First things first.
The winner of my July Contest is…
RHONDA JONES
Congrats, Rhonda! You’re getting 4 fabulous books.
In creative news, I’m giving The Season website and blog a makeover. I do this about once a year because obviously I’m a masochist. If you want a sneak peek, here’s what it looks like right now–although, always subject to change by the time I make it “live”.
Home Page Covers here are merely props. I have no idea which books are Top Picks yet or which book will be the featured book.
Month-at-a-Glance Page Ignore the star ratings here. Placeholder.
Would love suggestions on how to make it better.
Due to the facelift, I’ve decided to move the 2nd Anniversary Bash to the third week of August, so it will run August 22nd-26th. This way, the “new look” will go live at the same time as the bash. 🙂
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Aspiring Authors, to celebrate the 2012 mass market publication of Family Affair, a novella by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber, Avon Books is hosting a Debbie Macomber-inspired online writing contest! Aspiring writers who participate in the “Make Your Dreams Come True” contest may find themselves enjoying an “American Idol”-type moment, as the winner receives a cash prize of $500, and the winning entry will be published in the back matter of the paperback and e-book edition of Family Affair, going on-sale in July 2012. In addition, the grand prize winner may also be offered an Avon Impulse publishing contract! Click here for Contest Rules and Entry Procedures.
A little publishing news I did get a chuckle over yesterday. As you may or may not know, Amazon has been flexing their publishing muscles lately with the upcoming launch of their Thomas & Mercer and Montlake lines with NYT bestselling authors Barry Eisler and Connie Brockway. At this point their share of the ebook distribution market is approx 60%. Well the books in these lines are not digital only–although the digital books will be exclusive to their Kindle (mobi) format–which means they will need print distribution. But which stores will stock these books? Barnes and Noble’s CEO William Lynch told Publisher’s Weekly that they will stock Amazon books only if the digital books are also offered for distribution. In my opinion, this is precisely the position Barnes and Noble should hold. Why would they distribute the print books if the digital books are not offered for the Nook? Click here for full article.
You put so much effort into this site. Thanks for all the hard work.
I have one suggestion: The new blog pages are somewhat monochromatic with its fall color scheme. Have you considered any other vibrant colors to make the pages pop a bit more? Perhaps a different shade of green would make a better contrast with the beige and orange banners.
Love the new look you are doing!
Congrats Rhonda. Beverley, I’m looking forward to the new look and the birthday bash!
I have to side with Barnes & Noble on this issue. No one should have a monopoly in the publishing industry. That would not serve the author or the reading public well.
The Debbie Macomber contest sounds interesting. I need to get more organized before I can try that.
I can understand your wanting to change thinks and keep them fresh. I like you first version of the site, and have finally gotten familiar with this one and can maneuver it well. Now I have to start all over again. The new design is nice, but I agree with Kim on the colors. The current site is good because of the colors and variety. They catch your eye and interest.
I like this sites format and look best, but I’ll adjust. I know you have and are putting a lot of work into it and it shows.
Almost forgot, congratulations,Rhonda. Enjoy.
I like the new layout. I stopped going to the website to look at new posts and monthly book releases ‘cos I didn’t like the last change that went in, so this new change is good and works for me. I’ll be visiting more often again.
I totally agree the Barnes & noble on the this issue. I have kindle and love Amazon but honestly, out of all online bookstores, Amazon seems like they are the most greediest.
Early congrats on The Season’s anniversary! I think the new look will be a hit when it’s unveiled — this is one of the best romance sites anywhere.
What a gorgeous new look! =)