KEEP FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS!

[Marcia L. McNair]

Going the self-publishing route is not easy, but nothing in life is worth having unless worked for!

I just wanted to let all my fellow BAS members know that after two years of trying, Barnes and Nobel retail has finally agreed to carry my novel, E-Males. They have placed an order for 200 copies.

As you know, it's far easier to get B&N on line to carry your book on their website than to get it into their retail stores. However, I'm here to tell you: Don't give up! Rewrite your proposal and resubmit it! First, look at it with a critical eye and make sure it's the best it can be! Go that extra mile, in other words. Find people who know how to write a proposal or educate yourself. Then, try again!

Getting a national retailer to carry your book is the way to go, especially if you do not have the time, energy, or money for multiple book fairs where you barely make more than the registration fees!

Yes, a retailer takes a cut of your profits, but a national chain has the ability to sell thousands of copies of your book! You will never sell thousands at a book fair! You can't even carry thousands of copies to a book fair!! LOL.

Ditto on Amazon. I have sold more books on Amazon than at all the book fairs I attended combined. I would advise you to continue to do book signings, because it's good publicity, but again: I've sold more on Amazon than I have at my signings. Therefore, even with the outrageous percentage Amazon takes, I have still made a profit. Plus, I've done so without spending gas money to drive to this or that location.

Please be careful of the advice you receive from people who are NOT self-published authors.

KEEP FOLLOWING YOUR DREAM!
Peace, Marcia L. McNair, Author of E-Males: A Novel
In Barnes & Nobel Summer 2009

[Marcia L. McNair]

That's the spirit! In this day and age of "instant gratification" we've lost sight of the positive aspect of any struggle. You enjoy success so much more when you've worked hard for it!

[oronde ash]

i'm up at 3 am following my dream. whatever it takes, for however long. i've lived life, learned to love and was blessed with the ability to convey that truth like no other. i will keep going until the world knows my story.

[missscorpio1029]

I find that self publishing companies are to expensive, I have a book out and boy they are taking most of the money for it, even after I paid for it, and the only marketting they are doing is to sell me my own book... I am getting so frustrated with this entire process, but again I am so glad that you posted this, I will keep moving forward.

[Author Patricia Yarbrough]

Following our dream is hard work. I've learned blogging, is an excellent way of publicity. Don't get discouraged because you may not have a lot of sells in the beginning. If you touch one person heart at a time you will touch many later.
Marketing is a lot of work. I am a walking promoter. I wear my book title on a tee shirt with my website every where I go. I hand out cards, I leave cards in the ladies room, I go to basketball games I hand cards.
There is a big event coming up in April, I believe, if you can't make it, you can send your materials to the Book Tour, at a small cost they will display your book for you
Thanks

[Sarah Williams]

Thanks, Marcia. Sometimes it can feel so lonely out there, it seems, by yourself, and unsure of what needs to come next. I have no intention of giving up. I love writing and I will become successful. Thanks for your words of encouragement.

Sarah

[Milton Davis]

Thanks for the pep talk, Marcia. I just emerged from a funk about selling my book. It's frustrating when you've had so many people tell you how good your book is and then still have boxes sitting in your study! Congratulations on your success! I'm working hard to make sure you're not alone. :)