Jake, you're getting some fabulous advice here. I can only echo it. I've published two chapbooks, same publisher, Finishing Line Press, and I did all the marketing, selling, etc. myself, with some success--although I have to add that the publisher did enter the first chapbook for a few prizes, for which they paid the entry fees.
But really, it's all about networking. The Sphere and West Chester have helped me a lot. When my first chapbook came out, I walked around tables at dinnertime (at the West Chester conference) and offered it for dessert--sort of! People did buy a few. As I recall, Ernie Hilbert was doing the same; in fact, I think I got the idea from him.
E-mailing and Facebooking have helped enormously. I've been surprised by people's generosity.
I'm also closely involved in my poetry community in LA, mostly from going to workshops, readings and other poetry events. After a while, you start buying each other's books. I've given quite a few readings here, mostly because I hustled to get them--although frankly, the people who run the poetry series here know me, and perhaps said yes because of that. So, step one, get to know them!
I should add that people do read poetry. Most of the regular reading series here have loyal audiences, and they do buy books. In fact, readings are where I've sold the most books. Complete strangers have actually bought them based on what they heard! (And I'm not at all famous.) It always amazes me and really warms my heart.
The only real review I've had was from Verse Wisconsin--and it was a beautifully written, thoughtful review. How did that happen? I met the editor at West Chester, and she asked to see the chapbook. (Networking again, I suppose.) Finishing Line also gave me a list of publications that publish reviews of chapbooks, and so I dutifully sent copies of my first chapbook around, but nothing came of it. So I never did that again.
But yes, try schools. Students do buy books sometimes.
What else? I think you just have to be imaginative about it, and find your own ways of getting your books out there. Selling them at the local Farmers Market, perhaps? I've sometimes thought of that but never tried it!
Good luck,
Charlotte
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