So, Harlequin’s new Signature Select Series is launching. They announced this line a while back, but it was kind of hard to wrap your mind around. Apparently what they are going for is a book with “extras” like DVDs offer. Here is the article
Hmmm. Do people watch all the extra stuff that comes with a DVD? Now my husband watched every single second on The Lord of the Rings extended version DVDs, but you know, that is like The Lord of the Rings. For your average really-enjoy-it, but not a religious experience movie I don’t think I’ve ever looked at the “extras”. Have you?
According to the article the Signature Select Series will include: author interviews, character profiles, deleted scenes, alternative endings, bonus short reads (okay, I do love the bonus shorts like on The Incredibles), and behind the scenes looks at the inspiration for the book. Sounds like a little magazine or what savy authors should probably have on their web sites.
It will be interesting to see what happens - if readers like the “extras”. And I do have to say I really respect Harlequin for constantly taking risks and trying new things.
I am a movie geek. I watch every “extra” that comes in a DVD. I will sometimes choose whether to buy a particular DVD because of it’s extra features. For example. I put off buying one of my favorite movies– Ever After– for years because it has no interesting extra features. (I just broke down and got it at WalMart this past weekend because it was incredibly cheap).
I’ll sure look at these new books. I love it when author’s put deleted scenes or extra shorts on their web sites.
Love your new look, btw, Lori.
by Teresa March 30th, 2005 at 2:19 amI think the writers who read those books will dig it, just to see the process these authors have gone through, but I don’t necessariliy thing the general public will love it. As for the DVDs…only if I loooooove a movie do I watch all that. Sometimes I’ll even read the screenplay.
by Marty K March 30th, 2005 at 4:25 amOkay, I’ll bite. Where do you get the screenplays??
by Lori Devoti March 30th, 2005 at 4:58 amI’m an extras addict! I love them and then watching the movie with the commentaries. It really helps me appreciate everything that went into making the movie what it became. And I learn soo much that you miss just by watching only the movie.
BTW, I love your new blog look!!
by Sheri March 30th, 2005 at 6:16 pmI don’t fully understand the concept of doing the extras with the books. I’m not sure how that will work, but you’re right, it’ll be intersting to see how it develops. I do enjoy watching the extras on the DVDs sooo . . . .
by Teresa March 30th, 2005 at 6:19 pmI’ve read a few Signature Selects and I like the extras. For example, in the back of The Hope Chest by Jacquie D’Alessandro, Julie Kenner, and Susan Kearney there are interviews with each author, a short article about the history of hope chests, another article about why the authors write in the time period they do, and a sneak peak into Susan’s next book. I like the extras. Not to mention, there have been some great books coming out in this line(or whatever it is).
by Nicole March 31st, 2005 at 2:59 amYou know I was thinking (always dangerous) this is really good for the authors too. It gives the reader more of a connection with the author rather than just with the story. Definitely a good thing. :)
by Lori Devoti March 31st, 2005 at 6:45 am“I believe in angels, the kind Heaven sends. I am surrounded by angels, but I call them my best friends.”
by Beaded Jewelry October 6th, 2005 at 2:04 pm