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Tips on Pitching Your Book from the Author's Point of View
Janet E. Spurr, author of Beach Chair Diaries: Summer Tales from Maine to Maui
www.janetspurr.com, www.beachchairdiaries.com
NWU-Boston July 09 workshop at Barnes & Noble at B.U. Bookstore
(report by Barbara Beckwith)
Independently published books are now being looked at like indie films, especially in these exciting Twitter, Facebook and blog times.
Connect with both book buyer and bookstore. Find out the buyer's name in advance of asking to speak to that person. Look the store over to notice its special qualities, so that you can say something about it. Do so from your heart, not pro forma: they'll know the difference.
Selling starts with a conversation. Remember that you are building a relationship. Be positive: Spurr says "I'm selling my book all over New England and I've sold 2,400 copies: would you like 6-8 copies?" If your book can be ordered from Ingram (or Baker and Taylor), say so. If they won't take even six, ask "What about three?" If possible, try to get someone in the bookstore to read the book.
If the book buyer is busy, ask which way (email, telephone, in person) is the best way to get in touch. I've found that 9 a.m. is often a good time to call. Ask when would be the best time for follow through: show your flexibility ("Would it be better to call back in the beginning of September or August?"). Call about re-orders before relevant seasons and holidays. Send the bookstore updates if you have something new: a podcast, a video, etc.
At an author event or workshop, greet each person at the door. Says Spurr: "I hand them a postcard with information about my book. I sign books (note: signed books are not supposed to be returned to the store). At a book display table, I never sit down."
Be lively, positive, and speak in two or three sentence soundbites. On the phone, when you give your name and phone number, speak SLOWLY, but treat that person on the phone, as well as the cashier and the book buyer, with respect.
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