I thought I’d update you on the getting books into bookshops and libraries blog that I wrote last week.
Unfortunately our local bookshop at Diss, Norfolk, said no to displaying my fiction books on their shelves. The manager told me that it wasn’t anything to do with the content or the fact that they weren’t traditionally published, it was to do with how well known the books are by the public. She tried to be helpful and advised me that the Internet has changed book selling beyond all recognition. Twenty years ago she would have taken my books, but now because my books hadn’t been featured in any local newspapers or had any larger newspaper press coverage, then she could guarantee that they would not sell. She told me with great emphasis that readers need to ‘know’ an author before they will buy their books.
I fell short of asking her how she would know they wouldn’t sell if she hadn’t put even one on the shelf, but apparently authors have to build up a fan base before approaching any bookstore. It’s like a Catch-22 situation, isn’t it? If the public cannot see my books on bookstore shelves, then how will they get to learn about them? Well, dear readers, the manager told me it’s through the media…
We have to go and pester newspaper editors to publish details of our books. Then we have to pester them again with details of book signings we are going to do. Then when queues of readers are beating a path to buy our books, only then will bookstores be interested in featuring them. However, if anybody has written books on local history or the local area, then these books apparently sell like hot cakes.
I took my books away from the book shop and went straight to Diss Library around the corner. It wasn’t a do-it-yourself day today, and the library assistant welcomed me and took my books and my contact details without a quibble. A small victory for the self-published author!
I also took some books to WH Smith in Diss to see if they would be interested, but the manager informed me I would have to write to Head Office as they did not as a rule take self-published books. She gave me a piece of headed notepaper with the address of Head Office on, and that was that. I don’t hold out much hope, but will write to them anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I sent a press release to my home town (I now live a long way away from there) to the effect of Local Girl Turns Author. To my surprise, they published it. I don’t think it made a lot of difference to my sales, though.
I think perhaps I should try my local press here. I’ve not tried the local bookshops, though but have thought about the library.
I’ve also written a book set in the vicinity of York in Roman times, and am thinking of sending a press release to a paper in or around York, too.
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Keep trying, that’s all I can say. Thanks for your comment.
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I admire your persistence, Stevie. I’ve managed to get my book into a few local bookstores, but to be honest, I’ve had more success selling online.
When I went to my local library to see about placing my book, the librarian first wanted to take a look at it. She was forthcoming enough to mention they are more reluctant to accept self-published work.
Anyway, I made my presentation, and about fifteen-twenty people showed up. (I pictured a scenario where one guy showed up for some freebies.)😜 I haven’t had many experiences yet, but I know this whole business can be rather humbling.
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It’s awful. I’m having more success online using Book Funnel promotions. I think I’ll stick to that. I’ve sold 36 books so far this year using this method.
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Okay, so you were Dissed in Norfolk?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Self publishing is an exercise in being dissed and not for the faint of heart! Keep on Truckin’!
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Ha ha, I wondered how long it would take before some wise guy came up with that. I’m surprised it took you so long, Phil!
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One word. Grandkids. Or three-grandkids, geriatric dogs!
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks for the re-blog.
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You get a gold star for effort, Stevie…
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Cheers! Rejections slip off me like satin scarves…
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How very eloquent, Stevie…but you are a tryer!
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I did get a poem published in the Bournemouth Echo once and so did most of our writers’ group. But the paper long ago discarded the weekly poetry spot, which makes me think they are not interested in literary things.
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If you can get a table at an event (e.g., art fair, quilt sale) where you’re the only person selling books, then your books will sell.
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Thanks for the advice.
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I have written press releases every time I have released a new book and sent it to all the local newspapers. I have been surprised at how often the local papers have included something about me and my books. I have a small independent publisher but I do all the leg work myself. It took me a few years and a lot of work to build up a following.
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Thanks Darlene. It never occurred to me that a newspaper editor would be interested in my books, but I’ll give it a shot…
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The fact that you work and have written all those books is noteworthy. Newspapers love human interest stories, especially about local citizens. One editor called me and did a phone interview after I sent the press release.
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Thanks for your help, Darlene.
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Any time!
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Small local papers are starved for community interest stories and usually, unlike major market types, do not charge to run info that inflates their local arts section to two columns.
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Lol. Yeah, I’ll give it a go.
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I am holding thumbs for you, Stevie. Your books deserve to be in stores.
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Thanks Robbie. That’s a strange saying – holding thumbs. We say ‘crossing fingers’ over here!
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Actually it can be easier that you might think to get into the local paper. If you’ve got a real publisher (like it’s not just a kindle book on Amazon) then they can be quite keen to talk about you especially if you’re doing something as well
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Thanks Jim. I’m looking into attending book festivals this year too.
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You really want to do something locally newsworthy. Doesn’t have to be massive, getting your book in a library might be worth a punt, or reading some short stories for old people in a home.
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Diss Library took 4 of my books this afternoon. As for reading aloud, 34 radiotherapy doses to the neck took care of that…
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See if the librarian wants a photo in the local paper of ‘Local author donates books to library’
If only pour encourager les autres 😉
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Thanks Jim. I’ll find a local paper for that area tomorrow and go from there.
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I’ve had exactly the same response in book shops here (South Africa). The local library has happily taken them though. I also have some in our Mexican food takeaway, where I have sold a few.
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