written and published books, and I feel it is a friend's (and fellow writer’s) obligation to share their work so that their books find their readers!

So first, let me introduce Susanne Dunlap, fellow book coach and author of more than a dozen books. Her book is The Dressmaker’s Secret Earl. Available on Kindle very soon – you can pre-order now. 

Marketing copy: A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it.

The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste.

But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable.

Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s losing her heart to a man who embodies everything she swore to escape.

But the earl has secrets of his own. Is he truly the rogue society believes him to be?

And when Augusta’s past comes calling, will her newfound independence—and her heart—survive?

Spice level: very modest, very demure

My review: I loved the book! From the first page to the last, I enjoyed the historical setting and details, the characters' personalities, and the chemistry and tension between all of them. I read it in one sitting and I had a smile on my face the whole time! If you want to get lost in a delightful story, this is your read.

Next up is Jessica Clem Barnard. She and I worked at an academic publisher as editorial assistants on psychology texts. She was one of my first friends at my first real job out of college in a new, big city, always up for an early lunch and many snacks. We didn’t talk about writing our own books back then, but it looks like we have that in common too. Her book is April in Paris in June, available in paperback or on Kindle now! 

Marketing copy: The Eiffel Tower. Sunset. It’s been twenty years since April had that perfect kiss with Paul--and twenty years minus 15 minutes since she ditched him. When an old photo of the kiss goes viral, April is confronted by how much the memory still means to her. So much that she falls into chaotic old habits, posts something impulsive, and becomes an internet villain. April is losing clients, friends, and her last shreds of dignity.

On the surface, Paul is a sensible, reliable guy. Underneath it all he’s just trying to forget when he kissed a magic, messy girl and for a moment his life made sense. When Paul sees the internet trolls coming for his long-lost April, he’s got a new mission: defend her at all costs. Even if that means going back to Paris and recreating the kiss for a dating app’s desperate marketing stunt.

Will April and Paul stick to the plan and keep their reunion strictly business?

Spice level: it’s not a green pepper, it’s a jalapeno!

My review: Such a fun read. I loved the alternating timelines of 20-somethings and 40-somethings April and Paul. The characters are real and likeable and I rooted for them to get over themselves and get together. Lots of sweet chemistry that occasionally explodes into hot fire. If this is what modern romance is, I’m here for it. 

On a writing note, both of these marketing copy bits are masterclasses in technique. Every book needs marketing copy. If your book is still a work in progress, try writing your marketing copy, also known as back cover copy, for it. This copy also will work for your query letter when it comes time to pitch your book!

The marketing copy must contain a bit about your protagonist(s) and the stakes of their situation. A simple formula for getting the stakes clear is this (where you fill in the brackets from your story): 

When [the thing that sets the story in motion happens], [the character(s)] must [get what they want most] or risk [what’s a stake for the character(s)].

Note that characters have flaws – and it’s their flaws that are holding them back from getting what they need the most. This is what hooks a reader! We want to know if they can overcome the obstacles, both inner and outer, that are in their way. 

If you look back at the marketing copy for the books above, you’ll see the formula in practice.

This formula works for fiction and memoir. Try it and let me know how it goes!

There’s a formula for nonfiction marketing copy too – I’ll share that soon.

How would you like to work on your writing project on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 while crossing the Atlantic Septermber 3-10? Visit https://www.amygoldmacher.com/cruise-writing-retreat for all the info.