Ela Roman, a graduate student in the MBA program at the London Business School, contacted me about a group project she’s doing on industry research – specifically on the romance novel industry. Her project is “looking at the way different industries are attentive and react to the needs/requests etc of their customers, as they appear in the marketplace (especially today with participatory media).”
Her inquiry asks, “What would you change in the romance community” and the group goal is to “identify future trends” and recommendations to keep the industry thriving.
She’s hoping that if you have a moment and want to reveal your inner feelings about the industry, you’ll take a look at the group survey, which has no mandatory questions and will take about 3 minutes to fill out.
I took the survey yesterday, and asked Ela about the question, “What is one unmet need for the romance novel industry?” Seemed vague to me – but she replied that survey respondents had “come up with quite interesting answers so far to that question – from being annoyed with the covers of the books, many feel ashamed to be seen reading them in public, to the stereotypes on the genre and the lack of respect they receive, the way the industry chooses to focus on different trends, or lack of sites or stores that address particular needs.”
Good points.
So – how would you change the romance industry? Tell Ela, if you like, or tell us here, or both.
ETA: Wow, am I ever a grade A USDA certified Moron. Here’s the link.
Is the survey posted somewhere? (since there’s no link)
Or are we supposed to put our thoughts here?
I would like Harlequin to line up, blind fold and shoot like a rabid animal the next editor/sales department executive/janitorial staff who suggests using the words baby, virgin, or sheik with a straight face in any title on any of their numerous product lines.
Thanks,
The Pig
Also secret and shame.
Revenge, demand, pregnant, tycoon, Greek – and last, but definitely not least – mistress.
GAH.
I’m with Anji, looking for the link!
Although “Revenge of the Greek Tycoon’s Secret Mistress” would be an interesting title.
*author about to shoot herself in the foot*
I’d like the erotic romance genre to be as plot driven as it is sex driven.
The idea that “sex sells” is fine as long as the plot doesn’t get tossed into the can for it.
*bang*
*Hops on one foot*
Please add “boss” to the words-that-shall-not-be-used in romance titles. ‘Cause that whole balance of power, employee/employer dynamic just squicks me out.
How about telling all the publishers’ marketing departments that along with some variety in titles, variety in cover art and cover styles would be a good thing? With all the artistic talent available, it’s a crying shame how boring and imitative covers are. Every chick lit book has the same cover. Every Harlequin this-or-that has the same cover. Every paranormal has the same cover. I’m dying for art on the cover as good and as original as the story inside.
I’m a historical romance junkie, so I’m going to say I’d to like to see different historical time periods, like the Roaring Twenties, the few hundred years between the Middle Ages and the 19th Century, ancient anything, etc. And/or different locales (some place other than England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or Paris—actually, strike the last, I want MORE Paris).
As for plot points, why why why can’t there be sexually agressive, sophisticated women in romance who aren’t the evil villaness? I know Candy and Sarah have bitched on that topic before, and I totally agree with them.
Other than the title improvements, one of my wishes as a reader is more romantic fiction set in early 20th century America.
1900-1950 2 world wars, major inventions, global travel , women getting out of the house ,toilets getting INTO the house, medical advances, UFO fear etc.
Actually an entire series such as a “BLAHBLAH Publishing Presents a Century of Romance 1900-1999” would be incredible.
lets see… a decade a year.. gives them 10 years of books to publish!
Oh, and I’d like to say that Christian winning Project Runway last night was an absolute no brainer.
The only person that could have taken him on mano-y-mano was Chris but they were too flustered about the hair as fringe deal. STUPID!
Everyone will always remember the hair dress and the safety pin skirt when it’s all said and done.
I love Regency period novels, but I really hate it when American words pop up like Fall, and gotten (I know gotten was originally an English word, but it did leave common usage, and is only used now making a comeback in UK and commonwealth countries because of American TV/Movies). Also, inappropriate use of titles like ‘Lady Barbara Fort’ who is daughter of a Viscount/Baronet/Sir Someone-of-Other. That is very poor research.
I am totally with NkB; bring on the diverse historicals! I would LOVE to see a roaring twenties romance or two, any of the “ancient” civilizations, anything outside of the Highlands and England, really.
And while we’re at it, how about some new locales and culture groups? A wicked hawt Maori hero, steamy loving in Australia or Korea?
I’m also sick to death of emo vampires. Stake ‘em all and find a new paranormal horse to flog, PLEASE.(not to say that there aren’t any good vampire heroes; the market is just so oversaturated…)
Throw in world peace and a torrid affair with Colin Firth, and I cn die a happy woman. ;P
Brianna, yes! Or, worse, Lord Fort’s wife being called Lady Barbara. No, writer: she’s Lady Fort, not Lady Barbara. Lady Barbara is Lord Fort’s *daughter*, if he’s an earl or marquess.
And how about fewer Americans in contemporaries? The writer can set a story in deepest Nowhereville and still the heroine is American. ADFAFS54145H*^&*(*
I just recalled a series of Covers Gone Wild chock full of kangaroos and sheilas, and would like to retract my request for Australian romances.
I completely agree with publishing MORE historical time periods. I’m for publishing more romance novels, period.
And I’ll go against the grain and admit that I like the “Virgin’s Secret Baby”, but not necessarily the overbearing billionaire tycoons. They make me think of Donald Trump. Ew. Having graduated with the kids of billionaire tycoons (including The Donald’s) I suppose some of the shine has rubbed off for me.
Secret babies, though, get me every time. LUV them.
How about “The Landscape Architect’s Secret Baby” or “The City Planner’s Virgin Mistress?” I’d read those for sure. 😉
Ela, you need to check out Glen Thomas in Queensland. He writes about the romance industry as a creative industry—fabulous ideas and an amazing resource.
I love the idea for a series that 1900-1999!
Thanks for the link to the survey. It is an interesting and well planned one, giving proper weight to comments as well as multiple-choice answers.
No. More. Virgin. Widows!!!!
For the love of all that is good and pure in the world, no more!
I would love to see the Big Misunderstanding bite the dust. Or failing that (because I have seen it work once or twice), have it be a minor (MINOR) plot element, not two hundred pages of a book.
Maybe I’m all alone on this one- and I’ll keep all the coffee and pizza for myself if I am… but can we have a hero who’s not a total gym bunny? I like thinking the hero in a book is someone I could actually catch lol so he needs to limp a bit, hell hit him with phaser on stun if you have to. As long as he’s a good guy (and Irish doesn’t hurt heh heh) I’m in the game.
haha problem 82.. long list.