So I’m having a problem.
What? You’re not surprised?
Here it is. My publisher has been doing a good job of getting word out about MRRO, getting me lots of blog interviews and having the book listed on lots of buying sites. The problem is the blurb.
It mentions Mr. Darcy.
Why is that a problem? Because the book, well, doesn’t.
Sarah has a compulsion about romance novels. But not the Jane Austen kind. Not the, um, legitimate kind. The other kind. The busty maidens and pec-heavy pirates. She has sort of built an expectation for her world out of the pages of that kind of book. And it’s funny.* But the blurb says “Mr. Darcy” and so people are responding to That. To Mr. Darcy. Who doesn’t make a single appearance in the book.
In fact, at one point during our round of Titling conversations, my editor suggested the title, “Wanted: Romance, Jane Austen Style” to which I responded, “it’s so cute. I’ll be back after I rewrite the entire book.” This blurb may be left over from that epoch, but it feels wrong. I feel like I’m trading on Miss Jane’s name. Do you see what I mean?
So here’s the scoop. It’s a funny book. A romantic comedy. About a slightly crazy girl taking a chance and recognizing her worth. there is hotness (though not Darcy-related hotness. Just Bennish hotness – his name is Ben) and some pretty good kissing, if I do say so myself. I hope you will love it. It still makes me laugh (especially her inter-brain discussions) and I hope it makes you laugh. But it’s not about Darcy, because Miss Jane already did that, and nobody matches her brilliance. So pick it up because you love me, or because you love the cover, or because it’s short and you don’t have time for a long read. Or because my cousins are discussing it on Facebook. Or because you read one of the great reviews that have been sprinkled around blogland. But just not because you’re looking for a Jane Austen spinoff. Because I want you to lurve the book, and not be disappointed.
Because I lurve you.
You know.
*Feel free to disagree, you know, nicely.
(18) Comments for this blog
Ohhhh! I’m laughing right now because I probably started this. I’m glad you cleared that up. And I have to say that I agree one hundred percent that Jane Austen already covered Mr. Darcy. Very well. Let’s all move on. So glad your book is about your character. Ben. I like that name. I’m sure I’m going to love the book.
I actually saw a book at Walmart the other day called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Notice I said SAW and not BOUGHT.
Ohhhh! I’m laughing right now because I probably started this. I’m glad you cleared that up. And I have to say that I agree one hundred percent that Jane Austen already covered Mr. Darcy. Very well. Let’s all move on. So glad your book is about your character. Ben. I like that name. I’m sure I’m going to love the book.
I actually saw a book at Walmart the other day called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Notice I said SAW and not BOUGHT.
Becca, I’ll be getting that book because I love BBM so much and because I know that you write with such feeling. Not because of anything Mr. Darcy related. And honestly, the only Mr. Darcy I’m wanting to read about it the one Jane originally wrote. I don’t care for the spinoff Darcy’s. 😉
Becca, I’ll be getting that book because I love BBM so much and because I know that you write with such feeling. Not because of anything Mr. Darcy related. And honestly, the only Mr. Darcy I’m wanting to read about it the one Jane originally wrote. I don’t care for the spinoff Darcy’s. 😉
I’ll read it because you wrote it. And that’s the ONLY reason. 🙂
I’ll read it because you wrote it. And that’s the ONLY reason. 🙂
I read it and I loved and didn’t even notice the absence of Mr. Darcy.
I read it and I loved and didn’t even notice the absence of Mr. Darcy.
Bec- I’m reading…I love it…and I love the name Ben, too! 😉 Don’t worry…people will read it and love it because it’s a fun, fresh, well-written book…not because it has anything to do (or not do) with Mr. Darcy. We lurve you too!
Bec- I’m reading…I love it…and I love the name Ben, too! 😉 Don’t worry…people will read it and love it because it’s a fun, fresh, well-written book…not because it has anything to do (or not do) with Mr. Darcy. We lurve you too!
I prefer Ben to Mr. Darcy. He’s far more real, you know? Shame about the blurb!
I prefer Ben to Mr. Darcy. He’s far more real, you know? Shame about the blurb!
Maybe it’s just a good comparison in the romantical feelings department.
Or maybe not.
I’ll have to go find the book and find out myself.
And I’m sure that’s what they’re going for, Eowyn – I just hate trading on someone’s name, you know? 🙂
Maybe it’s just a good comparison in the romantical feelings department.
Or maybe not.
I’ll have to go find the book and find out myself.
And I’m sure that’s what they’re going for, Eowyn – I just hate trading on someone’s name, you know? 🙂
Becca,
Maybe it’s that British accent. I know you have been concerneda about this since the day the publisher suggested that title; I totally understand your worry.
But never forget what an honor it is to be compared to Jane Austen.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If the references continue, cringe inward and then take a bow.
Becca,
Maybe it’s that British accent. I know you have been concerneda about this since the day the publisher suggested that title; I totally understand your worry.
But never forget what an honor it is to be compared to Jane Austen.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If the references continue, cringe inward and then take a bow.