Behind the Covers - Sapphire J Blue

Behind the Covers is a series that will feature interviews with the cover artists, designers, typesetters, editors and others who make authors and their work look good. and in some cases great.

This interview features Jeanette of Sapphire J. Blue; who is a voracious reader and super fan of authors.

I hope you enjoy learning more about Jeanette, and platform that features new and up and coming authors.

What service do you provide to writers?

I give authors worldwide exposure with my platform, where they experience an easy, non-pressurized interview. Authors receive a chance to talk about their book, some for the very first time.  In the interview, they are able to explain what their book is about and they can introduce themselves and their writing to the world.

Are you also a writer? What genre?

I am an author and poet and my genre of choice is Erotica. My work is featured in two erotica anthologies: “Red Shoes & Sex: An Erotic Journey” and “Dip in My Ink”. I am planning on expanding the stories.

How did you get starting doing this service?

When I started, I was among this wonderful group of ladies who had a great Facebook page and had started doing interviews, spotlighting authors every week.  I was one of three interviewers for that show; it went so well that I started to have my own show on Sundays. As I became more popular, more authors started asking for me to interview them.  At that time, I was on someone else’s network, but once I became very popular, I decided to have my own independent show.

Which Author was your first client?

I don't know! I don't remember my first client, but I do know that some older authors that I interviewed are no longer popular on Facebook, or are no longer publishing books.

Do you have multiple streams of income form assisting Authors?

I don't charge for regular interviews from the individual authors. However, I do charge Publishing companies and Promoters. I charge for these services because these people charge. It is harder to have a one-on-one with the author when a third party is the middle-man. I also found out that some promoters had written into potential contracts and promoted to new authors that they would have an interview with me. (They charged extra for that service.)

What genre of author do you prefer to work with?

I love them all. The only genres I have a problem with are biographies. It’s hard for me to criticize the details of someone’s personal life – it’s what they went through, I can’t judge them.

How much of a reader are you?

I read every book that is the subject of an interview.  Before I started “Conversations with Sapphire Blue”, I used to read six books a week, sometimes even seven – that was my personal reading goal. Now I read the same amount a week, but I read for the show! I read all genres – I like to say that I read from the Bible all the way through to Zoology books.

What do Authors need to know about working with a professional reviewer?

I will read your book and I will ask questions you never thought about. What authors need to know in order to work with me is: I need YOU to know your book.  I am a reader. I'm going to ask you questions that other interviewers may not ask you because I actually read the book and become invested in the story. I also need them to know that I expect them to be professional in advertising and to be professional during the interview.

Writers get writer’s block; do you get creative block?

I do get burnout sometimes; during those times I usually cancel a couple of shows and use that time to get back into the correct creative space. I think the burnout happens from time to time because sometimes there are just too many genres in one week to focus on, too many back-to-back shows every two weeks. I also work full-time so the pressure gets too much sometimes. It is very mentally exhausting at times and I need to step away periodically.

What does a typical day look like for you?

The typical day for me: I get up at 6:00 and take two trains to work. I work all day, but during the day I try to read at least half of the book I need to focus on for the show.  Once I get home, I eat dinner and finish reading.  I then have my show and then cool off mentally by watching HGTV.

What work are you the proudest of?

The best part of my job is that the show has built up an audience and a fan club. When authors are getting ready to release a book – or even to begin to write a new one – they tell me ahead of time. They also let me know they want my interview to be their first even though they are working on so many things. I also feel honored when authors share secrets with me. They respect me and they my opinion and that's what I'm most proud of: that I've gained a great reputation amongst my authors. I can even call on authors and say I have a day open and several authors will volunteer to come onto the show!

Favorite distraction from creating?

Listening to audiobooks, crocheting and watching trashy TV!

What is the most expensive thing you’ve purchased for your professional career?

I was once on this new upcoming radio show and I had to pay for my show to be played.

It was a total waste of my time and money. I had bought equipment and everything! Thank goodness I was able to return the equipment. The station didn’t pan out and I also realized that I was helping someone else with their dream and treating mine as though it was nothing.

How are your books organized on your bookshelves?

By size and author.

What are you currently working on? What do plan to do in the future?

I would like to do live shows where I can see the author and the author can see me.

I am also working on a website where I can advertise my interviews and also charge others to advertise as well.  I want to build a platform where I can reach out to people who might not be on Facebook or on Instagram. I want to reach more people – I want to interview more people around the country and the world!