A huge part of writing something and then publishing it - whether it is a book, an article, a blog post or a 140 character tweet - is that, once you hit publish it's out there for the whole world to see. There are no takesies backsies. Not really. It is out there, and people can read it, or not. They can pass judgement, whether with words or actions. And when what you write is for sale, and people don't buy it......... well.
Awkward.
When I self-published and then realized that self-publish also means self-promote (at least, it does if you want to sell anything) I ordered some books, lined up a few author events, and hoped for the best. Even though it was last minute. Even though I have no idea what I am doing. Even though I have no first degree literary connections whatsoever. And apparently, self-publishing is like tattooing a scarlet letter on your forehead, shooting yourself in the foot, and coming down with the plague. Simultaneously. If anyone is going to find out about this book, its going to be because I (or one of my fabulous readers - KISSES YOU GUYS) told them about it. I had to get out there and make some noise.
And so today was my first real "Meet the Author" event. The mall was suspiciously empty, and I started to get concerned. But that concern was quickly forgotten because there were signs, and a table with a fancy chair, and a stack of my books, and two pens, and...........me. I was there.
My mother in law was also there, thank god. She spotted a friend walking through the bookstore and went running after her, and possibly guilted her into buying a book. Whether she bought a copy of her own free will or not is beside the point, I like to believe she will enjoy reading it regardless.
And then my friend Kerry arrived and bought a book.
And then Sam's aunt and uncle stopped in, just to say hi and offer their moral support.
And then Sam's cousin came by and bought a copy as well.
I sat there for two hours, sold three books, and walked out of the mall into a gray drizzle, carrying a box of books in the author's walk of shame that I had been so afraid of. It wasn't so bad. I climbed in the car and headed south to New York City. I am here now with Amber, and tomorrow I have another event, in Brooklyn.
For 5 hours.
In costume.
Because it's Halloween.
You should come too. You don't even have to wear a costume!
The info can all be found on my facebook page: www.facebook.com/daffodilcampbell
I'm bringing candy and hoping for the best. And if "the best" is that I eat all the candy, well, I'm okay with that.
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1 day ago
3 comments:
Just finished the book. It was one the most thoughtful pieces of writing I have read in awhile. Thank you for opening up your heart and sharing it.
Thank you Rachel <3
Daffodil, I have been quietly following your blog for quite a while, I saw a link to your story about sunday night dinner in a bar & then watching tourists at a yogurt shopped & could not stop laughing at how accurately you described what my son dealt with whilst working at a yogurt shop!
I want to encourage you in your book tour, I have not read your book yet, I am not sure if I am ready for the emotions of giving a baby back, especially when I just cannot understand why anyone could harm a baby in the first place.
If you would like a few suggestions on marketing your book whilst on tour I would suggest contacting the local radio stations & any non-profits in the towns you are visiting & seeing if there are any events where you could speak & sell books. Many librarians are also acquainted with events & places & some allow authors to have time in their conference rooms. Best wishes for your tour & may you always have the heart for these babies. Angela from Oklahoma
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