Humbling

When I was a really young (i.e. not even old enough to legally purchase alcohol) journalism student in a community college, my journalism instructor wrote a book. It was self-published under his own imprint.  After the book was printed and he began distribution, he would advise his students, “When you write your first book promote it first locally".

Beyond the five W’s - who what where when and why - all rolled into a 21 word lead, and the bit about self promotion, I’ve forgotten whatever else he taught me about journalism.

I regret the name of the publisher imprinted on the spine of the first two books I had published by Shameless Hussy Press.  Despite the rather unsettling name, Shameless Hussy did publish my books and arranged for book jacket blurbs, reviews book signings and interviews.   Now, with Suitcase Filled with Nails, published also by a not-so traditional publisher, but with a name I don’t mind having imprinted on the spine of the book; the work of getting it out there is in my hands and I find it a humbling experience, this shameless quest of self-promotion.

I began promoting Suitcase in my own backyard, as did my long-forgotten journalism teacher with his book.  Before I even started this humbling task, I was offered two opportunities by just mentioning I finished writing a book.  One is in the foyer of the local bead-shop/art gallery and scheduled on the monthly gallery walk night.  The other is in the high school gymnasium at the annual holiday crafts fair.  Neither venues are high-profile, but each are heavily trafficked and will put me and my book before the public eye and I am appreciative of the invitations. 

Then I approached my first bookstore, browsing the shelves and even asking if a certain title was in stock (it wasn't) before asking if I could do a reading/signing there.

           

“No,” we haven’t done author signings for three years.  Maybe only two or three people would show up.  It was time consuming doing all the publicity and embarrassing for the author,” said the owner of the shop who was,  "retiring soon.”

The regional library was very supportive and set me up with a 4-5:30 pm. signing. I would do all the publicity.  Buoyed by their generosity I approached my local library.  I was told the woman in charge was gone that day but would call me back the next day.  She did not.  Days went by and I called again.  She was not in.  I left a message.  Days went by.  I called again.  She was in.  Maybe in March I could schedule a reading.  Call back in February.  Same with the local book store.  They were booked through March.  Call back in five months.

Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle and Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge were more receptive.  As soon as I provide them with a copy of Suitcase they would get back to me about scheduling a reading/signing. These two inquiries were conducted over the phone.  I stood up while talking to project and air of professionalism.

Two days before Halloween I approach another out of town bookstore.  Like the first bookstore, I peruse the shelves.  After a bit I approach the woman at the check out counter, first making sure no customers were expected, and ask, a bit nervously “Who is in charge of scheduling book readings and signings?"   That would be the owner and she was not in.  The checkout woman handed me a terms of author book sales agreement and the owner’s business card. 

Everyone of the four book stores so far contacted said they would not order books from Amazon.com and would, if they decided to stock Suitcase, take books on consignment from me at the industry standard of 40% bookstore 60% author.

By Halloween night  hard copies of Suitcase are still at the printers, but it had been uploaded to iBooks and Amazon.  Priced at $4.99, I know already two copies have been sold because of postings (positive) on Facebook.  This is encouraging.  I only have 998,000 more copies to go before reaching my goal.