It sounds promising. But, what do you know about Im[pulse]?

Before I divulge all the details, let me remind you that Circle of Desire by Carla Swafford goes on sale in print today! Super exciting because it proves how serious Avon is about integrating Im[pulse] into their imprint.


Okay, now that we have that out of the way; here is what is known about Im[pulse]:

Frequently Asked Questions

MISSION STATEMENT:

Avon Impulse is a digital imprint dedicated to publishing new e-books each month, rapidly delivering the best in romance fiction to today's e-savvy readers.

Why is Avon embarking upon a digital publishing program?

The retail market for books continues to evolve: shelf space is limited; romance readers have found a rich array of fresh content in using digital and eReading devices. Romance is experiencing expansive growth in the e-book sector, and Avon is seizing this opportunity to grow both new and existing voices in fiction...and be first in delivering exactly what readers want to read.

Why are you launching Avon Impulse now?

Two reasons. First, traditional channels for mass market genre fiction are shrinking. Fewer grocery stores, drug stores, mall stores and superstores are carrying a broad selection of romance titles. While there is a strong consumer market for Avon titles, the channels that we have always depended on to grow new voices and publish broadly are under pressure. Second, the growth of eReaders and e-books have created a new opportunity that allows us to begin increasing the number and diversity of our romance list for the first time in 10 years.

How is Avon Impulse different from Avon Books?

Avon Impulse has grown organically from our existing publishing program. We're always looking for ways to grow our authors in a marketplace rife with new opportunity.

Why publish with Avon Impulse?

Avon is an industry leader: our editorial staff and sales/marketing/publicity force are uniquely respected, and Avon Impulse authors benefit from those existing talents, platforms, and relationships. Avon's enthusiastic editorial team acquires content for both imprints. Both platforms offer similar benefits to authors: each Avon Impulse e-book will receive a distinctive cover treatment. During the publication cycle, the books will receive support from Avon's marketing and publicity professionals; and the e-books will benefit from our proven, strong relationships with all e-book channels and online retailers.

How many titles per month will you release?

Currently, we are looking to acquire enough content to release a new Avon Impulse title each week.

Where will Avon Impulse titles be sold?

Our Avon Impulse e-books will be available at every e-tailer, and readers will be able to download them onto every portable reading device sold today...and tomorrow, too. Readers who seek a hard copy of individual Avon Impulse titles will be able to lay their hands on physical books, thanks to a print-to-order option available through major online book retailers.

Do Avon Impulse authors get an advance? What is the royalty rate?

Avon Impulse will not pay an advance, but authors receive 25% royalties from the first book sold. After an e-book sells 10,000 net copies, the author's royalty rate rises to 50%. (Contracts will provide royalties for both e-book and print-to-order copies.)

Will Avon Impulse e-books be distributed globally?

Every Avon Impulse contract will include World English language distribution, so we can deliver these e-books everywhere around the world where English-language novels are sold.

Will Avon Impulse titles be DRM protected?

Yes. Our retail partners will place DRM protection on Avon Impulse titles, following the standard procedure for all Avon books.

For Avon Impulse, will you want agented or non-agented submissions?

We will accept all submissions, agented and non-agented, for consideration. Please check our website (http://www.avonimpulse.com) for full details on our interactive submission process.

What is the submission process?

All non-agented manuscripts should be submitted at http://www.avonimpulse.com. Please note the detailed instructions on submission guidelines before sending your documents electronically.

Where can I find the Submission Guidelines?

You can find our submission guidelines here.

Do I need to specify which imprint I am submitting to?

Rest assured that when you submit your manuscript or proposal for consideration, our talented team of editors is appraising each project for publication on our Avon and Avon Impulse lists. They will carefully consider where each acquired project best fits. There is definite room for growth: Avon Impulse authors may also be considered for the traditional Avon Romance publishing program.

What types of submissions is Avon Impulse interested in?

We encourage creativity, so feel free to impress us with what you've got! We also have our eye out for great submissions in the following subgenres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Futuristic, Ghost, Gothic, Historical, Magical, Time Travel, Western, Shifter, Small Town, Steampunk, Suspense, Vampire (and others).

Can existing Avon authors also publish to Avon Impulse?

Of course! Our Avon authors are as excited about our new ePublishing platform as we are.

If a debut author is published under the Avon Impulse imprint; is there a chance to be published in print as well?

Yes, of course. Consumers will have the option to buy a printed copy of every Avon Impulse title. These bound books will have a different cover price than the e-book, and will be available to order at online book retailers.

Will my work be copyrighted?

Each title receives individual copyright, retained by the author, as is the norm for all Avon titles.

Is Avon Impulse publishing fiction only?

Yes, at this time.

Will manuscripts be edited, copyedited before going into print?

Yes. Just as with our print titles, each Avon Impulse project will be assigned to an individual Avon editor, and will go through a comprehensive content and copyediting process.

Will Avon Impulse titles benefit from Avon Publicity and Marketing?

Yes. We will support Avon Impulse titles with comprehensive publicity/marketing campaigns, marketing each title, utilizing the digital landscape to strongly support this fantastic line of digital-first publications.

What is Avon Impulse's five step marketing program?

The categories follow:

 1. Cross Promotion

2. Digital Marketing

3. Digital Publicity

4. Interactive Assets

5. Coaching

Will Avon Impulse e-book originals receive Galleys/eGalleys?

Yes. Avon Impulse titles will receive eGalleys to help build buzz and excitement among key bloggers and reviewers prior to publication; we're also excited to send information about our e-book originals to media as these new titles go on-sale, for a second wave of promotion.

Is Avon Impulse a Custom/Vanity Publisher?

No. In acquiring for Avon Impulse, we carefully curate submissions and edit accepted manuscripts in the same fashion as all of our Avon projects. The line will benefit from Avon's editorial, marketing, publicity and sales platforms. And getting all these services at no cost to the author is the benefit of publishing with Avon, and Avon Impulse.

 

What's going on with you two? I need details!

Offically, This is how I see it...

Date: 10/18/2011
Author: Pam Spengler-Jaffee
Subject: Avon Books Announces that Digitized "Slushpile" Creates New Opportunities in Publishing for Aspiring Authors

Contact:
Pam Spengler-Jaffee
212.207.7495
Pam.Jaffee@harpercollins.com

Jessie Edwards
212.207.7188
Jessie.Edwards@harpercollins.com

 

Avon Books Announces that Digitized "Slushpile" Creates New Opportunities in Publishing for Aspiring Authors

“Circle of Desire” by Debut Author Carla Swafford Launches as Digital-First Publication Mere Months After Acquisition Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK, NY, October 18, 2011 – It was Avon editor Wendy Lee’s week to monitor the new electronic submission site at http://www.avonromance.com/avonimpulse, a.k.a. “the slush pile, version 2.0.” Avon had recently revolutionized the way aspiring authors could submit their unsolicited manuscripts for editorial perusal and possible publication, automating the process via a clean, detailed online portal. Working her way through the many submissions, Ms. Lee knew she had struck gold when she read the query from Carla Swafford, a Birmingham, Alabama-based writer with an absolutely stellar manuscript proposal.

“When I read Circle of Desire, I knew we had to acquire it,” commented Ms. Lee. “The premise of this series is a lot of fun, and resembles a steamier version of the TV show ‘Alias.’ There are rival spy organizations, double agents, and plenty of sparks between cold-blooded assassins.” Ms. Lee picked up the phone to offer Carla Swafford a publishing deal with the new Avon Impulse imprint, and within a few weeks, the author had a book deal, an agent (Nalini Akolekar at Spencerhill Associates), and a quickly impending book publication!

Swafford was absolutely thrilled to receive the publication offer. She says, “Years ago, I quickly learned to find a good, enjoyable read, Avon's logo needed to be on the spine. When I started writing, I dreamed of writing for them. So when I received the offer, it was a dream come true for sure.”

Circle of Desire will go on-sale in digital edition on October 18, 2011 (the print edition will become available on November 8).

About the book: Circle of Desire tells the story of a beautiful and deadly assassin who learns that her entire life has been a lie when she is kidnapped by the enigmatic leader of a rival spy organization. Olivia St. Vincent is the top assassin at The Circle, a shadowy group of mercenaries. She can hunt down anyone. She’s been trained since she was a teenager to kill without feeling, to interact with men without love. But when she’s kidnapped by the enigmatic leader of a rival organization, she learns she’s been lied to for years. She never worked for the good guys. Collin Ryker believes the sultry woman he’s abducted knows more than she’s telling about The Circle and its plans for complete domination. Over time, as they work together, Olivia’s tenacity and vulnerability captivate him. But if he isn’t careful, Collin will fall into the biggest trap of all: caring for a woman who can betray him to his greatest enemy.

RT Book Reviews recently gave Circle of Desire a stellar review (four and a half stars), saying, “This is a dark, gritty story that will grab you by the throat and not let go." And then, "[T]his couple discovers that in their line of work a trip to the bedroom may be just as dangerous as a gunfight.”

About the author: Carla Swafford inherited her love of books from her dad and his father. Growing up, she read every book with a horse on the cover until the age of twelve when she read her first romance. Tired of waiting for her favorite authors to publish more books, she decided to write one. She joined Romance Writers of America and was the finalist in several contests. Carla lives in Alabama and works in a male-dominated occupation at the same company with her husband. For more information on the author, visit http://www.carlaswafford.com/.

For a video interview featuring Carla Swafford talking about her meteoric rise to publication, visit http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/video-interview-carla-swafford.

Circle of Desire (Avon Impulse, $3.99; e-isbn 9780062117793) is available 10/18/11, where e-books are sold.

About HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world, is a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups around the world including the HarperCollins General Books Group, HarperCollins Children’s Books Group, Zondervan, HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins Canada, HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand and HarperCollins India. HarperCollins is a broad-based publisher with strengths in literary and commercial fiction, business books, children's books, cookbooks, mystery, romance, reference, religious and spiritual books. With nearly 200 years of history HarperCollins has published some of the world's foremost authors and has won numerous awards including the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, the Newbery Medal and the Caldecott. Consistently at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement HarperCollins is the first publisher to digitize its content and create a global digital warehouse to protect the rights of its authors, meet consumer demand and generate additional business opportunities. You can visit HarperCollins Publishers on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com/.

# # #

I have nothing to wear to the ball!

The romance award season is upon us, and Avon is looking pretty good so far.

And, the announcements were made readily available on Facebook!


Tuesday, Novemeber 1, 2011.

GraveTells PNR News & Reviews
"Congrats to Pamela Palmer on winning GraveTells' October 2011 Reviewer's Choice award for Ecstasy Untamed!"

Acceptance Speech:

Pamela Palmer
"This is so cool! Ecstasy Untamed is GraveTells very first Reviewer's Choice Award winner. Thanks, GraveTells!!"




GOODREADS NOMINATIONS!

Goodreads Choice Awards 2011
Avon's statement:

"Congrats to Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn -- all nominated for 2011 Goodreads Choice Award, for Romance! Vote for your favorite novel of the year - this is the first of three rounds!"


Susan Elizabeth Phillips



Eloisa James



Julia Quinn


"And...Paranormal Fantasy! Nominated in the 2011 Goodreads Choice award challenge are Jeaniene Frost and Kim Harrison!"



Jeaniene Frost



Kim Harrison


Fingers Crossed!

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Best Romance Vote now for your favorite books!

We've been so good together, but I just need to see where this takes me....

Why limit yourself (to the bounded print book). Be a trailblazer and accept the inevitable (the merging of e-publishing and the traditional publishing industry): Avon has, and here is how.

Date: 03/07/2011
Author: Pam Jaffee
Subject: Avon Books Introduces Digital Publishing Imprint

Media Contacts:
Erin Crum
212.207.7223
Erin.Crum@harpercollins.com

Pam Jaffee
212.207.7495
Pam.Jaffee@harpercollins.com

 

Avon Books Introduces Digital Publishing Imprint

 

Avon Impulse Launches March 2011 with e-Original Romances

NEW YORK, NY, March 7, 2011 - Today, Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announces the debut of Avon Impulse, a new imprint dedicated to digital publishing. The new imprint will feature e-books and print-to-order novels and novellas by existing Avon authors, and will seek new talent to nurture in an e-book marketplace that finds Romance experiencing expansive growth. "Romance readers have been among the first to embrace books digitally," says Liate Stehlik, Senior Vice President and Publisher of William Morrow and Avon Books. "Their passion has encouraged us to introduce a line of romance e-books, which empowers Avon to publish more quickly, with an eye to what's trending in fiction." The new imprint is looking to publish multiple titles each month, eventually releasing new content on a weekly basis. The Avon Impulse brand has grown organically from Avon's existing publishing program and offers authors all the strengths of Avon's widely respected team. Books will be acquired by Avon editors, and will benefit by targeted marketing and publicity plans, as well as powerful sales platforms.

"What sets Avon Impulse apart," affirms Stehlik, "is that authors are signing to work alongside the Avon team, and will benefit from the same platforms that Avon authors have always enjoyed."

As part of the imprint's publishing strategy, each Avon Impulse e-book will benefit from a dedicated "five-point" marketing and publicity platform, helping build awareness in the competitive marketplace. Plans include cross promotion, digital marketing and publicity, social media outreach, interactive assets and coaching, as well as targeted online retail placement strategies.

"Without traditional printing constraints, we can edit, market and release e-books more quickly, allowing unprecedented speed to market," says Carrie Feron, Morrow/Avon Vice President and Editorial Director. "The Avon Impulse imprint also allows us greater flexibility in the length of books we can publish - from novella to full-length fiction, and enables us to explore new themes in romance."

"There is so much opportunity right now within the romance genre," Stehlik says. "Readers have found a rich array of fresh content using digital and e-reading devices. It's crystal clear that we can nurture great talent via Avon Impulse's e-book publishing platform - and that there is already a very dedicated fan base of savvy digital readers."

The line launches with A LADY'S WISH, an original e-novella by Katharine Ashe; on-sale 3/15/11; and then features ROYAL WEDDING, a historical romance short fiction anthology by Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley and Loretta Chase, timed to coincide with the nuptials of Britain's most beloved young couple. Later in the season bring four releases from Lavinia Kent and a prelude to Karina Cooper's Avon debut, Blood of the Wicked. Jaime Rush launches a brand new series with a digital short; and a full-length paranormal romance novel by author Kristin Miller will be released in the summer.

Avon Impulse is currently in the acquisition and production process for e-books to be published in 2011 and 2012. "We are actively looking to acquire for Avon Impulse," says Feron. Authors looking to submit to Avon Impulse can find guidelines and an online submission portal at www.avonimpulse.com. "We are looking for quality submissions across every romance subgenre," says Feron.

Avon Impulse e-books will be made available at all online retailers, everywhere in the world where English-language e-books are sold. For those seeking a hard copy of individual Avon Impulse titles, print-to-order books will be available from online book retailers.

For more information on Avon Impulse, and a detailed FAQ, visit http://www.harpercollins.com/footer/www.avonimpulse.com.

About HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world, is a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups around the world including the HarperCollins General Books Group, HarperCollins Children’s Books Group, Zondervan, HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins Canada, HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand and HarperCollins India. HarperCollins is a broad-based publisher with strengths in literary and commercial fiction, business books, children's books, cookbooks, mystery, romance, reference, religious and spiritual books. With nearly 200 years of history HarperCollins has published some of the world's foremost authors and has won numerous awards including the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, the Newbery Medal and the Caldecott. Consistently at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement HarperCollins is the first publisher to digitize its content and create a global digital warehouse to protect the rights of its authors, meet consumer demand and generate additional business opportunities. You can visit HarperCollins Publishers on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com/.

# # #

There's nothing sexier than a man in uniform....

... and apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Not only do you get to fantasize about his lapels, you also get:

"November 11 is Veterans Day,and everyone at juliaquinn.com would like to honor the men and women of the United States military.

During the month of November, JQ and Waxcreative Design will give away 100 books to soldiers, veterans, and military spouses. Simply fill out the easy form below, and on November 11, we will choose 100 winners at random to receive the Julia Quinn novel of their choice.

From the bottom of our hearts,
thank you for your service. "

-- Julia Quinn

Their eyes met across the crowded market place...

Social media has become an essential marketing tool for Avon. They especially made their presence known on Facebook and have used the site's capabilities to their advantage, and as of today, 12, 091 people have liked the page. Avon has followed the marketing strategy of attracting consumers by giving away goods, their monthly contests and sweepstakes, alerting members of their various media tools of the upcoming releases, and posting samples of the books. However, Avon has come up with an unique way to attract more traffic through their sites: they currently have three books posted on their Facebook page which can be read in its entirety, for free! SAY WHAT! That's right. But here's the catch. When the novels are posted, only the first chapter of the book is accessible to the fans, and the only way to open the rest of the chapters is to get whatever amount of fans Avon stipulates to like their page.


The number seems to be set based on a combination of who the author is and the release date of the book. The Ninth Day by Jamie Freveletti has already been released, which explains why only 97 more fans are needed to unlock the next installment of the book. Similarly, Wendi Corsi Staub's Hell To Pay will also have another installment unlocked with 97 more fans on Avon's page, but it hasn't been released yet and can be only pre-order as of today. I wonder why that is, considering that the Prologue and up to Chapter 2 are available... And last but not least, One Night In London by Caroline Linden needs another 2,095 fans for the next chapter to be unlocked, and at the moment, the novel can be only pre-ordered as the book as not been release as of yet. It seems this is the latest free release for Avon on Facebook because of the single chapter that has been unlocked and the amount needed to unlock another. No doubt this large number of fans needed is Avon's way of making sure the traffic consistently moves through their social medias.


Way to use your haggling skills.

And they lived...

When presented with the project of tracking any publisher of my choosing, the choice was instantaneous for me: AVON.

Ever since I can remember (i.e. at the age of 9 stealing my mother's HQNs), I have been reading romance novels, some of them great, some of them good, and some of them not so good, but one thing always remained consistent, I got my happy ending. I'm a lover of all things Political Science and Law - hence my undergraduate major; however, sometimes it's necessary to get away from my cynicism and critical thinking, and my escapism of choice, and what always leaves me feeling fuzzy, are romance novels.

So, for the next few months I'll be tracking Avon Romance, an imprint of HarperCollins.