Reinventing your (my)self
13 July 2010
Just when I thought I knew who I was, my persona as an author is about to undergo a drastic change. Or is it?
My first novel is historical fiction. My second novel is a romantic comedy– (Celebrities for Breakfast, soon to be released as an ebook from Girlebooks.com). Vastly different genres, yet both written by me, at different times in my life.
Switching genres isn’t anything new, but more often, you hear about well-known authors (who already have a huge following) taking this leap of faith. Since I only have a small-to-medium following, I’m hoping to expand my brand awareness in the marketplace by reaching out to a slightly different audience.
I’m still me, although with a wider reach. –I hope. 
I am so excited for you, Shelley! You’re such a talent; I just know anything you can write, in any genre, is going to be a page-turner, and touching (even if it IS a comedy!)
I cannot wait to read more Shelley Stout.
I myself daydream about shifting genres one day….then I get that lump in my gut. Maybe I won’t dare. lol
Looking forward to hearing more about your new novel. Shelley, I do have a question – I know you have your book in independent bookstores but what does it take to get them into major chain bookstores? Just curious. Thanks
Thank you, Savvy! I believe in following your heart. Life is so short, isn’t it?
Barbara, the short answer is “a miracle!” LOL
The long answer is when a book comes from a small press, it is not in the catalogs for book stores to order it. They only order books that follow the old antiquated business model of being “returnable.” This means books that are ordered are in the major chain warehouses, and if they over-estimated how many would sell and need to return the rest, a small press has no way to accept them. With a small press, everything is “print-on-demand” or POD, which is actually much better for the environment, because we save trees!
Thanks Shelley! Looking forward to your new book!!