“Parting is such sweet sorrow,” they say. “All good things must come to an end.”
Are they right?
Well, yes, but what kind of parting are we talking about here?
When I envisioned the Saddle Springs Romance series two years ago, I knew the series would be complete in six books. I worked hard to contain the cast of characters so that no additional cowboys would demand their own romance.
That worked. Until it didn’t.
You see, readers love the Saddle Springs Romances, and the sixth-and-final one (The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride) releases later in April. What’s an author to do?
This author decided two things.
First, I’ve chosen to add a second six-cowboy series (Cavanagh Cowboys Romance) under the Montana Ranches Christian Romance series umbrella. You’ve met two of the brothers in Saddle Springs already: Noah and Adam. You’ve also met their abrasive father, Declan, and caught a glimpse of the youngest brother, Ryder. I’m anticipating a great read-through from the Saddle Springs Romances to the Cavanagh Cowboy Romances. Marry Me for Real, Cowboy is expected to release in September, kicking off the new series. It’s a fake engagement romance that had me in stitches as I wrote the first chapter, which you can read here.
Second, I decided to offer an extended epilogue to the Saddle Springs Romance series to my newsletter subscribers. Every avid reader receives so.many.newsletters these days. I get that, and I don’t take my subscribers for granted. I want to offer value, and I think an exclusive epilogue to a well-loved series does that in spades.
If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll get a link to the extended epilogue with the release of the final book, The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride. I’m going to warn you, though, that if you haven’t read all six of the novels in that series, the extended epilogue isn’t going to make any sense to you. It takes place about five years after the end of that sixth book, so not only are there spoilers, but it just won’t be all that interesting. Sad but true.
For those who’ve eagerly read every title in the series, though? You’re going to love the extended epilogue! You’ll get to see all six couples — plus some of the other major characters — in the future.
Currently, those who subscribe to my email list receive a copy of Promise of Peppermint, the novella that kicks off the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series. Because it’s a standalone, it does a fine job of welcoming readers who are brand new to my writing style, and it will remain as my primary ‘reader magnet’ for at least a couple of more years. However, Promise of Peppermint isn’t a super lure for those who’ve loved the cowboy romances but haven’t transitioned to my other series. I’m hoping this extended epilogue will bridge that gap.
If you haven’t kept up with Saddle Springs, right now is a great time to get started. For the month of April, the box set of the first three novels, usually $8.99, is only 99¢ on Amazon US (and a similar low price on Amazon worldwide). If you’re a KU subscriber, you can read it for free. This series bundle includes The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion, The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker, and The Cowboy’s Romantic Dreamer.
What is your favorite incentive you’ve received from an author for subscribing to her (or his) email list? Do tell! Maybe it will give me ideas for next time!
I think my favorite incentive would have to be travel pictures, especially when they relate to books and stories.
That’s an interesting idea! I tend to create a blog post when I’ve done a “site visit” for a specific series. I hadn’t thought of bundling the photos as a “magnet” instead!
I like the free books for signing up for the newsletter. To be honest, that’s the only thing I know author’s do to get you to sign up! One thing that keeps me opening the newsletters, though, are pics and info about the authors life, and, yes, pictures!!
I should probably use more photos in my newsletters! Hopefully fans of the Saddle Springs series will enjoy the exclusive epilogue as much as they would a full standalone story.
I love the special books only we get to read😁
Yay, that’s always fun!
I love the books of course. I don’t read most newsletters, but do try to keep up with my favorite authors. I love getting sneak peeks into upcoming books. I’m thrilled we’ll get to see some more cowboy books from you and of course I have loved all your series, and yes, I’ve read all your books, almost. I think there may be 2 I haven’t read yet, though I do own them.
Thank you so much :)
I do like a free book/novella for signing up. That has hooked me for several authors :-) I always look forward to a new book from you!!
A free novel or novella has hooked me on more than one author’s writing as well :)
Free samples are the big draw, but I also enjoy anything about the author’s craft and history with writing. Hearing about the grandkids is nice, but even more so when we find out how they have inspired the author’s storytelling. So, a newsletter that is skewed towards the author’s writing life.
I’m sure they will!! I know I will, since I get your newsletter!
Thanks! I usually add a personal note at the end, but it doesn’t always tie into the story, so that’s an interesting thought. Thank you!
Yay, thanks!
I usually sign up for the books or occasionally as part of a competition. What keeps me subscribed is that the newsletter is more than a book promotion email. When the author creates a relationship by sharing their passion with the reader, whether it’s a bracelet competition each month (it’s her hobby and she loves it), the exclusive short stories and background for the books inspirations a quote from scripture. I love jokes, memes too. Whatever the author is truly passionate about sharing as the passion shines through and that is engaging for me!
Thank you for the tips. I agree – I want the author emails I keep receiving to be more than a walking, talking, infomercial!