How Important are Personal Appearances for a Writer?

Mary at Poppyseeds, Stanwood, WA

I have found that a big part of promotion is making personal appearances. Look around for opportunities to make this happen.

– Call on stores in person. Always have your books with you when you’re out and about. In my car, I keep a good sampling of my books in a wheeled carry-on. If you see a store that might feature your books, don’t hesitate to go in, introduce yourself and show them your books. Many times I have shown a store owner or manager my books, even though they currently don’t have books in their inventory. I’ve been gratified by their interest. For sure, call on bookstores, but broaden your scope to other stores your readers might frequent, such as drugstores, gift stores, tack shops, etc.. Non-book stores most often pay up-front rather than on consignment, and pay a higher rate than bookstores.

– Take advantage of writer group events. In the Northwest, Pacific Northwest Writers Association has a Cottage Event where members are encouraged to appear with their books. If you belong to a writers group (and you should!), help organize an event that will draw the public.

– Participate in community events. On Camano Island, where I live, an annual Women’s Expo draws a large crowd. Vendors display their wares at tables featuring health items, jewelry, gifts, clothing, seasonal items, hand-crafted goods....and my books. Often, I am the only vendor with books and I enjoy being a novelty. It’s gratifying when people stop by to tell you how much they enjoyed your book and will now buy another title, and perhaps one more as a gift. Watch for opportunities in your area–there are bound to be Christmas events, fall festivals, public markets, even flea markets. Sometimes there’s a fee to have a “booth.” You have to weigh the cost against the profit. But, if nothing else, your personal appearance has added to your name and face recognition.

– Become known at your local library. Inquire about the library carrying your books. Donate a copy of your book to show your good will. In my area, Friends of the Library has invited me to speak and it is expected that I will bring my books to sell to attendees. Friends of the Library regularly host writer events–readers love meeting authors. They also hold an annual book sale for which proceeds go back into the library fund. I save my slightly shop-worn books to donate to this cause.

– When we take a road trip, I always take an extra supply of books and call on stores along the way. I have found small town drugstores to be among my best customers. I don’t make a big thing of this–it is our vacation, after all. Sometimes I’ll explain we’re visiting the area and thought I’d pop in and introduce myself. The response has been gratifying. Throughout the year, especially at Christmastime, I follow up these visits with a phone call and often replenish their book supply.

– Team up with a friend. It’s fun to make personal appearances with a friend. I often team up with a writer from another community, giving us a wider selection of venues. Sometimes it’s fun going solo, but other times it’s good to share the cost of a booth with someone else.

– It’s always interesting to people to have a book written about where they live. Canvas that area, looking for stores or other possibilities for personal appearances.

As you make your personal calls, be professional. Be prepared to leave a brochure or at the very least a business card. Sometimes people need time to think new ideas over. Follow up with a phone call soon after your personal visit. You are unique. Show enthusiasm about your product.

The Business of Writing

Most of us write for the love of writing. Yet, for many, in order to continue doing what we love, we must get compensation for our work. The business of writing is just that–a business. As in most business enterprises, record keeping is a vital part of the procedure of maintaining our profession and measuring progress.

For me, the most efficient method of keeping track of article submissions is to have a table listing all my submissions and subsequent activities. I list the name of the article, the publisher, the status (submitted, published, paid, follow-up, rejected) and dates of activities. I place an asterisk beside the article name until all activity is concluded.

At the first of each month I do a search for the asterisk to learn the status of article activity and take the appropriate action. I haven't had many problems with delinquent payment, but occasionally I've sent a payment reminder letter, or perhaps an invoice listing the article, when it was published, and the amount due. I wait for at least two months after publication before sending a payment reminder. Using a simple spreadsheet or table shows me where I need to take action.

Of course, the best scenario is when I’m paid in advance for my work. But the above steps keep me ahead of the game and help me to keep track.

Persistence and good record keeping–for me these practices contribute to my success rate in getting articles published and getting paid to write them.

CALL IT PERSISTENCE, TENACITY, NAGGING ...

Persistence pays off. After I submit an article to a magazine and receive no response, I wait an appropriate amount of time--three months is my usual rule of thumb–then I write a polite follow-up letter asking the magazine editor if she’s had a chance to review my submission. I enclose a copy of my original submission cover letter, which is the sales pitch for the article, and an SASE.

The response I've had to these follow-up letters has been gratifying: On one, I received a prompt telephone call. "Mary, thanks for reminding me. I'd put your article aside and it got buried. I'd like to use your piece next month."
After I'd sent a reminder, an editor admitted they had lost my manuscript, but he thought the article would be something he could use. Would I resubmit the manuscript? Would I! The article was published within two months.

One local sailing magazine didn't respond in a timely fashion but called me after my follow-up letter. He liked the article, but his magazine was no longer doing destination pieces. However, he needed someone to write a monthly "event" feature story, which I agreed to do. This new opportunity stemmed from my reminder letter.

Of course, not all my follow-up letters have happy endings. Some of the articles come back rejected, but at least I know the status and I can immediately resubmit the articles to another publication. If, after sending a follow-up letter I still don't hear anything within three months, I make a notation to never submit to that outfit again. As soon as possible I resubmit the article to another publication. The idea is to keep your articles circulating, not sitting on your or an editor's desk.

Over the years as a free-lance writer, I’ve had more than 400 articles published in magazines and newspapers. It’s been gratifying–not only for the income, but to have readers comment that they’ve seen my article in a magazine they subscribe to.

Following is a sample follow-up letter:

Dear Ms. Smith:

On October 5, 2010, I mailed to you "Celebrating Traditions" on hard copy and on disk in RTF format, together with a stamped self-address envelope. Included with the article on disk were digital images and a picture caption page. I am enclosing a copy of my cover letter for your review.

I would appreciate a reply if this article meets your editorial needs. Enclosed is a stamped self-addressed envelope for your convenience; or, if e-mail is more convenient, my e-mail address is listed below. I do not need the materials returned.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mary E. Trimble
Phone: (206) 555-2400
E-mail: trimble@usa.net