And then there were none
Monday, November 21, 2005 at 12:11PM And then there were none.
No book signings. No radio interviews. Nothing.
I just cleaned up my Appearances page and it's clear for the next two months. Insert heavy sigh of relief.
A little over two months ago I embarked on a journey like none I've ever taken before. With book in hand, I traveled, in order of appearance, to the following places: Evanston, Ill., Rockford, Ill., Joliet, Ill., Winnetka, Ill., Milwaukee, Wisc., Waynesboro, Va., Washington, D.C., Glen Ellyn, Ill., and, last but not least, Chicago, Ill.
During that period, I also appeared as a guest on radio shows in New York and Wisconsin and on two Internet radio programs. Stories about or reviews of my book appeared in The Star newspapers, The Times of Northwest Indiana, The Evanston Roundtable, The Chicago Writer's Association's Clarion, New Mystery Reader Magazine, Book Review Cafe, AllBooks Review and the Murder and Mayhem Bookclub.
All in a little over two months.
On a crisp, clear Saturday in Chicago, just before the annual Festival of Lights parade marched down Chicago's Michigan Avenue, I made my final stop in an equally exhausting and exhilarating mini-book tour at the Illinois Woman's Press Association (IWPA) Book Fair at the Chicago Cultural Center. I couldn't have asked for a better place to close the book on my little adventure. Not only did I meet some fellow up-and-coming local authors like Joanne Stone-Geier (Launch It! How to Turn Good Ideas Into Products That Sell), Dan McGuire (Now, When I Was a Kid), Marion E. Gold (Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command), and Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas, but I also got my five minutes on the stage: interviewed by WBEZ news correspondent Diantha Parker. And for the second weekend in a row, I nearly sold out of books. How's that for an ending? Many thanks to the IWPA and to the friendly volunteers at The Cultural Center. They put on a great show and I thank them all for allowing me to be a part of it.
So where do I go from here?
That's a loaded question to ask on this, my 44th birthday (please buy a book in lieu of gifts). As I mentioned, this was a tiring two months. Trying to juggle a job, family life and book promotion is a little like being ringmaster of a three-ring circus. Right now, I'm ready to return to two rings for at least a little while.
Selling books, I learned, is hard work. And although I may have the instincts for it, I don't know if I have the will.
Often I'm asked if I've tried this or done that in order to get my book out there (please no more suggestions about sending my book to Oprah or to the Chicago Cubs organization).
Many of the things that have been suggested I have actually done (excluding Oprah) in some form or another. Regarding the Cubs, I sent my book to Ron Santo c/o WGN and to VineLine, the official publication of the Cubs. I never heard anything from either of them.
Others to whom I've mailed copies: Mark Grace c/o the Arizona Diamondbacks; Lin Brehmer, morning personality on WXRT; and actor John Cusack. I'm still waiting to hear from all of them.
If it was within the realm of possibility, however remote, I gave it the old college try.
There are many impenentrable forces out there keeping a book like mine from being more widely distributed and read. Book publishing is a tough business. Never forget that it is, first and foremost, a business.
I never went into any of this with any great expectations, so I can't be disappointed. Considering what I was up against, I think I did the best that I could.
Now, for the most part, I'm done. Sure if something great comes along, I'll take it. Yes, Mr. Cusack, I'm still open to the idea of turning my book into a movie. Just waiting for your call.
But I've already turned down or turned away from a couple of potential promotional opportunities. I've told my publicist to shut it down.
I've got other things on my plate that have been put on the backburner for the past few months. I'm ready to move them to the front.
Number one is getting back to novel number two.
Number two is helping my writers' group, the Chicago Writers Association, get its Web site up-and-running. We're hoping to soft launch that in February, and it has the potential to be something truly special.
Number three is possibly shopping a collection of my essays on raising a toddler. I'm open to all offers.
One lingering question is what to do with this blog. I began it as a means of promoting a book. If I'm basically done promoting that book, does that mean that the air to my blog should be cut off?
I've been pondering that one for awhile now, and I'm still not sure how to answer it. If you're still reading, I'd be curious to know what you think. The comments on my blog have slowed considerably in recent weeks, yet readership seems to keep growing. I'm not sure what that means. I guess my instinct is that if it's my goal to eventually have other books published, then I'm going to have to learn to promote myself and this blog is one way to do that. Let me know your thoughts. I don't want to feel like the guest that wouldn't leave the party. If I've worn out my welcome, please tell me.
So what have I learned over the last few months? Here's my serious top 10 list:
- Selling books is not easy.
- For the most part, writers/authors are a supportive lot.
- Don't mistake support for friendship.
- You will make mistakes.
- You will usually learn from mistakes.
- A certain level of elitism unfortunately besets the publishing world.
- Some doors, no matter how persistently you knock, will always be closed to some.
- Expect the unexpected. Both good and bad.
- Take chances.
- Your family and friends are your greatest support.
One of these days perhaps I'll come up with a not-so-serious top 10 list. But the things I've listed above are things that I think anyone should know before they dive in naked to the publishing world.
I've seen how authors have become businessmen. Selling books becomes a job. That, to me, takes away the fun of writing books. The key, I suppose, is finding a happy medium.
Being the next John Grisham or Dan Brown sounds nice, but I wonder how nice it really is. Do they still enjoy writing? Or are they writing because that's their job. I guess if it's the former, I'd trade places with them in a heartbeat. But if it's the latter, I'll keep my day job. And the best hobby in the world.
Reader Comments (4)
Congrats on a successful 2 month journey. I believe you should keep the website and post entries when YOU want. I personally enjoy reading the entries and it keeps me close to you and your family. I have learned just as much about you on this site as I did living with you in college for 2 years. You stated that readership continues to grow, but comments have slowed. People do not like to write--they like to read!! I will continue to check in periodically, as will many of your friends and family.
Dave