I’m going to tell the truth about today’s solo book signing at Reader’s Cove. I sold two books. One was purchased by a friend who used to belong to my critique group. The other was purchased by my massage therapist.
Although the shopper traffic wasn’t real heavy during the two hours I was there, some buyers did make purchases. I noticed that a large percentage of the books sold were children’s books.
I purchased a copy of Becca Fitzpatrick’s YA bestseller Hush, Hush. This is one of the reasons I shouldn’t schedule bookstore signings. I tend to buy almost as many books as I sell.
One bonus — I met a local author I hadn’t heard about before. I’ve added her to my list of Colorado authors to appear soon on my Monday blog post.
Here are the questions I was asked several times during my two-hour signing:
1. Do you have a copy of Artsy Fartsy?
2. Is there a restroom in here?
3. You wrote these books? (This was usually accompanied by a look of incredulity.)
4. How much are they? (When I answered $25.95, the questioner usually winced and began to back away.)
This was the official wrap-up of my live book promotion efforts for The Desert Hedge Murders. Now I’m going to go into hermit mode and write. I still plan to finish the first draft of my current WIP by the end of the month. Do the hustle!
Thanks for all the sympathy, but I really have no reason to whine. I got to spend two hours in a bookstore, and when there was no one to talk to, I read the front flyleaf teaser synopses in a whole bunch of new releases. Also had a large latte from the coffee shop. That’s the kind of thing I’d choose to do for fun if I had two whole hours to hang out there.
As for holiday writing, I’ll have plenty of time since we’re not having company this year, and we don’t like to travel over the holidays. It will be football, movies on DVD, and lots of computer time (definitely not in that order).
Sorry you didn’t sell more books. Happy writing over the holidays.
Enjoy hermit mode, Patricia. I’m letting go of expectations till the New Year. Too much holiday celebrating to do.
Karen
I get the restroom comment EVERY time.
Hate solo signings. Hate them!!! Bleh.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Had some of those signing, too, Patricia! Never fear.
I’ve given up trying to work on my WIP until after the holidays. Then my goal is to draft two WIPs in the month of January. One the first two weeks and one the second two. We’ll see!
As discouraging as your day sounded, the best part is that you are a published author and not everyone can say that. Hang in there. 🙂
Try not to be discouraged, Pat. Some booksignings tend to go that way–from what I’ve read. I’ve yet to have my own booksigning since I don’t debut until March.
I do agree though that the most important thing an author can do is spend time writing . . . and often we forget that. Give yourself a break. Our publisher targets libraries, and there’s nothing we can do about the cost. Focus on the writing. you are a great writer. We all know and agree about that fact!