The Learning Curve...or Is That a Precipice?

[Peg Herring]

Okay. I wrote a book. I found an agent. The agent found a publisher. The publisher released the book. We both dug for reviews and got some good ones. We offer the book in all the right places. Sounds like we've done it all, right?

I guess not. Now I'm supposed to become some sort of sales analyst and track where people are buying the book and how I reached those particular people. From that I should extrapolate a way to reach even more people and get them to buy the book. I'm told that if I don't do this, my chances for a second sale are poor, no matter how good the MS might be. Of course I'm also supposed to meet librarians, bookstore owners, and book buyers with a smile and a short, pithy pitch that makes them eager to own my book rather than the other 90,000 published this year. I may do this by phone, mail, or in person, the latter being best.

I'll admit it's an education. I'll admit it's interesting. But I thought I was just going to write books that entertain. I didn't know I had to become a publishing whiz-kid.

[Peg Herring]

Thanks, Naomi. I'm working on it, but my web guy is as busy with life as I am and we never get together.
Yes, I do plan on some romance conventions, although I am primarily a mystery writer so I mostly prefer those. (Sleuthfest is next!)

[Naomi Hirahara]

I know, it's tough. May I make a suggestion on your website? You might want to include the publisher and ISBN on your book page for booksellers and librarians who might want to purchase your book. Are you doing any romance conventions? I heard that there are avid book buyers there. Good luck.