Gail:
Let me echo what others have said about books being a better way of capitalizing on exposure than generating it.
Quote:
Gail White wrote:
I have to admit that the last 2-3 readings I did (and I don't do that many), people were extremely chinchy about buying books. Is it the economy, or is it me?
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Probably neither. Even in the best of times, poetry is a tough sell. "Poetry's only selling point is that it is cheaper than tear gas."
Even if you do everything right (e.g. perform rather than read or recite your work, emphasize dramatic and humorous pieces, keep banter succinct and amusing, etc.) you still run into
the question of the internet age: "How do you sell something that others are giving away free?"
How many people are attending your readings? I find that higher attendance numbers affect sales percentages, not just raw totals. No one wants to be the only one buying a book, but a line-up of people doing so attracts other buyers.
-o-