Want a Hot Summer? Meet Bestselling Romance Author, Judy Powell

Today, I’m so pleased to be able to welcome the fantastic romance author, Judy Powell.  First of all Judy, congratulations on the wonderful success of your bestselling romance, Hot Summer!  For people who haven’t read it yet, could you tell us a bit about it?

Thank you so much for having me, Katheryn! Hot Summer is the story of Summer Jones, a feisty graduate student who meets Lance Munroe, a big shot record producer who just rubs her the wrong way.  To Summer’s chagrin, circumstances drive her to accept a job working for him.  As hard as she tries, she can’t deny her growing attraction for him.  Lance, for his part, is intrigued by the petite hot-tempered woman who seems to feel she is a match for him.  But it is when they go on a business trip to Jamaica that he realizes that he’s lost the battle.  He’s lost his heart to the little tigress.  It’s a roller coaster romance full of conflict and passion.

What do you think have been the biggest factors in the success of Hot Summer?

Hot Summer has received positive reviews from book clubs and individuals, for which I am truly grateful.  However, even though reviews are important, I believe the biggest factor in the success of Hot Summer has been the support I received from websites like ereadernewstoday.com, pixelofink.com, and ebooksforabuck.com.  I also attribute the book’s success to bloggers like you, who have been so kind as to interview me and allow me to speak about my book.  Price is important as well.  For a writer who does not already have a name in the marketplace, an attractive (low) price can help.  For such a writer it would probably not be advisable to go over $ 2.99 at the outset.  I have kept Hot Summer at $0.99 to make it super attractive.  And let’s not forget the importance of an attractive book cover!


I believe you originally published Hot Summer in 2005. What made you decide to republish it?

Yes, I do have a print version which was published a few years ago.  However, with the growth of e-books I decided to produce an updated version for those who would like to download the book to electronic devices.  This has resulted in an upsurge in interest for my novel.  I am able to reach far more readers with the e-book.  I am also able to offer a far more attractive price – only $0.99.  I am happy that my novel is now reaching so many new readers.

The 2005 edition of Hot Summer had a different cover. Why did you decide to change it for the 2011 edition and do you think it made a difference to sales?

I decided to change the original cover (girl in bikini) because a couple of my readers indicated that they expected erotica.  Hot Summer is a contemporary romance, not erotica, so rather than mislead my readers I decided to give the cover a more contemporary feel.  That is the beauty of e-books.  They are dynamic and can be changed at a moment’s notice, as often as the author or publisher desires.  I do believe the new cover has helped sales.  The current cover provides a more accurate tone for the book and the clean beach image is appealing.  

Who designed the great cover for the 2011 edition?

My cover artist, Dara England, delivered on her promise of an attractive cover. She’s provided me with three beautiful covers so far.  Dara may be found at mycoverart.wordpress.com.

What are you working on at the moment? 

I am currently working on a ghost-writing project for a client from New York.


When you are not writing, what do you like doing in your free time?

In my free time (and even when I’m not free) I love to read.  When I can’t find time to read a hard copy or e-book I listen to audio books on CD’s.  I go through several books a month while driving in the car or doing house work.  When I’m not reading I love to study (i.e. enrol in a course of study).  I absolutely love to learn.  I wish someone would pay me to do that.

What advice do you have for other authors out there? 

My number one piece of advice is to set deadlines for yourself.  I am the queen of procrastination so I know the importance of deadlines.  A deadline is great for focusing the mind so you can stay on track with projects.   Second, read other works in your targeted genre (particularly best-selling works) to get a feel for what appeals to the market.  Third, work with writing buddies, if possible – as long as they are supportive of your efforts.  There is a synergy that can be gained from working with others with a similar interest.  

Finally, do you have any parting comments that you would like to share with us?

Yes.  I would like to encourage authors to write the book of their heart.  If there is a particular genre or subject that holds great appeal for you please translate your passion for that idea into a book.  Your readers will feel your passion and come to love your book as you do.  Some authors may have experienced rejection from publishers, as I have.  Do not let that shake your faith but continue to work at your project, polish it to the best of your ability and get it out there so that readers can find you.  Then promote, promote, promote!  The growth of e-books has opened a world of possibilities.  Take advantage of that.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I invite readers to visit my website at www.judypowell.com and if that’s not enough, my personal contact information is there.  Readers should feel free to e-mail me or give me a call.  I would be happy to share further details on my journey as an author in the Amazon.com kindle store.

Thank you so much Judy for telling us about your great book, and also for your generous encouragement, advice and help!