How can world building for paranormal romance novels help with marketing those same novels?
You have only to look at the phenomenal popularity of the Dark Hunter novels by Sherrilyn Kenyon to see a prime example of how world building can lead to so much more.
Not only has she created spin off story lines with the Dream hunters, but she’s got her own conference as well as a series of graphic novels. Can the movies be far behind?
Oh! I hope not.
Did Kenyon do this on purpose? It’s a question only she can answer, and as a paranormal romance writer, one can only hope to achieve the same fan following that’s pushed her into the stratosphere.
My opinion is the effort she put into the world building for her paranormal romance novels, combined with distinct voice on the page and rich story lines earned her the fans and success that demanded more and more outlets for her characters.
Do World Building and Marketing have to go together?
It’s probably not a requirement- but why would you want to rule it out? Every author needs a hook – in the story, at the book signing, and for the future.
Doesn’t matter if it’s theme, characters, voice or setting. All of it can lend to the power of marketing the paranormal romance novel. If you’ve set your novel in a popular destination city (like Kenyon did with New Orleans) you’ve already upped your marketing potential.
It’s obvious in Kenyon’s books how she loves the historic city – so it serves her well and satisfies her readers to have her characters play there.
Is there a theme or symbol in your story, characters, or setting that readers can emotionally or mentally tie to your books? If so, capitalize on it and make it work for you.
My Justice Incarnate cover featured a scales of justice figure and I use a small scale at book signings to spark attention in my display. (it gives kids something to play with while I tell their parents about my books too).
It’s a small detail that I’ve capitalized on to break the ice and market my work. Has it made me a household name – not yet – but I believe I’ll get there, one well-balanced step at a time.
Live the adventure!
