tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post115336245674567703..comments2023-10-05T06:28:29.938-07:00Comments on Bookseller Chick: Dear Cupcake KillerBookseller Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16740546395821645741noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153681553910903582006-07-23T12:05:00.000-07:002006-07-23T12:05:00.000-07:00Ally: I had mine done at Kinko's. Cover art on one...Ally: <BR/><BR/>I had mine done at Kinko's. Cover art on one side and my contact info on the other. I actually had 2 versions made: 1 w/ address/phone/e-mail/web, the other w/ e-mail/web only. 500 cards for about $150. I'm sure you can get it done for much cheaper by one of the online sites, but I'd never done my own cards before and wanted someone to talk me through it, see the proofs, etc. And now that the setup is all done, ordering more will be a lot less expensive.Christine Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17350760019997430843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153509472005780952006-07-21T12:17:00.000-07:002006-07-21T12:17:00.000-07:00This is very interesting, thanks for the info! My ...This is very interesting, thanks for the info! My first book is coming out in print next month o_O and I'm unsure about how - or whether - to contact the bookstores that might possibly stock it. I'm also wondering if the in-person approach is best. I'd much rather talk to someone face to face than send a letter, frankly, but don't want to put anyone off.<BR/><BR/>And another thing, does anyone know where one could go to get business cards made with a book cover on them, decent quality but not too horribly expensive?<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, this is some very useful info here!<BR/><BR/>AllyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153431150189647192006-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:002006-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:00What is it about this blog that makes me want to r...What is it about this blog that makes me want to rush out and get a job in a bookshop? I can't figure it out...nonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00415222406280230021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153429027177335452006-07-20T13:57:00.000-07:002006-07-20T13:57:00.000-07:00I feel the same way 'anonymous' does...never know ...I feel the same way 'anonymous' does...never know if I'm imposing on a local bookseller. I wonder if they'd prefer to be contacted via phone, a mailer, or not at all. I really like the idea of the business card with the book cover and all pertinent information.<BR/><BR/>This blog was quite a find--I'm happy to have your perspective, BSC!Alyssa Goodnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12563271888054706202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153417937705608352006-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:002006-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:00I've never written to a book store, but this was v...I've never written to a book store, but this was very enlightening. My publicist sends the letters and arranges signings, all that, but what I'm wondering is how booksellers feel about "drop in" authors. Are they a bother or are booksellers happy to have a warm body to talk to about the book? On my way to booked events, I often pass by bookstores and think about stopping by to say hello, but never know if that's proper etiquette.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153410543634072142006-07-20T08:49:00.000-07:002006-07-20T08:49:00.000-07:00BSC--No problem. I know the local stores and thou...BSC--<BR/>No problem. I know the local stores and thought that they were doing a great job. And that maybe some of the other BNs should be open to their local RWA members (snicker). Your audience is wider than mine.:)Stacie Penneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09128147841617874793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153406111430155652006-07-20T07:35:00.000-07:002006-07-20T07:35:00.000-07:00Eileen, I don't keep the letters. That's why I'm ...Eileen, I don't keep the letters. That's why I'm a big fan of inclosing a business card of some type. Letters that worked were very tailored to their story and their genre, and didn't waste my time. If I come across one that works for me in the next couple of months I'll contact the author and see if I can post it.<BR/><BR/>Web, I'm so glad that I'm not the only one.<BR/><BR/>Christine, by mass mailing I meant that it was obvious that this same letter was used for a large group of booksellers (probably all of the ones in my state) with just the address in the top left corner changed.<BR/><BR/>Colleen, your query is probably an excellent starting point when trying to write to booksellers, only now you have the information such as Publisher and marketing campaign to put in (although if you have a marketing campaign then chances are you have someone to help with your letter). The cupcake was a yellow cake with chocolate frosting, I have two bite-sized ones in other flavors in my fridge. <BR/><BR/>Lady T, I agree completely.<BR/><BR/>stay_c, I'm open to local author signings, and never meant to come across like I wasn't. Local author signings happen all the time in my town and I fully support them, and had the author of the letter offered said local status as a reason to do a signing/be available for a signing, it would have made sense. S/he only gave the information in reference to having local author stickers placed on the book (or for the book to be placed in a local authors display bay, which we don't have, nor do we have room to create one). I'm sure that most of the independents around me do as they are much more community focused in many ways. (I'm completely saddened to hear about the lack of cheese paraphernalia though.) Sorry if this didn't come across in the post, this is what I get for blogging in a hurry.Bookseller Chickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16740546395821645741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153402839018535792006-07-20T06:40:00.000-07:002006-07-20T06:40:00.000-07:00Not at that stage yes, but I'll remember.Thank you...Not at that stage yes, but I'll remember.<BR/>Thank you.Bernitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05264585685253812090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153401586798617882006-07-20T06:19:00.000-07:002006-07-20T06:19:00.000-07:00As a resident of WI, Oshkosh, specifically, the tw...As a resident of WI, Oshkosh, specifically, the two local books stores are good about promoting local authors. The independent store -- Apple Blossom Books (http://www.appleblossombooks.com/) is fantastic at recommending and working with the local authors.<BR/><BR/>Paper Tiger, which is part of the region Bookworld chain, has a good local interest written by local authors.<BR/><BR/>The Barnes and Noble in Green Bay holds local author signings for the published RWA members.<BR/><BR/>Paper Tiger is the only one of the three that has "cheese paraphernalia" though.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure others will tell you differently, but the above is my experience.Stacie Penneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09128147841617874793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153399631567992652006-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:002006-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:00Oh,boy-the dreaded"local author"! Nothing against ...Oh,boy-the dreaded"local author"! Nothing against that but I've seen way too of them who expect you to be all "ooo-ahh!" and to drop everything to promote their precious tome(and their moms,too!).<BR/><BR/> I think it's best to use the local angle if it directly relates to your book(particularly if it has any historical content).lady thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16287907577241697874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153399244537133552006-07-20T05:40:00.000-07:002006-07-20T05:40:00.000-07:00Thanks for the info, BSC. It sounds like the lette...Thanks for the info, BSC. It sounds like the letter should be short and sweet--rather like a covering query letter to an editor and agent.<BR/><BR/>I'm guessing a postcard with the bookcover on one side and the pertinent information on the back might even be more effective.<BR/><BR/>One more question: what kind of cupcake???Colleen Gleasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15650958015205097847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153367868772401362006-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:002006-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00The things I learn by hanging around here. Who kne...The things I learn by hanging around here. Who knew about mass mailings to bookstores? Well, now I do. Thanks for a stellar post, BSC--Christine Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17350760019997430843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153367285110506082006-07-19T20:48:00.000-07:002006-07-19T20:48:00.000-07:00As a reviewer, I've seen my share of those letters...As a reviewer, I've seen my share of those letters. {shudder}webhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02111147106670737578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13002022.post-1153367223992350742006-07-19T20:47:00.000-07:002006-07-19T20:47:00.000-07:00Would you consider posting a letter that really wo...Would you consider posting a letter that really worked? <BR/><BR/>As I am getting to ready to write these very letters and and all suggestions are welcome. Course now I have to find another word for rollicking...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com