Comments on: Meet Borders Romance Buyer Sue Grimshaw

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:53:45 +0000

Hey Susan — absolutely! Just email me

By: Susan Crandall

Susan Crandall — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:49:55 +0000

Here’s an “I’ve been buried in deadline so don’t have a clue what is going on in the world” question. How do I access your fabulous expert list?
Susan

By: Susan Crandall

Susan Crandall — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:44:35 +0000

Sue,
So great to see you here. It’s always interesting to hear from the “other side” of our business. Goodness knows you’re one of the most valuable assets our genre has. A huge thank you!
Susan

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:10:30 +0000

Hi Gina! Thanks for your questions — Borders stores have a corporate sign package that they are required to implement so unless you’ve received approval thru your local store to display shelf talkers, etc, it probably would not be in your best interest to produce them.

That said, the expert store list you mentioned above, are stores that have volunteered for the expert program — these stores are eager to receive information, promo materials, etc. that will help them sell your books to their customers. The items experts find most helpful are Arc’s; bookmarks; etc. Items that they can share with their readers groups & customers rather than display in the store.

Thanks for asking!
Sue

By: gina robinson

gina robinson — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:34:24 +0000

Hi Sue–
I’m happy to say that my local Borders is very supportive of me as a romance author. I had a great signing for my debut there last fall and look forward to doing another for my next book when it comes out in December.

Also, thanks for being such an advocate for romance and for compiling your list of Borders romance experts. I used it to do a mailing for my upcoming book.

Speaking of promotion, I have a question for you. Several authors have mentioned making shelf talkers and mailing them out to bookstores. Is this a worthwhile promotion? Are Borders stores allowed to put out shelf talkers that authors send to them?

Thanks!

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:57:29 +0000

Hey ladies! In answer to your questions regarding book signings BGI really encourages stock signings & getting to know booksellers & store personal. After having met the GM’s absolutely inquire about how book signings do at their stores. Romance typically does best with group signings, more than one author as it brings in a larger customer group. Single author signings for Best Sellers and Mega Best Sellers always do well

Borders bookstores are your friends so please feel free to get to know the management there. They are the ones that will help you determine whether signings make the most sense for your book or not.

Hope this helps

Sue

By: Kris Kennedy

Kris Kennedy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:33:08 +0000

Hi Sue~
Very good information here, and I really enjoy the Borders blog. Thanks for all your terrific work!
I’m interested in Ann’s question too, about your opinion on the value of book signings, as far as impact on sales.
Thanks!

By: Ann Lethbridge

Ann Lethbridge — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:55:37 +0000

It is always fascinating to get an insight into another part of the industry. It is thrilling to know that you love Romance as much as we authors do.

For the most part the covers and the blurbs rest with the publisher, not the author, and since I feel the cover gods have been good to me, I am happy to leave it that way.

Do you have a sense that book signings and events at your stores make a huge difference in sales? In other words, do you encourage authors to get out there and promote their books personally in stores? There are mixed opinions about the value of this, so it would be interesting to hear your perspective on this.

Thanks for a great interview, Dara and to Sue for your frank answers.

Best
Ann

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:19:02 +0000

Thanks Dara & team for asking me to post today! As you probably can tell I really enjoy what I do — I could not have asked for a better career. Borders is a superior company to work for & their support of the Romance industry has been phenomenal.

I hope everyone will have a chance to visit our True Romance Blog noted in the post. Guest Authors visit everyday & we’ve lots of freebies

Today’s discussion is about covers & male models — what we like & don’t like. The topic came about due to a publisher’s request that I review their covers which in turn triggered this discussion.

Lori Foster will be joining us on the blog tomorrow.

I hope all is well for all of you & thanks again for the opportunity to post & chat with you all today,

Sue

By: Judi Fennell

Judi Fennell — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:45:57 +0000

Sue was instrumental in helping me sell my debut novel, In Over Her Head. She’s a GREAT lady!