Hi Friends and Fans,

I just announced my “Summer Book Tour.”  What? Were you thinking I just sit behind my desk writing novels on my laptop all day?  Well, I love doing that, but it doesn’t sell books.  Yes, I know social media marketing is the way to go – – and we do plenty of that.  However, talking face-to-face with readers is a lot more fun and very inspiring. And, it leads to book sales.

Art Festivals

My “Summer Book Tour” is my participation in local Art Festivals to create book sales. There are plenty of them in the Asheville, NC area and since I am new here, it’s a great way to get to know people.  Now, here is a little tidbit I’ll share.  To be admitted to most of the events, I had to make a case that writing novels is an art.  In the past, authors had not been considered “artists.”  Really.

Tent and More

 We use a 10’ x 10’ tent for displaying my books and other sales paraphernalia. The banner at the top of the page is new and seems to attract readers interested in the Mafia, Detroit, historical fiction and crime thriller.

What’s a Blind Pig?  

Since BLIND PIG is my most recent release, we float a large helium filled pig balloon above the tent.  We’ve enhanced the pig balloon with sunglasses and pose the question “What’s a Blind Pig?” You won’t believe some of the answers we get. That little gimmick creates a great opportunity for sharing a bit about BLIND PIG: Detroit In Thorn Birds Defy Mafia which often leads to more book sales.

My High Chair

In the title of this blog, I mentioned selling books from my high chair.  Did that get your attention? It’s what I really do. Most festival days are long, so I sit in a tall director’s chair.  It sure makes talking with festival-attendees easier than if I was sitting lower.  I raise my table, too, so readers don’t have to bend over to view my books or sign up for my blog.  These “raising” techniques make it very comfortable to connect with readers as they approach my booth.  We’ve had many fun conversations as we meet new people.

I Still Need Your Help

Marketing books is a very time-consuming job for authors.  As part of my “Friends & Fans” group, there are a couple of ways in which you can help.

• Tell other readers – – they won’t read my books if they don’t know about them.
• Encourage book clubs to read them. Brag that you know the author and he will Skype or Google Hang with them.
• Write a review and post it on Amazon or other book sites. I’ve prepared guidelines to use if you’ve never done this before (coming in the next blog.)
• Make a suggestion – – let me hear your thoughts for making readers aware of my books.