"One Upmanship"

The art of selling books is not something I have, or even particularly want to have. I like to write books. I like to talk about what I have written. I like meeting people who have read or want to read what I have written. I do not like the process of selling books to people, but this is a necessary evil when you become a writer with a published book.

I probably do thirty or more book signings each year. These can come in the form of after dinner talks; addresses to book clubs, garden clubs, social clubs, etc.; or actual gatherings of authors for one event or another. This past weekend I talked to the American Association of University Women on Saturday and then attended an "Arts Festival" at Henderson Village just south of Perry on Sunday.

At the AAUW I had lunch with the group and then gave a talk. This was followed by the chance for them to buy my book(s) and get it/them autographed. I always am amused when someone asks me which one of the three books they should buy. I honestly don't have an answer to that question and usually reply they are all like my children and I love them equally.

I do add that if they are going to give the book as a gift it is best to get a hardback (HALFWAY HOME), and if they intend to read all of my books they should start with the first one which is JOURNEY OF A GENTLE SOUTHERN MAN. But all of the books stand alone so you can hop into any of them and not be confused.

At the Arts Festival at Henderson Village I was set up in a gazebo with Lee Ann Tuggle. Lee Ann is from Perry (like me) and has written a children's book titled GO FISH. We shared a table and had a nice conversation as we set up our book displays. Then we waited for the customers to come.

There were not a lot of people milling around as it was a dreary overcast day and it looked like it was going to pour down rain any minute. Finally one guy did stroll up to where we were sitting. I was excited when he addressed me by name and said he had hoped I would be at Henderson Village. I knew this was going to be an easy sell of at least one book and maybe all three.

He offered his hand and said he had heard me on the radio Friday morning. My first segment of "Fridays With Jackie" had aired on all the Georgia Public Radio stations so I was very pleased to learn someone had been listening. 

Then he added, "You mentioned a book on that show by some writer in Atlanta."

"Yes, it was WHEN LIGHT BREAKS by Patti Callahan Henry," I informed him.

"That's it. I think my wife would really like that book. Is it in bookstores?" he asked.

When I told him it was he said they would sure get it, and off he went. As he departed the sky opened up and a downpour started. Lee Ann and I gathered up our books and ran for our cars. The day was over.

Final tally of books sold - Jackie K Cooper 0, Patti Callahan Henry 1. I had been one upped in my own booth.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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