[Maryann Corbett]

Publishers often say to prospective authors that what sells books, above all, is giving readings. Some poets active on this site say the same thing. I wonder how we know that's true.

And the reason I wonder is that it feels contrary to my experience. I go to readings only a few times a year, and I don't always buy when I attend. I'm far more likely to be motivated to buy by a great review, and I'm much more likely to buy online.

So am I just (yet again) weird in this regard? What's the evidence that more sales by small poetry publishers happen because of readings? (Or what else is going on here?)