(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)
Promotion
I’m chomping at the bit to get K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, published, but all good things take time.
Here’s my bad news: It’s tough watching so many great opportunities to sell my children’s book pass by because the book’s not ready for publication yet.
Here’s the good news: For the sake of my sanity, I choose to believe that most of my sales opportunities aren’t being missed, only delayed.
*
Today, May 18th, is Hutchinson’s (KS) monthly Third Thursday celebration where individuals, organizations, businesses—including vendors—gather downtown to have fun, socialize, get publicity, and attempt to make a buck.
I recently learned that at this Third Thursday’s celebration, the Hutchinson Kennel Club (HKC) will be offering Canine Good Citizen Evaluations, a drive-up chip clinic, and have its members available to answer questions. HKC’s table will be set up in the Reno County Museum’s courtyard (100 S. Walnut) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thanks to Bri Buller, Reno County Museum’s Event Coordinator, I’ll have a vendor table next to HKC. In that location, I know I’ll learn a lot about canine care while I’m introducing myself and my upcoming book to their volunteers and my visitors.
*
K-9 Kudzu, my book’s German shepherd dog narrator, introduces children to the world of law enforcement by examining police vocabulary words and telling stories. For example, the first few chapters are titled, “A” is for Accident, “B” is for Badge, “C” is for Car, “D” is for Detective, etc. As a big bonus, there are dynamic color illustrations.
When you team up K-9 Kudzu–the police dog, with Deputy Tom Jennings–his handler, it’s a winning combination. As long as children enjoy stories about canines and/or police officers, and with half the US population owning a dog, there’s an unlimited number of customers waiting to discover my book.
There I go again. When I write a book, I’m an eternal optimist. I think my new publication will be discovered by the world and will lead to sales through the roof. As a fictional author with an active imagination, can you blame me?
For now, while I’m waiting for the illustrations to be completed, I’m selling my other books, promoting the next one, and collecting contact information from interested customers so I can notify them once K-9 Kudzu is available for purchase this summer.
I may not like waiting for my book to be published, but it’s much easier when I’m taking steps forward. I remind myself: I’m a lucky guy to be on this adventure. I’m a writer with a dream that’s come true. Today I get to meet new people and new canines while having fun selling my books. What could be better than that?
*
Until next time, happy writing,
- Never miss a weekly blog. Sign up by clicking below to receive my weekly blog sent to your email address. https://jimpotterauthor.com/sign-up-for-jim-potters-blog-posts/
- Purchase one (or more) of my books directly from me at my website by clicking https://jimpotterauthor.com
You have to believe in the power of “I’ve heard of that book before” when it comes to selling. People are always more willing to buy something they’ve already heard of, and you are getting the word out! These posts continue to make me smile. Good sharing of lessons for authors.
Tracy, as always, thanks for your encouragement!
The “Rule of Seven” is based on the marketing principle that customers need to see your brand at least 7 times before they commit to a purchase decision. It’s a patience game.
Yes, that’s the truth. All of a sudden, I agree to something when I hear it from another person. It’s because the message was out there but I wasn’t aware I was hearing it.