Debbie's list

You know those annoying boxes that float across the screen when you first access a web site? Before you even get comfortable with becoming a regular fan of the site, or the author’s newsletters, you’re swatting away the chance.

Among publishers, author Debbie Macomber is a phenomenon. Yes, Macomber’s sales are to be reckoned with -- 150 titles and counting, a total in print more than 60 million -- Macomber’s fans for her books are loyal and numerous.

Equally legendary, though, is Macomber’s e-mail list. Its size is truly magnificent; last year, Macomber estimated the number of subscribers to her quarterly newsletters at over 100,000. Macomber treats the list as one of her most precious assets, and gifts a targeted version of the list to bookstores soon to feature her appearance.

Mr. Obie Joe invites you to take a look at www.debbiemacomber.com web site. See if you find the floating opt-in box. Or the flashing box. Nope. Instead, Macomber quietly places the sign-up in her Guestbook. And the sign-up questionnaire is quite extensive, all the better to take advantage of a reader’s particular interest.

One other thing? In one year, the sign-ups for debbiemacomber.com doubled. From 50K to 100K. Tell a friend, indeed.