Interview: Sue Grimshaw, Loveswept editor at large

By Joyce Lamb, USA TODAY

HEA is excited to feature the awesome Sue Grimshaw of Romance at Random (and the former but beloved Borders True Romance blog). Sue has always been a great friend of romance writers and readers as a bookseller. And now she’s a book editor! She’s in charge of the revived Loveswept line at Random House. Remember Loveswept? Big deal back in the ’80s and ’90s. Like, a really big deal. The imprint helped launch the careers of Iris Johansen, Sandra Brown, Janet Evanovich, Kay Hooper, Carla Neggers and Debra Dixon. Pretty impressive, huh? Now, Loveswept is back as a digital imprint that will publish new titles and reissue ones from the past. Sue joins HEA to talk about the new Loveswept. (Oh, and if you stick around until the end of the interview and leave a comment, you could win a digital copy of the new and original Loveswept book Because of You by Jessica Scott.)

HEA: Welcome, Sue! Your title at Ballantine Bantam Dell Publishing is category specialist and editor at large. What exactly does that mean?

Sue: *Grins* Good question. I’m responsible primarily for the Loveswept re-launch which includes: acquiring, editing and promoting original and reissued Loveswept books. In addition, I work very closely with our online marketing group as one of the hosts of the Romance At Random website. I always thought being a bookseller was the best job in the world, however, Random House BBD have since proven me wrong … I love my job.

HEA: How is this job different from what you did as a bookseller at Borders?

Sue: Category Specialist Editor At Large for Ballantine Bantam Dell/Loveswept is a very different job from that of a bookseller, yet very much the same. I’m still involved within the industry, traveling to various RWA chapter group meetings and conferences; I continue to interact with readers and authors and have maintained a blog forum similar to that of Borders True Romance Blog with Romance At Random. The primary difference is that I work directly with our associate publisher, Gina Wachtel, and together we buy the books that we believe readers want to read. Having almost 16 years on the book-selling side of the industry I had amazing insight into the trends and was able to monitor customer reading preferences. As editor at large, I get to buy those unpublished manuscripts and help make them the books readers want to read. I still have to pinch myself daily to make sure this is really happening. : )

HEA: Loveswept was huge many years ago. What happened to it and why?

Sue: In the ’90s the line was dissolved primarily because of the market trends at that time. When you think about it, so much has changed in the last 20+ years. In the digital world, there are no restrictions – shelf space is unlimited in the clouds; there is no upfront cost for online retailers to merchandise the books, so as you can see the environment is perfect for a new digital imprint such as Loveswept.

HEA: Why revive Loveswept as a digital imprint instead of starting a digital line with a new name?

Sue: Loveswept had such a strong following and even today the brand recognition is huge and the re-launch has been very well received. Because of Loveswept’s high regard we thought readers past and present would like to see its resurgence.

HEA: What kind of stories are you most interested in for Loveswept?

Sue: Everything. : ) Great romances: powerful characters, strong emotion, great dialogue, excellent pacing, in any sub-genre. We want to publish it all – from contemporary to paranormal and beyond.

HEA: What is it about romance readers that you love so much?

Sue: The romance genre is a passion for me, as well as a great job. The romance reader is like you and I – living a normal life looking to relax every now and then with a good story that makes you happy. Romance readers enjoy books, and many of them are not afraid to talk about what they like and don’t like in their stories – I love that interaction, and it is something we are actively creating a community for; one we welcome and nurture on www.romanceatrandom.com.

HEA: What is it about romance authors that you love so much?

Sue: The wonderful stories they write, of course! These ladies are some of the most intelligent, business-savvy people that not only know their market but know their readers too. It is always such a pleasure to interact with authors as we both have the same interest – to deliver a great book to romance readers and that is what makes it so much fun.

HEA: Loveswept is publishing original books, too. Can you tell us about this week’s release, Because of You?

Sue: I’m so proud of our original Loveswept release, Because of You by Jessica Scott. Here’s a preview on our recently released book trailer. The story is military-based, packed with emotion and is a true love story. Some of the quotes we’ve received by best-selling authors include:

“Jessica Scott is an exciting new voice in romantic fiction who bursts upon the scene with an unputdownable debut novel! ” — Robyn Carr

“Edgy and current — and a truly satisfying love story. Put this book, Jessica Scott’s Because of you, on your ‘must-read’ list.” — Suzanne Brockmann

“Jessica Scott writes with a soldier’s heart. Because of You is touching, authentic and a fantastic read.” — Cindy Gerard

Readers can find Because of You at these fine retail stores. This is the first in a wonderful series. If you like Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr or Lori Foster, you’ll love this book!

HEA: Please tell us what readers can expect from Loveswept in the next several months.

Sue: Many wonderful reissues and more original releases will be published from our Lovswept line over the next few months.

Look for Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox, on sale 2/13/2012 — a sexy romp across America and, believe me, it is NOT about the bike. That’s a sneak peek at the cover (not yet final) at right.

Jessica’s second book in the Coming Home series, Back to You, will be out in spring with Book 3, Until There Was You, in stores in the fall. Debut author Elisabeth Barrett has a wonderful contemporary small-town series coming up in July, featuring the Grayson brothers: Think Chesapeake Bay quartet from Nora Roberts, and you’ll get a good idea of what Elisabeth’s heroes are like – yum!

And, we just signed our first historical romance series for later in 2012. So much more is pending that I only wish I had more hours in the day. There are so many great authors out there and so many wonderful stories readers will love — so keep an eye out as there is lots in store for Loveswept!

Thanks HEA team for hosting a week of Loveswept. And, remember: Every day is a giveaway. Two commenters will receive a free digital copy of Because of You.

Happy Romance, SueG

HEA readers, be sure to comment below to enter to win an e-book. And while you’re commenting, maybe you’d like to share a favorite Loveswept memory.

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