Have you ever heard that variety is the spice of life?
Well, I sure have. All my life someone, be it my mother, grandmother or my many wonderful friends have said that I have a one track mind. It seems that once I find something I like, I stick with it. From ordering pizza to buying pantyhose. In some cases, predictability might be a good thing. But, I've found that spicing up your reading is a definite must.
When I began reading romance, the first book I borrowed from a friend was by Julie Garwood. Since that first historical of hers hooked me, I went on a rampage to find each of her books.
Fortunately, after the expense of buying all those books at once (as I'm prone to do) I found that I did in fact love them all. Problem was, soon, I didn't have anything by her left to read. So I patiently (or not so patiently) waited for her next book to be released. And since I can easily read a full-size novel in a day or two (less without interruptions—yeah, right! whoever heard of no interruptions?), I was quickly bored.
My friend recommended I try the contemporary books of Nora Roberts. Again, I found that I loved her stories (and was relieved to find she was a treasure trove of books!). Nora's books sustained me for several months, but then again, I quickly accumulated all I could find still in print and read each and every one. After realizing I was again obsessing over a single author, I became a bit concerned. That, of course, is when I found writing. I have always had an overactive imagination. However, I never realized how fulfilling it would be to get those life-like characters on paper.
With writing, came the search for guidelines. Because everybody wants to share the work they love, right?
Each publisher suggested that I read the type of books I like in their line in order to get a feel for what they're looking for. I took the suggestion to heart. And that is where I found my current theory: Variety is the Spice of Reading. Because my writing is so varied (basically whatever pops in my head), I now end up trying a new book line and new author at least every month or so. I've found I mostly enjoy "light" historicals and "sappy" love stories.
I read lines from Avon to Harlequin Temptation. And, currently, I'm reading books by Lori Foster (an awesome Temptation author), Johanna Lindsey (I've quickly become addicted her too, but I'm still trying to contain myself...at least for now.), Julie Kenner (an outstanding Temptation author), Dara Joy (who writes wonderful erotic sci-fi), and many other word artists who are new to me.
I highly recommend all new and up-and-coming authors do this! Speaking from experience, it will give you a feel for what you like, what you don't, what sells and what you wouldn't want to sell.
Here are a few reference sites that will help authors locate publishing guidelines:
Avon
Dorchester Publishing
Harlequin/Silhouette
HarperCollins
Simon & Schuster
Romance Writers of America
Publisher's Weekly
Association of American Publishers
I wish you all the best of luck!
