Authors don’t just write. They have to promote the book. Unless you’re already famous or a big name with an established publisher
Saturn car dealers had a no pressure tactic. They felt they had an amazing product that would sell itself. Some of you may never have even heard of Saturn cars, so I guess the low pressure approach didn’t work so great.
My novels are good, if I don’t say so myself, but I need visibility for the public to discover that. The Saturn tactic didn’t work, I can’t expect it to work for me.
I need to face the fact that my in person sales have kind of been by accident. A casual mention has led to several books being hand sold. I have sold two copies at the local Harley Davidson dealer, a copy to the weight master at a grain terminal, some friends have sought a copy at a tractor show, and a few friends have chased me down for a copy. I’m grateful for the sales, but that just ain’t gonna get me noted as a bestseller.
Nerdy Noel isn’t my first attempt at a book signing event. My first try was at a book fair for the Judah Robinson Foundation. Although I didn’t make any sales during the foundation fair, I had a great time and came away deeming it a success. Judy Snyder, the host, was disappointed. It wasn’t her fault! She promoted and cajoled. The age-old saying, “Ya can’t lead a horse to water.” Yes, I’m paraphrasing to suit me.
That event was still a success. With networking, we made friends with other authors. Ideas were shared. Too bad the authors outnumbered the crowd.
Writing isn’t my day job….yet. This whole novelist adventure is fun. It would be great if it paid the bills a little better, but…. well, so far, it doesn’t.
I’m in Huntsville on vacation. Working? (Shrug). This has been my first chance to meet my publisher / editor. Jack LaFountain is quite the accomplished author as well. He has twenty titles published. Having “face time” has been much better than phone conversation and emails. Interacting personally has been more rewarding.
Robert Borders, another House of Honor Books author, is also in attendance. I have to admit, I’ve learned a lot about the methods of engagement. I need to get away from the Saturn sales mentality. Both Robert and Jack know how to “work” the crowd and draw them to the table.
We worked together selling everything title House of Honor has available. Team work makes the dream work for our publishing house
I talked about my returning from Alabama in a previous article. Wanted One Banjo. On Saturday, during our initial meet. Jack, Robert, and company toured Lowe Mills. This is an old textile mill that has been reused as an arts center. Anything from music to painting could be found. One small shop was dedicated to building cigar box guitars.
My ticket home from Alabama wasn’t a banjo. However, I did find a cool shovel guitar
~ Edit. I didn’t purchase a shovel guitar for my return home. However! I met a local cigar box guitar craftsman. My mature resolve was lost! Logan Elliott created two shovel guitars, in which I’m the proud owner of one
Antique Iron Media 