Friday 3 July 2009

promotion promotion promotion

I gave my very first author talk today. It was nerve wracking in anticipation but actually enjoyable in reality. The reading group were very complimentary and also offered me some useful suggestions.

I'm off on book signings this weekend:
Saturday 4th July Borders in Watford from 10.30
Sunday 5th July Waterstones in Hatfield Galleria from around 12.30
Borders in Watford have ordered in 60 copies of Cut Short, so no pressure there! I didn't dare ask how many Waterstones in Hatfield have ordered. The reality of all this is beginning to sink in - book promotion is hard work! I'm looking forward to Monday when I can sit down at my computer and think about my second Geraldine Steel book, Road Closed. I just hope I'm not too tired to think coherently. I'll let you know.

18 comments:

Rick said...

See, you actually had fun! Good going.

Anonymous said...

Good for you ... keep going ... onwards and upwards!

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Rick. Yes, it was enjoyable, but this is no time for complacency. I'm off to Borders in Watford and 60 books. I hope it isn't a complete flop.

Calling anyone in Watford... Come to Borders, come to Borders... (How does Derren Brown do it?)

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Aggie - thank you. I can't flag now. This is what I've been working towards and now I think wouldn't it be nice to just lie on a hammock and sleep in the dappled shade of the trees... I should add, it's really hot here at the moment. We've had the occasional thunderstorm but apart from that, temperatures in the early 30s. Not like the England I grew up in, where a typical summer's day required an umbrella and wellies, or at least a mac.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

What incredible experiences you're having, I'm glad everything is going so well.

Rick Moore said...

It's going to be a complete success. Think positive. After all, storytellers can live happily ever after, too!

BernardL said...

I hope the appearances become easier and easier for you. It seems in our times authors have to be part writer and part carnival barker. Those initial book store orders must be very exciting for you.

Charles Gramlich said...

congrats on getting that first one under your belt.

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks for the good wishes, Debs. It's great to have your support.

Leigh Russell said...

That's what I like to hear, Rick. Thanks.

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Bernard. You're right. A successful author (I can't remember who) said that authors these days have to be travelling salesmen. I have to say, it's hard work, but although it's tiring, I'm really enjoying it. Early days, but so far so good - sold out again today!

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Charles. Good to hear from you. I'm hoping to post a picture of a book signing when I get around to it - will try to do it on Monday.

Middle Ditch said...

Two weeks to go exactly Leigh. We should be able to be about 6 hours in Bath after slight traveling changes.

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Monique, Sounds great. Have a lovely day in Bath. It's a beautiful city. I hope you have time to pop in and say hello - I'll be in Waterstones, signing books. I'm hoping a few old friends will drop by. It would be nice to meet a new one as well!

Eryl said...

Hopefully by now you have signed lots of books and are relaxing with a glass of something cool, your hands not too cramped to lift it to your lips, X

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Eryl - not sure about the relaxing... I'm working frantically on book 2 at the moment, making lots of changes. It's hard work for someone disorganised like me. I've decided I need a PA. And a butler...

The book signings so far have gone brilliantly. Watching my sales ratings plummet on amazon.co.uk is keeping me down to earth. From 5,100 at best, Cut Short is now around 120,000! No one seems to be buying it on amazon any more (sigh) (and HINT to anyone reading this who hasn't bought Cut Short yet!)

Barbara Martin said...

Excellent work, Leigh. The second book will be easier for the promotion.

Leigh Russell said...

I certainly hope so, Barbara!