Sunday, December 1, 2019

Secret to More Manuscript Sales #Niches

Want to sell more manuscripts? Find a niche and fill it.

Award-winning, multi-published Susan K. Marlow, author of "Wholesome Books for Kids" did just that. (See Author Friends, Meet Susan K. Marlow, 10-30-16.) 
 http://colleenreece.blogspot.com
 
Little did Susan know when Kregel Publications introduced the CIRCLE C ADVENTURES series in 2005 (Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home) that her story of an eleven-year-old girl in 1880 California (who would rather ride her horse Taffy than go to school) would launch a highly-successful  writing career. Fourteen years later, Susan has 30 published books, four more coming out in 2020, with over 180,000  copies sold.

Based on, "Horses, Adventures, and the Old West," Susan's titles have won fans of all ages. Her teaching background and interest in early California add authenticity and historical information to her books. She and her husband Roger travel to several home-school conventions each year and meet fans as well as sell books. Susan offers a wealth of supplemental material on her website and blog such as lapbooks, study guides, etc. https://circlecadventures.com
                 
Susan and Colleen years ago at one of her early bazaars.
(She no longer has braids.)








 Susan's CIRCLE C ADVENTURES (ages 9-13) was followed by CIRCLE C BEGINNINGS (ages 6-9), CIRCLE C STEPPING STONES (ages 7-10), and  CIRCLE C MILESTONES (ages12 and up)

Reader demands for books especially for (but not limited to) boys led to GOLDTOWN ADVENTURES (ages 9-13). Twelve-year-old Jem knows the gold rush is over but finding flakes in Cripple Creek causes him to dream about striking it rich.

Susan's newest series, GOLDTOWN BEGINNINGS (ages 6-9)  finds seven-year-old Jem and his almost-six-year-old sister Ellie caught up in all kinds of trouble.

Susan's books show there are consequences to actions but are not preachy. Readers learn along with the characters, who are forced to face all kinds of situations.

I have one whole bookshelf devoted to Susan's books. Filled with laughter, suspense, and sometimes a tear or two, they are definitely five-star titles, to be read and enjoyed again and again

Susan's main character, Andi Carter, has her own blog. You can share Andi's adventures at http://CircleCAdventures.blogspot.com

































6 comments:

judy said...

Good work, Susan. And great mentoring/cheerleading, Colleen.

Colleen L. Reece said...

Thanks, Judy. I am so proud of Susan She has come such a long way, persevered, and succeeded. She deserves our praise.

Renee Riva said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Renee Riva said...

Sorry, just editing my previous comment..... if I ever have grandchildren, this will be the series I will enjoy with them. Little Andy is adorable!

Sandra Nachlinger said...

Congratulations to Susan for her successful writing career. Boys and girls are lucky to have her delightful books to enjoy.

Colleen L. Reece said...

Thanks, Renee and Sandy. Yes, Susan has come a long way. I am privileged to be able to encourage her.