[Wintaka]

Gail:

Let me echo what others have said about books being a better way of capitalizing on exposure than generating it.

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?

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-

[Carol Trese]

I buy an extravagant amount of poetry books. Most are from folks like you at the sphere or other online places I frequent. Next, I buy because I've read an interesting review, and after that because I have met the writer at a conference or possibly a reading, but really I don't attend that many readings. So for me, it is online connections or reviews that grab me. When I do attend a reading, I do buy the book, but even here in the San Francisco area where readings are plentiful, I don't attend them unless I know the author. Just me. But I know I buy more than most. Well written reviews attract me most.

[Janice D. Soderling]

Gail, it is possible that many of those who attend your readings already have your book and that is why they are there.

But for sure, the economics apply.

From where I sit the dollar is half worth (one dollar is 6.2 kronor this morning) what it was when I was in the states (one dollar cost 12 kronor then). Consequently, I am buying more books than I usually do. And I think I'll go fishing at a contest or two and hope it goes up before I win . But only IF.

I still believe in the old adage, Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. (I don't build 'em, I buy 'em.)

[Gail White]

Thanks for the advice, all!

I find that I don't buy much based on reviews. There are so many good reviews (and so many total strangers who somehow have my e-mail address & bombard me with book data) that I have limited my book buying to poets I know - either personally (including West Chester) or virtually (including the Sphere). This includes plenty of poets and at any rate guarantees that I'm only buying poetry I know I'll enjoy reading.