“Once again,” Randi said. “It’s another way to cultivate a relationship with your readers.”
“I do love getting to know my readers,” Cari said. “I hear from several readers regularly through my newsletter. Would HLR take that over as well?”
“Mmm, take over isn’t exactly what we’d do,” Randi said. “We’d like to make it easier for you. Readers want to hear from authors. We can do the business parts of the newsletter, including upcoming releases, promoting your back list, and upcoming events. But you would still do the personal section, maybe with a look behind the scenes or a little about what you’re working on. Things like that.”
“We’re not trying to take anything away from you,” Analise said. She was sitting next to Cari, quietly taking in the presentation.
“We want you to have more time to write,” Analise continued. “We know that not all the parts of being a self-published author are necessarily, hmm, how should I say—pleasant. There are parts of my job that I don’t love and I imagine there are parts of yours that you don’t either.”
Cari nodded and chuckled. “So you’d do the things that I don’t love?”
“Absolutely.” Randi smiled.
“This is all very tempting,” Cari said. “What if I find I miss doing ads or my newsletter?”
“It’s your business,” Randi said. “We’re here to do the parts you don’t want to, but also, it’s your call. You direct us, Cari. We give you options that we think will help your sales or your brand. But you always have the final word.”
Eden studied Cari and could see the ideas flying through her head. She narrowed her gaze and leaned forward. “You’re wondering if you can afford us?”
Cari slowly nodded.
“It’s our job to pay for ourselves,” Eden said.
“That’s right,” Analise added. “We can always start this on a trial basis. Let us prove ourselves.”
Cari looked from Eden to Analise then over to Randi. She smiled and sat back in her chair. “You’ve given me every opportunity to give this a try with virtually no risk to my name.” She sighed. “How can I say no to Randi’s pitch? You have me eager to get started. But I’m not only getting Randi, right? I get this entire team?”
Analise smiled. “You get all of Hook, Line & Reader.”
Eden looked at Randi and could see the relief on her face. She quietly chuckled. Eden couldn’t imagine anyone saying no to a Randi Powell pitch.
Chapter Ten
“So, is that a yes?” Randi asked with raised eyebrows.
Cari smiled and nodded. “Yes, but I do have one condition.”
Randi furrowed her brow. “Okay? I’m sure we can meet it.”
Cari smirked then smiled. “You and Eden have to teach me how to two-step.”
Randi looked at Eden and grinned. “We can do that.”
“You want to learn to dance?” Analise asked.
Cari shook her head. “No, I want to dance like Eden and Kelly were last night at the bar.”
“Eden and I learned how to two-step when we moved to Texas,” Randi said.
“Yes, and we’d be happy to teach you,” Eden added.
“Okay then, I’m in. It’s a yes,” Cari said.
Randi could feel relief wash over her. She’d had bigger pitches for a great deal more money, but she hadn’t realized until Cari said “yes” just how much she wanted this. Joy filled the room and there were smiles on every face. When Randi’s eyes met Eden’s she felt a thrill rush through her body. Eden had helped Randi with the pitch, but it was up to her to deliver it andshe could see the happiness in Eden’s eyes. Randi stood a little taller knowing she’d put that happiness on Eden’s face.
Randi was always the one asking Eden to join her in some new adventure or for a favor. Eden rarely asked Randi for anything. Yes, she’d asked her to come work at HLR several times, but when she asked Randi to help with this author she knew it was important to Eden. Thank goodness she’d come through for her.
“Let’s go out and celebrate,” Analise said. “How about this evening? Do you have plans, Cari?”
