When I started The Galaxy Express, I did so with the understanding that I would need to be proactive in unearthing as many science fiction romance books as possible. I made a commitment to spending time every week seeking out new life and new civilizations the latest news and events in the subgenre. The challenge and thrill of discovery is a tremendously fun part of the process.
I love to hear about forthcoming science fiction romance books even before the ink on the contract is dry. I’ve been learning how beneficial it is to unearth this news as soon as possible. With a subgenre as niche as SFR, such information is crucial to its survival. I envision this blog as a way of connecting readers with the flavors of stories they enjoy the most. The more books readers know about, the more they can support the artists who create them.
To obtain the necessary information, I visit numerous sites on a regular basis. However, I can’t reach them all every week. Scandalous, I know. So what’s a blogger to do?
We all know that blatant promotion in the comment section is a drag, but here at TGE I’m actively seeking new books in the science fiction romance genre, so I appreciate authors who are proactive about providing the information where appropriate. If you’re conducting a promotion for your SFR, I’m all ears. Have a new cover to share, or you’ve just revamped your Web site? Bring it on!
The Galaxy Express is a niche blog for a niche subgenre. But it’s also a part of a larger science fiction romance community of readers, authors, editors, and publishers. The more we know—and the earlier we know—the more we can spread the buzz buzz buzz.
I’ll admit to being perplexed at times when authors don’t take advantage of promotional opportunities whose only costs are time and imagination. Authors are busy people—absolutely understood. And there are life circumstances that prohibit promotion at times. But in an age of publishing industry upheaval, fierce competition, and little publicity support from publishers, online communities will play an increasingly important role in connecting authors directly with readers.
All I’m trying to say is, if you have any news related to your SFR books, contact me at any stage in the process at sfrgalaxy “at” gmail.com. If you bring the news directly to me, I can act on it faster than if you depend on me to make the rounds. To the authors, readers, bloggers, and editors who have been doing this already, I thank you.
Remember, during my monthly “SFR Linkfest,” anyone is welcome to post SFR news, links, and current events in the comment section. I will do my best to get the information out there. I can’t promise the moon, but when possible it may show up in venues in addition to The Galaxy Express (Hello, Loveletter! Hello, Tor.com!).
Why, feel free to hit me up right now!
Joyfully yours,
Heather