February 7, 2008
Appearances/pro and con
My plan to enter a blog every day was shot down by the need to get bouncing manuscripts back into the mail or into cyberspace. Yesterday, in so doing, was fruitful, so I am back today to mention appearances because I have just received confirmation of my 6th appearance slated in California in April. (This reminds me to remind all that this site will be blank for that month. That should be okay with the rest of you because you will be busy doing taxes anyway. I will complete mine in March–a task that will probably also interrupt blogging.. .
Appearances are great for getting "strokes" and for meeting new people but so far in my experience they have not been the best ways to sell books. I am doing these in conjunction with seeing old friends (the primary rewards.) I will have gratis housing and meals – pluses without which I could not make the effort. Who will I speak to? The Ridgecrest branch of Calif. Writers Club, the NightWriters of the Central Coast, the Bakersfield branch of CWC, and three retirement homes (the main part of my talk will be anecdotes and promotional "come on" for my Long Distance Grandparenting book, published in November, 2007. I do not charge for my appearances though I have sometimes been given an honorarium. I just ask for the opportunity to sell books. I'll have a report on the successes when I get back to blogging in May. Many contacts swear that internet promotion is the "only way." One of the friends I meet in April will be happy to regale me with the way she does this. I will share what I learn.
1 Comment on Appearances/pro and con »
February 11, 2008
Kay @ 9:16 am:
Good point here, Willma; personal appearances, in my experience, do not result in the sale of more than a few books. Nowadays I think 'reaching out' is more effectively done via the internet. It has been three years since I was the president of my writers group, but I still get emails from people I don't know in which they introduce their new book. Over a quarter of a million new books are published every year–it's a tough job getting that much-needed attention for a single title so that it doesn't end up in the bargain bin six months after its release. If (when!) my book gets published, I will tour to visit my friends and celebrate my success with those who have motivated and encouraged me, but I think I'll hit the 'net to sell the book.