When It Doesn't Work... (Sydney Salter)

Sometimes all the guest blogging, mailed ARCS, and social media networking doesn't translate into big sales, but extra boxes of books in the publisher's warehouse.

I admit to feeling quite a bit of disappointment when my publisher offered me a huge discount on a hefty number of my most recent title, Swoon At Your Own Risk. Bummer. The book didn't match my hopes--or my publisher's expectations. *sad sigh*

But, I bought the maximum number of copies--not because my basement needed more boxes, or I planned to create a coffee table-o-failure, and I certainly didn't think I'd suddenly start selling dozens and dozens of books at author events. No, I decided to turn my negative into a positive--for disadvantaged teens.

Summer reading programs and book mobiles all over the country need good books, especially for older readers. I created a flyer with the book cover, a short synopsis, author bio, professional reviews, and mailed books in every direction: west, south, northeast, southwest, midwest.



The lovely thank you letters that soon filled my mailbox reminded me that I'm not writing for material reasons, as nice as that would be, but to reach readers. And even though Swoon At Your Own Risk wasn't a marketing success, I did get my book to teens--many of whom had never owned a book before. That feels pretty great!


Comments

  1. This is an awesome way of giving back, Sydney - and, for what it's worth, I've loved both of your YA novels and think there is an audience out there commercially for them. Sometimes, it just takes a few trys to get them to see what's right in front of them. :) Thank you for turning something negative into something that will give kids great memories and great reading material.

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  2. I love this, Sydney! What a beautiful and clever idea! xo

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  3. This is AWESOME! A model to follow when I get as far as you have - and congratulations on having published a book that teens are enjoying. That's the real success, isn't it?

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  4. I LOVE this idea, Sydney! Love, love it! In fact I will probably steal (borrow) it! THANK YOU!

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  5. Great idea, Sydney! And now all those readers will be familiar with your name when they see your NEXT book. You do so much to give back. You're an inspiration.

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  6. You are such a good person *and* writer. It's why I love being a writer---I get to meet so many generous people.

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  7. This is fabulous, Sydney, and as I just learned that my second book Forgiven is going out of print, is exactly the information I needed right now. Hugs to you!!!

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