Business cards and bookmarks go with me in my purse everywhere I go, to give them out as the Lord opens an opportunity: bank tellers, parents with kids in CVS Pharmacy, WalMart, grocery stores, people in church, etc. I've given them out to moms watching their kids in a play area in the mall; they were so appreciative and glad to meet me, a local author. :o)
I posted notices on my facebook page about my website and book, and this blog.
One day I happened to notice Manassas Christian Academy as I was driving, so I went in and talked to the Administrator. She invited me to do a book signing sometime this summer and I left 50 bookmarks with her to hand out to parents of the pre-school and kindergarten school. They have summer events there as well.
I've recently contacted seven churches in our area, including our church, Manassas Assembly of God, about making my book known and available. The pastor's wife at Dynamic Life church in Front Royal, VA is excited about my book and may carry it in their bookstore. I have not heard from the other churches yet.
I sent out 80 pre-printed postcards (vistaprint.com) announcing my book and website to my Christmas card list friends whose e-mails I don't have.
My son-in-law, Keith, critiqued the press release I wrote and sent out to all local area newspapers, and the Washington Times and the Post. So far, a local "freebie" called The Discover newspaper responded to my press release. The publisher, Ms. Harper, called me and was elated that my book would fit quite well with their August edition and the theme of "Parenting in a Fast-Paced World". A reporter will call me for an interview and pictures at Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Wine Press offered me an ad spot in their book catalog that has a circulation of 20,000 for homeschoolers and bookstores. I took it. I also paid Wine Press to display my book at the International Christian Retailers Show in Orlando, Florida, in August where book publishers and bookstore buyers congregate; they will take orders for me there.
My dear cousin Dottie McClure in Georgia is excited about my book, and plans to put my website and book info on their 200+ family e-loop for homeschoolers! Thank you, Dottie!
By invitation, I mailed a copy of my book along with a letter to Mr. Bomberger of Choice Books along with a copy of his e-mail to me. If they like my book, I would need to do offset printing for them which costs thousands of dollars and would need a minimum order from them of 2500 books to make a little profit. But at least the message of the book would get out there on their distribution racks. I am praying for God's favor on this.
My friend Jane just this morning suggested contacting Cracker Barrel restaurant also; they carry the Gaither's CD's and family-friendly videos for sale.
Any business establishment or church that would like to carry my book needs to contact my publisher, Wine Press, either by phone: 877.421.7323 or e-mail at orders@winepresspublishing.com. They will receive a re-sale discount.
Please visit my website, www.elaineandfriends.com and order my book to keep in your library when kids come to visit, or to give as gifts to kids at Easter, Christmas, or birthdays! Makes a thoughtful gift for the child who is recovering from an illness, too! Thanks!
Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy
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