STRAP ON THAT BOOK

STRAP ON THAT BOOK Went to the community recreation center to walk the track, and I noticed a new childrens book on the counter where we check in. The rec center has allowed authors to put childrens books up there before, since so many kids are involved in the programs. I flipped through it, to see if it was self-published or traditional (it was self-pubbed)I asked about it, and the director said a retired school teacher wrote it. The illustrations were nice. A pretty book. I just published my book recently, I said. Oh, what kind? Mystery. The setting is in the Lowcountry, on Edisto, I said. Do you have one with you? I LOVE mysteries. So does my mother, she said. There I stood in workout clothes, no make-up and straight hair, and I caught myself selling my book. I promised her one the next day. (Which meant I had to return to workout, you know.) So I gave her the book the next day and went to the track (love that air-conditioned track, nine laps equals a mile). When I came down, she handed me the money. Her co-worker piped up. You wouldnt On another day, I went to get my hair cut. I carried the book this time, and my hairdresser bought it. And wouldnt you know it . . . the shop owner wanted a copy too, and Id only brought one. I returned that afternoon with eight, and they put them on sale to customers, in exchange for giving the owner one free. Whats cool is that these people will tell other people about the author THEY KNOW, who writes this great mystery set in their HOME state. Its all about connections . . . and having a book available. From that point on, I decided to keep books in the proverbial trunk of my car, only mine are in a dry cooler in the back of an SUV, so the sun doesnt cook them. One thing you learn once you publish a book . . . it needs to be with you at all times. Youre talking it up to everyone, so why shouldnt it be handy? When budgeting for your promotional efforts, whether traditionally or self-published, be prepared to sell or give away a good number of books at inopportune moments. Dont get caught empty-handed, because those precious moments of opportunity might not come back around. If youre an author, that means you write books, and the public takes it for granted you have one in your back pocket.