ambivalence
New member
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« on: January 23, 2012, 09:23:05 PM » |
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Hi! I wrote and published a small book about gender and art. I've been invited to give a local book talk/signing to an Art League and Women's Group. Now for the question: the book costs $52 on amazon, but I can reasonably sell it for $35 with my author discount. If 50-75 people are expected to attend the talk/signing, how many books would you recommend I bring (FYI: I don't want to buy much more than I can sell!)
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
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hegemony
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« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2012, 10:31:23 PM » |
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Unfortunately it's hard to sell books at these things, and you may not sell even one. People who buy them usually don't buy for themselves, in my experience, but as gifts for other people. They especially like general-type books that might make good gifts, so an art book might qualify. You can drop the gift angle into your talk at the end -- "Makes a nice present!" The books I see sell best are about cats.
If I were doing this (and had written your book), and I had a ready supply of my books at home, I'd bring ten, to give a pleasant sense of abundance, and I'd charge $35, reminding the audience that they normally cost $52, and rejoice if I sold two.
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Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight.
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fleabite
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« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2012, 10:52:41 PM » |
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In my experience, most people go to readings/book talks because they are interested in the subject matter but don't buy the book. To give an example of two talks I gave relating to my most recent (very moderately priced) book: one attracted eight or nine people , of whom two bought books; some 75 people came to the other and none bought a book, although they were a very enthusiastic audience and stayed asking questions until the place closed (the latter venue usually attracts many listeners but few purchasers). The benefit of the talks tends more to be in the opportunity to make people aware of the book by publicizing the event (you can get listed in community calendars, sometimes get a mention in the newspaper or on radio, etc.). With a higher-priced books such as yours, perhaps you might try bringing five and mentioning that this was the opportunity to get it at a special bargain price. If you had additional takers, you could direct them to booksellers (even though I realize price would be higher). Best of luck with your program.
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« Last Edit: January 23, 2012, 10:54:39 PM by fleabite »
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fleabite
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« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2012, 11:31:51 PM » |
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The editing option has expired, but sorry for all the errors in the above ("price" instead of "the price"; "higher-priced books" instead of "book"; etc.). I'm using assistive technology and it's really acting up tonight.
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astoryteller
Junior member
Posts: 52
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« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2012, 12:41:07 AM » |
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Congratulations on the publication of your book, ambivalence!
I have no insights on how many books to bring, but one comment. You've probably already checked this, but just in case: you want to make sure that your publisher allows you to resell books you've purchased with the author's discount. Some presses put in in your contract that you can't do that.
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parispundit
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« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2012, 03:39:59 AM » |
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Personally, I would make sure NOT to recheck the contract. Just sell the books.
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bevo98
Old but
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Posts: 631
Dr. Pepper
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« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2012, 01:07:30 PM » |
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Many times when authors give talks, the organization sponsoring the talk will make those arrangements and sell the book. You might ask them if they plan to do so and then put them in touch with your publisher. You really do not want to be making change and checking ids after a talk.
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How you expect to run with the wolves come night when you spend all day sportin' with puppies? Omar Little
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betterslac
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« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2012, 07:18:38 PM » |
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Congratulations on the publication of your book, ambivalence!
I have no insights on how many books to bring, but one comment. You've probably already checked this, but just in case: you want to make sure that your publisher allows you to resell books you've purchased with the author's discount. Some presses put in in your contract that you can't do that.
Yep, the contract I just received specifies that books bought with my discount are not for resale. |
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parispundit
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« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2012, 11:01:39 AM » |
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And the odds of that clause being legally binding are slim, just like the one the airlines put in about not reselling frequent flyer miles. Pay no attention
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octave
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« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2012, 01:16:26 PM » |
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First, see if the press can coordinate some way to sell copies so that you don't have to haul them around, mess with change, or run the risk of being stuck with extra books. If not, ignore whatever's in the contract and sell them yourself.
I say that as someone who works for a university press.
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