By Karen Sargent
The first time I saw my
book on a shelf at Barnes & Noble, I mortified my teenage daughter and
misrepresented dignified authors everywhere. (My apologies!) It was a quiet
weekday afternoon, so my little ruckus attracted the attention of a staff
member, who attempted to stroll by casually and ask if she could help me. My
response jumbled out: “This is my book! My book.” I pointed to
my name on the cover. “That’s me. I wrote this. It’s mine!”
Then I remembered my
manners, and “thank you thank you thank you” tumbled forth in rapid succession.
I explained I had published with a small press and never expected my book to be
among the 1% that make it to brick and mortar stores.
The staff member smiled
and walked toward a group of other staff members that had gathered nearby. She
lowered her voice, but I heard her say, “She’s an author.” A few moments later
she returned with an “autographed by the author” sticker and a Sharpie. Within
seconds, I had signed my first book at Barnes & Noble! (Should I confess I
was sitting on the floor because alphabetically my book ended up on a lower
shelf and I was taking selfies? No? Okay. Forget I said that.)
Then the store manager
approached. She chatted, I blabbered, and guess who got to hold a book signing
at B&N? This girl!
I’m pretty sure the
store manager didn’t schedule an author event for me because she wanted to host
a debut idiot with zero name recognition. Instead, I believe my inability to
control my gushing gratitude influenced her invitation. That day I learned how
important it is to appreciate the people who sell our books for us.
Now when I visit a
bookstore and see my book on the shelf, I find the store manager and introduce
myself: “I’m a debut author, and you have my book in your store. I just want to
tell you how much I appreciate your support.” One or two questions always
follow that statement:
Would you like to sign a
copy for us?
Would you like to
schedule a book signing?
When I travel I visit
independent bookstores. First, I make a purchase—maybe a gift or a title from
my to-be-read list—because the independent bookstores deserve our patronage. I
ask to speak with the owner or manager and thank them for supporting readers
and authors, which usually leads to a conversation about the challenges faced
by a small bookstore. Then I give them a signed copy of my book to keep, to
sell, to give away, or to put in the staff breakroom. Their response comes in
many forms—smiles, handshakes, even hugs.
I know what you’re
thinking. Giving away books is costly. Yes, it is. But if booksellers read my
book and like it, they may decide to stock it…and position it for
visibility…and recommend it to readers.
But a risk comes with
all this gratitude and gifting. You could be tempted to think this is about
book sales. It’s not. It’s about people. Approach booksellers with genuine
appreciation, not an ulterior motive. There’s a difference and it will show.
In my short year in this
publishing world, I’ve learned to give more than is expected, and to give
without expecting anything in return. When relationships come first, book sales
follow.
_____________________________________________________________
Karen Sargent is an
award-winning author whose debut novel, Waiting for Butterflies, is
the 2017 IAN Book of the Year. She writes “stories that stir the soul” with
characters whose imperfect faith collides with real-life conflicts. A romantic
element is woven within. In addition to writing inspirational novels, she blogs
at The MOM Journey, where moms aren’t perfect and that’s perfectly
okay. Her writing has been
featured in Guidepost’s Angels on Earth magazine and online at
Writer’s Digest, Positive Writer, Seekerville, and now Suite T. She is the
volunteer coordinator for WFWA and a member of ACFW, the Missouri Writers’ Guild,
and the SEMO Writers’ Guild. When she’s not writing, she teaches high school
and college English and resides in the beautiful Arcadia Valley with her
husband and two daughters. Website: www.KarenSargentBooks.com
Facebook: www.Facebooks.com/KarenSargentAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KarenSargentBks
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