Literary Spotlight: Anne Frasier

By Carlotta G. Holton

Ann Frasier

Anne Frasier is a bestselling author who has been recognized with numerous awards including the Rita from Romance Writers of America and the Daphne du Maurier for romantic suspense. Her novels have spanned the genres of mystery, thriller, paranormal and horror.

Q: You have said that, “I do think the publisher determines what will be a bestseller. My publisher put a lot of backing behind my first thriller.” Can you expand upon this?

A: The publishing house chooses the A-list books. Actually the marketing department made that decision with my first thriller, but I think an editor with a lot of clout can also push a book into A-list ranking. A-list books are sent to Publishers Weekly. They are the books the house reps push and talk up. ARCs are printed earlier and sent for cover blurbs. Ads are purchased, along with shelf space. . . . A wonderful book with no publisher backing and no in-house buzz has little chance of national success. A mediocre book with a lot of backing can still sell a decent number of copies.

Q: How did your writing evolve from romances with elements of darkness to mystery and horror with touches of romance?

I was always writing outside the boundaries of the romance genre, and I constantly struggled to remain within certain lines. It only made sense to move into books where I could include more elements that interested me.

Q: What advice do you have for writers seeking that first “big sale?”

Study the market. Join organizations. Make it your business to know what’s selling, who is buying, and what editors are looking for.