Nothing Wrong With Hustling Your Book
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By VANESSA W. SNYDER
Someone called me a hustler once and I didn’t quite know what he meant. Now that I’m publishing and promoting my book every way possible — on a limited budget — I understand.
It’s just a matter of time before I have to spend some real money on marketing “The Second First Lady.” But in the meantime, I’m hustling. I’m not naive enough to think I can work my family and friends forever. However, there’s no harm in hustling until you can’t anymore. Especially if you have a big family, like me, and a good number of friends, colleagues and associates who generally like you. Hey, a sale is a sale.
So let me encourage my fellow independents: Don’t be ashamed to tell anyone who’ll listen about your book. Exhaust any and all resources, because you never know who knows whom. I try not to be overbearing, but I’ve gotten pretty good at bringing up the book in conversation. (Sometimes I feel like those people who always work their children or spouse into the discussion; actually, that might be me, too).
In fact, I was at a funeral and… just joking. I do have limits. I hope I don’t annoy people by mentioning my book in conversation, but if so, oh well. I’m trying to sell books and let the world in on the story of Clairmont Jenkins.
So here are some tips for working your book into a casual conversation:
Co-worker you barely know: Good morning.
Me: Good morning. How are you?
Co-worker (startled at extended conversation): Great. How ’bout you?
Me: Wonderful. I just wrote a book.
Co-worker (feigning interest): Really?
Me: Yes. It’s called The Second First Lady and it’s available online.
Co-worker (backing away slowly and turning away): Great! Congratulations!
I’m really not that bad, although sometimes it feels that way. But maybe that’s just part of the journey.
Other obnoxious tips: 1) Keep book on your dashboard while driving; 2) Tape the cover to one of your windows; 3) Make your relatives keep a copy on their desks; 4) Display copy conveniently on your desk; 4) Have your friends post reviews on the Internet.
The point is, don’t be afraid to tell people you’ve written a book and let them know you’d love it if they purchased one (or more). You might be surprised and come away with a sale.
