By Becky Villareal
As a presenter for the
Dallas Independent School District, I was never sure how many people would
attend the staff development sessions I prepared. Since the teachers could pick
by their area of need, thirty teachers may attend or just one. If only one
person arrived, it gave me the chance to sit down with them and find out how I
could help them become a more effective teacher. Also, as an attendee of
similar staff developments, I would always look for the one thing I could take
away with me; the one idea that would help me in my profession as a teacher or
presenter.
Little did I know,
this would be the best possible training ground for me as a writer. After my
books were published and the marketing was in my own hands, I had to make
decisions about how to proceed.
One of the first
venues I tried was a signing at a local bookstore. After sitting and
waiting for a while, I went out into the store and talked to people about the
general theme of my books, genealogy and family history. This did create a few
sales, but for the most part, it was very slow. But that didn’t discourage me
because I was able to meet some friendly people who were interested in my books
enough to invest their time and money and take a chance on a new author.
The next area I tried
was book fairs. These can be exhilarating and total disappointments as well.
Sometimes the venues are jammed with people all clamoring over the books for sale.
Other times, only one or two people will wander through and give your book a
second look. Since you are not the only published writer there, getting people
interested can be a little more difficult due to information overload. However,
I have met some of the most wonderful authors at these places who are willing
to share not only their expertise but their enthusiasm as well. I purchased
books myself from fellow authors that have helped me sharpen my literary sword.
I have presented at
libraries, schools, and genealogical societies throughout the country. Through
this, I can share my knowledge and experience and sell books as well. It
also gives me a chance to work with children and adults, something I miss now
that I am retired.
Just a bit of advice.
Book marketing can be a daunting experience. But by looking for the benefits of
each, it allows the writer to gain insight, experience, and new friends. Don’t
just "Write On" but "Market On" and look for that one good
thing to take away each time.
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Becky Villareal was
born in Dallas, Texas in 1954 to Missionary parents who traveled throughout the
Southwest. Though her experiences as a child, she has learned the benefit of
being multicultural in a diverse society. She loves working on her family
history and incorporating her experiences in her writing. Becky travels
throughout the country working with libraries and genealogical societies in
order to encourage family participation in genealogical research. Becky is the
author of three children's books, Gianna the Great, Halito Gianna, and Gianna
the Treasure Hunter. Her latest book, The Broken Branches, was released in
November and is currently on sale on Amazon.com. Social media; https://beckyvillareal.com twitter: @bvillareal Facebook: Genealogy for Children
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