International authors sign books as part of conference in Rotorua

A local book shop was host to three international guests this weekend as part of a conference to inspire romance writers.

Romance authors CC Hunter from America, Anne Gracie from Australia and Kylie Scott from Australia had a book signing event at McLeods Booksellers on Saturday.

The authors were speakers at the Romance Writers of New Zealand Conference 2017 in Rotorua.

McLeods Booksellers bookseller Mike Byrne said the three authors signed copies of their books, and for well over an hour people talked to them and bought their books.

He said between 30 and 50 people came through.

"It went very well and was very successful."

Michael Gervai got books signed for his wife by authors Anne Gracie, left, Kylie Scott, and C.C Hunter at McLeods Booksellers on Saturday. Photo/ Ben Fraser

He said it was a popular genre which was never really talked about, but was a consistently a great seller.

Mr Byrne said he talked to one of the authors about how this type of writing was profitable, and she said she earned six digit figures, as did the other authors, and they were just the tip of the iceberg.

"I think they are contracted to their publishers to do series, which do very well. They regard their writing as their craft, it's their livelihood."

Mr Byrne said the event had brought people into the store and to Rotorua, and the authors were supportive of Rotorua's local book shop.

Auckland's Michael Gervai said his wife, who was at the romance writer's conference, could not make it to the book signing, so he went along for her.

"There were a few people in front of me who went away with a handful of books the authors had written."

Mr Gervai said he thought it was great having international authors visit local book shops, as they gave good advice on ways to promote yourself through social media and writers could benefit from their experience.