1) Photographs. There have actually been several excited people who wanted their picture taken with me. I hope I didn't preen too much.
2) Job offers. Yep. Someone thought I was doing such a great job behind my table that he offered me a job behind his table, selling jewelry at a store.
3) Speaking opportunities. I cannot tell you how many teachers came in that grew very excited to know I was local. Now I just sit here waiting for them to contact me...
4) Newspaper attention. And not from press releases, either. One woman came through that runs a serial column in a statewide newspaper. She offered to serialize a book of mine that's not under contract to help me get a bigger fan-base. (And I'd get paid for it, too.) Way cool. I know just what book I want her to do that to, also. I just haven't written it yet.
5) More book signings. People are so helpful. They all come in and give me contact information for someone they know who has an indie or used bookstore and would love for me to come do a signing. Isn't that nice? :)
6) Library appearances. Librarians are always excited to meet me, too.
7) Free products. Mary Kay ladies and Avon ladies have handed over free samples in exchange for a bookmark. Yay! Except...they didn't buy my book. So...I'll keep buying Mary Kay from my mom (who had a website here if anyone needs a Mary Kay lady).
Not to mention that I'm learning
7) Temperance. It's really rude when you say hi to someone and they look away and walk off without a word. Seriously. Would a "hello" kill ya??? Or even a smile?? After the twentieth time this happens in a day, people are lucky I don't run after them yelling, "Excuse me, I said hi to you! Didn't you hear me?" Breathe deeply. Calm down. It's okay.
Whew.
What about your book signings? Have you had any unexpected benefits?
5 comments:
That's really surprising to hear how many people would not offer a simple HELLO. I can understand it up north, but here in the south, where your hand can cramp from waving at every on-coming car, its unusual. :)
I would be so annoyed if people didn't say hi to me! But some people just don't know how to be nice I guess. :)
That's hilarious! You're so good at promoting your book. I can't wait for the next one. It was great to see you again at the conference this year. I didn't know you moved to AZ. Cool. (or hot?)
I'm in Arkansas, Julie! and I love it here!
DL and Chantelle, I could tell you EXACTLY which cities here in Arkansas are proving to be unfriendly...
I haven't done one, but I think they would be super scary. I'm glad you had fun and got some job offers.
Post a Comment