If you happen to be a blog reader as well as someone in my newsletter database, please be advised. I’m using this note to kill two birds with one stone. Please feel free to disregard one or the other.
During World War II, a company called Avon Books began publishing what were then referred to as “pocket books,”—inexpensive paperbacks small enough that soldiers and sailors could carry them in the pockets of their uniforms. In 1985, when my first Beaumont book, Until Proven Guilty, was published by Avon, I was proud to be a part of that long paperback history.
At that time my books sold for $2.65 each. My royalty share for each sale amounted to 25 cents. At one of my book signings, I was asked how much I made per book. Naturally I answered. At the end of the signing, a man came up to thetable and slammed a quarter down in front of me, saying he’d bought his copy from a second-hand store. That means I made 50 cents on that one—a quarter for the original sale as well as his. I told him, “Thank you very much.”
And then there was my least favorite editor from New York City. As a volunteer, I was designated to pick her up at Sea-Tac and drive her to a writer’s conference at Pacific Lutheran University southeast of Tacoma. Somewhere along the way, she asked me who my publisher was. When I told her Avon, she sniffed and said dismissively, “Oh, original paperbacks. That’s where anybody who wants to get published can get published.” I took her to the conference and dropped her off. I have no idea how she got back to the airport, because I sure as hell didn’t take her. For all I know, maybe she’s still out there, wandering around in the wilds.
But all of this is leading up to the fact that I have a long history with paperback readers, and they make up a big part of my readership. So here’s the deal. Joanna Brady #21, The Girl From Devil’s Lake, goes on sale September 22. This is coming at a point when I’m at 90% in the process of writing Joanna Brady # 22, but as they say, that’s another story.
And here’s another bit of my personal writing history. Shortly before Until Proven Guilty was scheduled to be published, I asked my sales rep, “When’s the party?” She replied, “What party? There is no party.” Then I asked, “What about signings?” Her answer? “These are paperbacks. Nobody signs paperbacks.” But this girl from Bisbee, Arizona, was about to be published by a New York-based publisher, and if paperbacks were all I had, I was sure as hell going to sign them! So we had our own party and my agent set up thirty individual book signings, thus pushing Until Proven Guilty into an unprecedented second printing. And the rest is history.
All this is to say, I truly value my paperback readers and I STILL sign paperbacks. If you’d like your own personalized paperback copy of The Girl From Devil’s Lake, please consider ordering it from Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond, Washington. Please let them know how you’d like the book signed and inscribed if applicable. At age 82 I can’t travel long distances to do signings, but I can make it from Bellevue to Redmond!
Happy reading, everybody, and thank you for being all the readers—hardback, paperback, audio, or ebook—who have made my lifelong dreams of becoming a writer come true.
Gratefully,
JAJance
in my college years and early married years, I bought beans not books—but the public library was there for the price of riding my bicycle there and packing a few books in my backpack to ride home and spend an hour or so reading while the beans cooked. Librarians placed your books front and center on the checkout desk–and that is how I found JP Beaumont.
In later years when I traveled/flew for work, I would pick up a best seller in hardback at the airport for reading pleasure during the flight. Sometimes it was a paperback but I tried for hardbound as I think the authors get a larger royalty.
Dear JA, going back to last week’s post, what I love about your tales, in addition to the interesting mysteries, is the stories about the characters. I feel like the main characters are my friends and I look forward to seeing how their lives develop. I particularly enjoy the Joanna Bradys, I think, because there are so many lives in them to develop. Best wishes, Elli Rogan
P. S. Your southwest geography is interesting. I chuckle at your midwestern sometimes, though, like the long-distance truckers who made a pit stop in Wichita after stopping in K. C. , because they are an hour apart – even I don’t stop that often.
Three comments:
1. When is the publishing date for the next Beau book?
2.My son lived in Seattle for a number of years and was an SPD Volunteer. He loved your reference to the teddy bear program, he was involved in that.
3.I have been thinking that with all this AI stuff……Frigg was well ahead of the curve.
Be well,
Dean
The pub date for Beaumont is November 11.
The Teddy Bear Patrol pretty much went viral, but SPD was first.
And yes, much to my liberal arts surprise, Frigg was way ahead of the curve.
You are very, very, VERY welcome. Sometimes people can be so snotty & mean when there is no reason for it. I will continue to purchase your books as ebooks for the very simple reason that is all I can afford. But I love, love, love your books. I do not have every one you have written but will put a list of your books together and let you know how many I have and if I have read them all.
Hope you are having a great day. Please continue to write the great books. Just realized I also need to group the series books together. I’m slow at getting things together in all the correct places.
Sincerely,
Diane Lamont
Thank you so much for your wonderful books. I love the Joanna Brady books tons and also Beaumont. Thank you for having Beaumont be a recovering alcoholic who stays sober. Enjoyed hearing you speak several times in Southern Oregon. Thank you for all the interest and pleasure you have given.
You have no idea how much I have enjoyed your “paperbacks” – I have recommed many times UPG to friends to start the JAJance experience . I hit 79 in a couple of weeks so keep up the writing we enjoy.
It was fun to see someone else refer to UPG. That’s what we call it at our house.
Hi Judy,
I have the original hard cover book version of The Girl from Devil’s Lake. Good ready. Look forward to another Joanna Brady book. I like her character. Yes, I joined the 82 club this summer.
Virginia
Being roommates for one year at Pima Hall is a long way in the rearview mirror now. So good to hear from you.
Thank you for being as wonderful, as straight forward, as amusing as smart as you are. I appreciate ALL of your written words.
Dusty
81 in Green Valley AZ
I have 4 paperbacks of The Girl From Devil’s Lake preordered from Brick and Mortar and yes, I want them signed. The hardback version sits on a stand in my den where anyone who comes in can see it. Three are for me to send to friends and relatives who don’t live close and one for me to keep to re-read over and over again. I am one of your [usually] paperback book only reader.
Blessing to you and Bill
I am glad you accomplished your dream. I enjoy all your books.
I buy hard copies when I can afford them (and I always make sure to get your books in hard back) but paperbacks have been my life blood. I have many of yours in paperback and both forms are precious to me.
Thank you, Judy!
It has been my pleasure to see your books however they are published, anyway I can read them or listen to them.
Since I found your writings my thirst for them can only be called insatiable.
Thank you for giving the world these people and lives we can join and love as part of our families.
I’m as always waiting to visit with you and them.
Thank you again for being part of my life.
I truly appreciate you, your attitude, besides being my favorite author, you have allowed us to feel you are our friend. Thank you!
I have all your books in all your series and I’d say 80-90% of them are paperbacks. That’s what the first book of yours I read, J.P Beaumont’s “Second Watch.” I get them almost all on Amazon. And most of my hardbacks are when I get your new releases (of course).
I’ve taken a bit of a reading hiatus since the baseball season started, but need to restart. I miss reading before bed and I also sleep better reading before.
I always would like to thank you for your writings entertaining my brain!
I love paperbacks as I can carry them in my purse. Especially if I take myself out to lunch. But, I can never wait for yours to come out in paperback so I always buy your hardcovers. I have loved every one.
I love reading your books since we are both from Bisbee and so do my girls!
I have been a reader of JA Jance books most of my life. You’ve helped me through so much through the years, Thank you. One time you came to Amarillo, TX for a book signing, and I took off work to attend and have my book signed. Greatly enjoyed your speech, and want to thank you again for all you have written. Years ago a friend of mine (and fellow reader of your books) traveled with her husband through Bisbee, and said she recognized so many places there from your books. She just couldn’t understand why (at that time) they didn’t have signs all over the place honoring you. We are devoted fans!
I just checked and all my paperbacks are signed. Didn’t know the story behind “pocket books.” I always thought new authors had their books published as paperback books until they were “known!” I think that came after your 8th Beaumont and first Ali book.
You’re welcome. And thank you for many hours of pleasure, entertainment, and distraction when I needed it.
My mother loved your books, too. I bought her several signed copies. She was thrilled with each one. I think she believed that you personally knew who she was. Esther was a narcissist before that became popular.
Meredith
Grateful for you and your many books, glad you kept at it!
As a 78 year old myself, I have stopped waiting for the paperback copy to be sold and buy the hard back now. I don’t want to wait to learn about my favorite fictional friends!!!!!
Thank you, JA!
Best to you and Bill. <3
Thank you for the years of enjoyment you have given us.
Thank you for the years of enjoyment you have given us.
Your blogs are always so entertaining. I love them, and love all your books/paperbooks. I’ve seen you several times in Arizona (Changing Hands, Casa Grande Library, Poisoned Pen). My good friend, Andi Kerner, who writes under the pen name of, Lynne Anders, are big, big fans!!
Stay in good health!
Linda