Is one of my ideal readers about to walk into this bookstore?
That’s the hope, anyway.
Someone is about to step into Indigo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, chat with me about homestay for a minute, and then walk out of the store with a copy of my book in hand.
I held that hope for a few hours on April 13 (in Victoria) and April 19 (in Vancouver). In Victoria, I stood in front of a beautiful table display and smiled at dozens of people. I greeted the ones who made eye contact with a friendly, “Have you heard of homestay?” Most of them said no, not breaking stride. Some slowed long enough for me to follow up: “You know, foreign student exchange? Like, Rotary?” A few brightened, nodding. Others just shook their heads and kept walking.
I felt like a traveling salesman. Or a Greenpeace volunteer, trying to get strangers to sign a petition.
In Vancouver, I tried a different hook: “Can I tell you about my book?” This was slightly more effective, probably because it leads with the idea that I’m an author, rather than sounding like I’m selling something. Although, you can’t assume all Indigo shoppers are book lovers. As one person told me, “I don’t read. I’m just here for the candles.”
I only sold one book at each event. Yet, as with all aspects of this book promo game, I’m learning to adjust my expectations and rethink how I measure success. In this case:
- I handed out several postcards to people who weren’t interested in the book themselves, but knew a host and promised to tell them about the book (you can see the postcards in the image below).
- Both bookstores were incredibly supportive. They had me sign a few copies and I got to see my book with those lovely blue stickers: “Local Author,” and “Autographed Copy.”
- I got to talk to the event coordinator about my book, and explain where I thought it should be shelved—a tricky question with a book like mine. Bonus: It also landed on the “Canadian Authors” table.
- Even one book sold is one more reader reached. It all counts.
Every interaction—even if it doesn’t lead to a direct sale—plants a seed, spreads an idea. Everything I try is a learning experience.
What have you tried lately that didn’t work out as you hoped, but taught you something valuable?