The Atlanta Spring Book Show is over for another year. I applaud the organizers for a job well done, especially in light of the unexpected tornado that caused a change of venue two weeks before the event. I taught a 3-hour seminar on how to write a book proposal. I think it went well. It seemed to be very well-received. I also spoke Saturday afternoon on the two secrets to publishing success. The turn out was lower than previous years and they say that was due to competing events that weekend for writers and authors. A shame. The rain may have kept others away. <\/p>\n
I had occasion this weekend to meet writers and authors I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve only known via the Internet. Three seminar\/speech attendees follow my blog. It was great to meet them. I met two long-time SPAWN members. SPAWN, for those visitors who don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know, is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a> I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Bobbie Christmas, author, editor and regular contributor to SPAWNews<\/em>. She was presenting a seminar at the Spring Book Show on Saturday, as well. Sandra Cropsey, SPAWN member from near Atlanta and the author of Who\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s There<\/em>, a new hysterical novel. (Yes, not historical, hysterical), came up to the Hilton Atlanta after a daylong book signing for her book and we discussed our careers and publishing in general for a few hours. Such a delight.<\/p>\n I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m in Nashville now, preparing for a book signing and workshop at Borders West End tonight. I got involved with an online Meet Up Group in Atlanta and learned that there are 28 writers signed up to attend my gig tonight. I personally know of a few others, so we may have a very good turn out tonight. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not counting on it, though. Weather, tornado threats, a bad day at work, writing deadlines, family pressures and all sorts of things can keep people from these events. It will be what it will be. And I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m certainly looking forward to it.<\/p>\n Since I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m in traveling mode this week, I thought I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d use this as a theme for my blog entry today. “Travel With Your Book and Travel Because of Your Book.” What does this mean?<\/p>\n Promoting\/marketing your book doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean staying static. Of course, with the Internet, you can promote far and wide without going anywhere, but there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s some marketing that you just can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t do from afar. If you want to place your book in bookstores, gift shops, specialty shops and so forth, this is best accomplished by making in-person visits. <\/p>\n So I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m suggesting taking your book with you when you travel. Take time to stop in at appropriate outlets. Arrive prepared to show the proprietor a copy of your book, have a blank invoice in your briefcase and an offer in mind. Most bookstore owners adhere to a 60\/40 split, for example. If they purchase in quantity, they may ask for and you may be willing to give a deeper discount. But this is only for books sold outright. If it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a consignment agreement (they pay you only after the books are sold), I would not offer a quantity discount. Some consignment agreements require that the bookseller (or retailer) pay once all of the books have been sold. Or you can ask to be paid each month for those books that have sold that month.<\/p>\n Once you establish a rapport with a retailer and they are selling your books regularly, he will probably pay your invoice within 30 days of your delivery\/shipment. <\/p>\n Now, you can also travel in order to sell books. Plan trips to certain areas where your books might sell well. Map out those stores and shops where you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like to have your books and head out for a weekend or weeklong promotional trip. I find that it’s wise to call or email ahead to make sure the manager or book buyer is there. Otherwise, leave a copy of your book with the clerk and follow up with the manager later.<\/p>\n By the way, when I suggest visiting bookstores with your book, I’m not talking about the mega bookstores, necessarily. There are numerous independent bookstores, specialty shops and other retail stores whose managers\/owners will be thrilled to carry your books. But don’t expect your books to sell simply because they are on the shelves in half dozen stores in this region. You must let people know it’s there–that it exists.<\/p>\n While you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re touring with your book, set up book signings, speeches, radio interviews, demonstrations, workshops and other events and activities to get exposure for your book in the area where it will be selling. Once you get home, continue this exposure in those areas by sending press releases to local newspapers, notifying clubs and organizations related to your genre and topic and so forth. Continue writing articles\/stories in your genre\/topic for publication to develop additional name recognition.<\/p>\n And remember, if you need additional assistance with marketing, promotion, publishing and\/or writing your book, order your copy of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em>today. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Atlanta Spring Book Show is over for another year. I applaud the organizers for a job well done, especially in light of the unexpected tornado that caused a change of venue two weeks before the event. I taught a 3-hour seminar on how to write a book proposal. I think it went well. 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