Marketing Again
Once again, getting my face out there has convinced me that it's vital to get your face out there. I spoke to a small group last night, for free, and didn't sell one book. That could be depressing after a long drive, but after my talk, a woman who had sat quietly to one side came up to me. "Have you ever considered speaking at ***?" She named a library in a town where I'd encountered a disinterested and snotty librarian. After three tries, I'd given up on him.
Her next comment ratcheted my interest level. "I'm the events coordinator there, and we'd love to have you come and speak to us." When I explained (tactfully) that I hadn't had much luck with her director, she waved a hand as if to banish him. "We can get around that," she said. Well, I couldn't, but apparently together WE can.
So I have a booking I thought was impossible in an area where I'm likely to sell well. Added to the fact that the small group I had last night was congenial and appreciative, I'd say it was a success, even without a sale.
Selling books today comes down to two things: making people aware your book exists and getting them to actually buy it. The first is tough with the number of new books coming out each month. You have to give librarians and other buyers a reason to notice your book among the choices.
One they've noticed it, you have to make them want to buy it. I'm not arrogant enough to believe that my book is superior to all others. There a lots of good stories out there to read. So once a person has seen the book, why should she buy it? Maybe because I gave an interesting talk. Maybe because after the talk I chatted with her about her favorite authors. Maybe because I made her laugh.
It isn't a guarantee, but until Oprah notices MACBETH'S NIECE, it's all I've got.
Her next comment ratcheted my interest level. "I'm the events coordinator there, and we'd love to have you come and speak to us." When I explained (tactfully) that I hadn't had much luck with her director, she waved a hand as if to banish him. "We can get around that," she said. Well, I couldn't, but apparently together WE can.
So I have a booking I thought was impossible in an area where I'm likely to sell well. Added to the fact that the small group I had last night was congenial and appreciative, I'd say it was a success, even without a sale.
Selling books today comes down to two things: making people aware your book exists and getting them to actually buy it. The first is tough with the number of new books coming out each month. You have to give librarians and other buyers a reason to notice your book among the choices.
One they've noticed it, you have to make them want to buy it. I'm not arrogant enough to believe that my book is superior to all others. There a lots of good stories out there to read. So once a person has seen the book, why should she buy it? Maybe because I gave an interesting talk. Maybe because after the talk I chatted with her about her favorite authors. Maybe because I made her laugh.
It isn't a guarantee, but until Oprah notices MACBETH'S NIECE, it's all I've got.
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