Edwards Pens 100th Romance
by Staff -- Publishers Weekly, 8/20/2007
Dorchester Publishing is giving a little extra push to Cassie Edwards's next title, Savage Skies, which will be released August 28. The title is Edwards's 100th book, nearly all of which fall into the subgenre of Indian romance. Edwards began writing romances based on Native American themes 25 years ago, and there are now more than 10 million copies of her books in print, said her current editor, Alicia Condon, Dorchester editorial director. Condon said Edwards's sales have been “remarkably steady,” with each book in recent years averaging printings between 250,000 and 300,000. First printing for Savage Skies is 250,000.
Condon said Edwards has been able to develop a loyal fan base because of her storytelling ability, thorough research and sensitivity to Native American issues. “In a [romance] market where trends change every year, Cassie has stuck to what she does best and developed her own brand,” Condon said.
Marketing for the 100th title will include national print advertising and a special mailing to booksellers with a pitch from Condon for the title. Tim De Young, Dorchester sales manager, said the company would like to see sales through traditional bookstores increase. Edwards's titles, all released as mass market originals, have always done best in big-box stores.
