tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post829633387742538271..comments2024-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:00Comments on Coming Down the Mountain: We're Readers & Writers not Salesmen so Leave Us AloneKaren Jones Gowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11378428503220197256noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-31752912062254926172010-07-04T07:33:39.634-07:002010-07-04T07:33:39.634-07:00Sounds like it's going to be fun!Sounds like it's going to be fun!Colette Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685539849318739675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-50203293014009389722010-07-02T05:25:38.565-07:002010-07-02T05:25:38.565-07:00Cruella, I'm glad you did come in with your vi...Cruella, I'm glad you did come in with your viewpoint. Authors get so much information and advice on what to do to promote & how to do it, and some of it's conflicting and some of it is bad advice! Very good to get the bookseller viewpoint!Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-73997484842159763372010-07-01T23:37:54.810-07:002010-07-01T23:37:54.810-07:00Grisham story or not, I hardly believe that handse...Grisham story or not, I hardly believe that handselling your book to individual bookstores is going to be what makes you a success in 2010 (actually, since I am working in a bookstore and all, I can with almost certainty say that it is more likely to not make you a success, as there are few things as annoying as authors coming into the store telling us how to do our job...)<br /><br />In my opinion the author's job is to write a good book, and the publisher's job is the publishing and marketing part. But maybe I am just old-fashioned that way... <br /><br />Anyway, I feel a little silly coming in as commentator # 44 to say this (did you know that I am in awe whenever I visit this blog? It is just so impressive!), but you've got an award over at my blog. You know, in case you can fit one more in that already decorated sidebar of yours...Cruella Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11422848273167338884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-19944811421274296282010-07-01T07:52:08.172-07:002010-07-01T07:52:08.172-07:00woah. This.sounds.awesome.!!!woah. This.sounds.awesome.!!!Creepy Query Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18115161057496086972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-87299000419775707942010-06-29T22:16:34.354-07:002010-06-29T22:16:34.354-07:00Promoting is not an easy thing to do. I'd lik...Promoting is not an easy thing to do. I'd like to find a feasible place in the middle in which I'm neither a wallflower nor a circus barker.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-6384245965073255102010-06-29T13:52:57.318-07:002010-06-29T13:52:57.318-07:00Hi Karen! I don't know where I originally saw...Hi Karen! I don't know where I originally saw this funny video, maybe even on your blog, but here's the link: <br /> http://leegoldberg.typepad.com/a_writers_life/2010/05/the-booksigning-song.html<br /><br />Not that I expect you to have the same experience, on the contrary, I bet you'll do great. I just thought you might enjoy his humorous take on book signing!<br /><br />I like all the "Lett-uce" names above for your contest. I'm already a follower. The main thing that jumps out at me from your post is "Ima W. Riter/Notta S. Alesman"Leah (aka Mary_not_Martha)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08912083158121035192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-60351144132964932622010-06-28T17:51:55.214-07:002010-06-28T17:51:55.214-07:00Good for you! I've thought a little about this...Good for you! I've thought a little about this but since I haven't sold anything yet, I'm still not sure what to do. I'd like to go into schools and do presentations. I love teaching kids and it's a great way to sell books too.Christina Farleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03459203755170266842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-39180606601879192932010-06-28T06:26:28.827-07:002010-06-28T06:26:28.827-07:00I'm terrified to sell the thing! There's t...I'm terrified to sell the thing! There's tnothing sadder than a lone figure at a table with a stack of untouched books. Maybe I can get people to come and pretend to be buying the book. :lol:<br /><br />- Corra<br /><br /><em><a href="http://corramcfeydon.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">The Victorian Heroine</a></em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-2458634153363359852010-06-28T04:12:58.392-07:002010-06-28T04:12:58.392-07:00I don't think John Grisham had much luck with ...I don't think John Grisham had much luck with his first book though, apparently he and his mate dumped the books he couldn't sell (and now those copies are worth fortunes if you can find one!)<br /><br />I think you do a brilliant job at self-promotion. I think the most authors can do is be presentable, willing, and embrace social media as much as they can. Beyond that, it's a tricky world out there.Jaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11309191526500602452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-60906073013990560412010-06-27T08:46:31.244-07:002010-06-27T08:46:31.244-07:00I'm glad to know I am not the only one who is ...I'm glad to know I am not the only one who is uncomfortable with the salesman persona we keep hearing authors must increasingly adopt to make it in the marketplace. I am unpublished, but aspiring, and when I'm still dealing with issues of craft and submitting, the ideas of selling my books too is terrifying. Looking forward to see what tips you come up with!Bluestockinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01225973854788421827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-356816204892631992010-06-27T04:02:59.578-07:002010-06-27T04:02:59.578-07:00Wow, what a summer it's gonna be on your blog,...Wow, what a summer it's gonna be on your blog, Karen!Glynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-81466345492523033602010-06-27T00:03:00.739-07:002010-06-27T00:03:00.739-07:00Hi Karen. I hit the "Motherlode" on Ray...Hi Karen. I hit the "Motherlode" on Rayna's blog when I read her "What is a Writer" post! I absolutely LOVED your Lettuce Salad...I want to enter your contest, but will email you to make sure I am clear on what type of a title you want...I would have followed you, had you not had the contest. Your blog is wonderful!Donna B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07015770616281528620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-85612007050421300312010-06-26T07:32:38.161-07:002010-06-26T07:32:38.161-07:00Thank you everyone for your name suggestions! I...Thank you everyone for your name suggestions! I'll be gone for a few days without the internet, but when I come back I'll pick a name and announce the winner and the next contest! You can continue to submit via comment or email. (And submit as many times as you have ideas.)Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-90681645484067982902010-06-25T16:53:01.754-07:002010-06-25T16:53:01.754-07:00The Lettuce Be Writers Summer Giveaway!
(Did some...The Lettuce Be Writers Summer Giveaway!<br /><br />(Did someone else already come up with that one?)<br /><br />Cool contest, Karen. I'm excited to hear your news and for the contests you have lined up. It's awesome of you to give back like this. :)<br /><br />AmyA.L. Sonnichsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11358456786727534289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-35146273663570723742010-06-25T14:41:10.450-07:002010-06-25T14:41:10.450-07:00I'm the odd man out b/c the idea of traveling ...I'm the odd man out b/c the idea of traveling all over the country holding book signings and trying to get my book into bookstores really excites me! My only dilemma is money. I can't afford all that traveling!Tamara Hart Heinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07562765111202443160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-74146254303092061512010-06-24T20:40:58.886-07:002010-06-24T20:40:58.886-07:00Nice post, Karen...I think the key is to hold book...Nice post, Karen...I think the key is to hold book signings in places that you know someone...then get them to invite everyone they know to it...feed them cookies and they'll stand in line to buy your book and get it signed...The key is cookies and friends...<br /><br />Contest names? Hmmm.<br />I'll have to think about it some...Sharon K. Mayhewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799235347319851345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-37591564084219262052010-06-24T20:21:14.956-07:002010-06-24T20:21:14.956-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-61312684420628335582010-06-24T17:53:19.565-07:002010-06-24T17:53:19.565-07:00Signings can be tough unless you're Stephanie ...Signings can be tough unless you're Stephanie Meyer. Maybe we could get her to come to one of ours. I'm just saying...<br /><br />Loved your salad. :)Kathi Oram Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959149321213743448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-78527314780267510032010-06-24T16:26:43.634-07:002010-06-24T16:26:43.634-07:00Great idea!!! I'm thinking about what a great ...Great idea!!! I'm thinking about what a great name would make... when my thinking cap is on and the idea has been given to me I'll be sure to email you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667521490706435608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-32005007273766389032010-06-24T15:12:10.195-07:002010-06-24T15:12:10.195-07:00Er... The Writers' Bonanza Giveaways! With Sal...Er... The Writers' Bonanza Giveaways! With Salad!<br /><br />LOL!<br /><br />GOOD LUCK!! Salads are good for you!<br /><br />Take care<br />xOld Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13185547869183611159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-46366044499144427212010-06-24T13:04:33.092-07:002010-06-24T13:04:33.092-07:00Just to clarify, no I am NOT trying to get buzz go...Just to clarify, no I am NOT trying to get buzz going for my book or books. They've been out for some time and the time for buzz has long past lol.<br /><br />This relates to all of us reclusive writers who feel lost when we're suddenly shoved into the role of having to SELL ourselves and/or our books. It's to build up to what cannot now be revealed but it will be welcome news for all of us in that position. And it's to build my follower base because I want as many writers and those who support authors & books to be around for the big announcement when it comes. <br /><br />And to keep us busy with fun contests until that happens. Sorry for any confusion :)Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-60209461425871004422010-06-24T12:51:53.950-07:002010-06-24T12:51:53.950-07:00What!? I'm horrible at titles... I can't e...What!? I'm horrible at titles... I can't even come up with names for my characters.<br /><br />Here's some suggestions: (though they're pretty stupid...)<br /><br />1) The Lett-uce Alone Event! ha ha ha ... groan.<br />2) Summer Splash Event!<br />3) Endless Summer Contest<br />4) Lett-uce make your summer!<br /><br />CDAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12160669603997465454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-1648697934853585882010-06-24T11:00:11.783-07:002010-06-24T11:00:11.783-07:00Fantastic post, Karen. Three cheers to that, defin...Fantastic post, Karen. Three cheers to that, definitely needed saying.Simon Kewinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11537163555998763769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-32496325151059459022010-06-24T10:24:12.238-07:002010-06-24T10:24:12.238-07:00Can't think of anything to name your wonderful...Can't think of anything to name your wonderful event - but I am a follower! Can't imagine having to push my book on people - that would be horrible.<br /><br />Oh wait - there's a horrible name for your event in there: The Great Book Push. I'm not going to email you because it's dumb, but it just came to me.Matthew MacNishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03264738483763244969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852800943772489474.post-13694727385843922932010-06-24T10:22:49.408-07:002010-06-24T10:22:49.408-07:00Oh, Karen. I can so relate. I don't want to be...Oh, Karen. I can so relate. I don't want to be a salesperson either - I cringe every time I think about me rocking up to stores, trying to sell my book with a VERY red face... sigh. And yet, and yet... I want my book to be successful. I WANT to be on that Amazon bestsellers list, with integrity. <br /><br />What a tease you are, not giving us more details about your event! I<br /><br />Um, for names. How about:<br />Summer Book Lovin' (I know, not much kapow there)<br /><br />Right, I need to wait for some inspiration...Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.com