Submitted by Jo Muszynski on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 08:18
Having sold 4 copies online with 10 on reserve, hoping each of those sales falls through, I'm beginning to realize how much work is facing me.
Marketing has never been a strong point for me. Even though I've worked in retail pharmacy for most of my working life and have learned great customer service, I was never one to be an aggressive salesman. I don't have the grit necessary for the in-your-face - you-gotta-have-this persona.
So. Here I am with a novel to sell. It's rather daunting to think about.
Book signings.
Aggressive representation.
Pitches.
Rejection.
Of the four words in that list, one strikes fear into my heart the most... Rejection. I've tasted a few rejection letters from agents and publishers already. They're bitter, and though most were sugar coated with business politeness, they still stank.
Barnes And Noble is going to be a tough goal. They've already showed disinterest, but I'm not giving up. I love Barnes And Noble and think that having my book on their shelf is absolutely magical! But there's going to be a lot of work there.
Two of the prospective buyers are local, privately owned bookstores. If they pull through and buy the 3 copies each they've reserved, I will be extremely happy. It shows great community skills to take on a local writer and help them showcase their work and I will be grateful for this opportunity.
Now, what about the bigger picture? Outside of the community and the small, tight ring of family and friends? Word of mouth is still a top of the line marketing tool. It's human nature to talk about people, places and things. I want to be one of those people and things they talk about. In a good way. I'd love to find out that the title of my book is being passed along in general conversation, especially if it follows along the lines of, "Have you read this new book? It's great!"
If, by some chance, a scout or agent, editor or publisher is reading this and is thinking, "This girl has no backbone," this is true... To an extent. I have a powerful drive to be the best I can be and to work diligently, with dedication and purpose.
I'm still just walking through the door of my future as an author. So much to do, so much to learn.....
Jo.