My book, “One Caregiver’s Journey”, was published in March, 2019. Just prior to launching on Amazon, I was contacted by ReadersMagnet asking
if they could collaborate with me on marketing and promoting the book. I
was skeptical of the offer and asked a good friend to help review the
information and he concluded that Readers Magnet is indeed a credible entity.
In the months since, I have developed a relationship with my “team”. I
feel that I can honestly trust their judgment and openly question their
suggestions. Their work is professional and I have been pleased when
projects are fulfilled and completed beyond my expectations. Yes, you
need a satchel of cash to self-publish, market and promote a book, but
that is balanced with the experience which, for me, has been educational
and exciting.
I
was invited to display my book at the Miami International Book Fair in
November and eventually I decided to accompany my book. “One
Caregiver’s Journey” has been to four other international book fairs
this year where it basically sits on a shelf while people walk past.
Miami offered the opportunity of meeting people and promoting my book in
person.
My friend and
I left Denver in a snow storm and arrived in balmy, warm Miami four
hours later. My marketing materials were sent to the hotel ahead of
time. I knew the ReadersMagnet team attending the fair would consist of
high and mid-level management and staff from a variety of locations.
My team was staying home in San Diego. Prior to the fair, my team had
communicated a multiplicity of details related to the venue, area
restaurants, hotels, and that Readers Magnet was sharing a booth with
the Oasis Book Store. I felt prepared for the unknown.
We
got an early start the first day of the fair. Asking for directions at
the main gate, we found the Oasis Books Kaffe booth, and as I walked
into the tent a man turned and greeted me by name. It was both
surprising and interesting since I had never seen or met anyone standing
in the tent before. I felt like time stopped as the ReadersMagnet
staff took stock of the first author to arrive. We were cordial, and I
watched as they were happily working at their assigned tasks and getting
ready for book signings and setting up the tent.
I
left the booth for about 30 minutes to seek two other venue entities I
had read about on fair’s website. The person manning the first booth
treated my questions as an irritant and the second booth quickly gave me
information and left me standing. I quickly scurried back to the booth
and stayed there for the remainder of the book fair leaving only for
short breaks. Other ReadersMagnet authors came and left but the overall
atmosphere of the booth was one of comfort, cordiality and respect. I
met other numerous other authors, listened to conversations, asked
questions and watched book signings as I handed out my marketing
materials. The authors who had paid for book signings received the
undivided attention of the staff. Frankly, it was impressive to observe
how the authors, their friends and family in attendance were showered
with attention. We continued to hand out marketing materials and the
atmosphere was comfortable, happy and productive.
ReadersMagnet
is a relatively new player in the book world and not particularly
large. It is apparent they are striving to provide high quality services
and improve services where necessary. I was educated into a new world
by both the management and staff. I asked questions and answers were
explained and discussed with me when we had a few minutes to chat or if
they observed something I should know. My eyes were opened wider as the
book fair went on and each day we became more comfortable with each
other. Treating each other with dignity and respect and lots of humor
was just the order of each day. The staff made the experience happy and
comfortable.
As authors we ask our teams to
give us information and to help us in our success. Maybe we authors
should ask what we can do to make ReadersMagnet achieve their goals for
success. I quickly realized this is a partnership and I found myself
asking the numerous questions even though it has only been six months
launching my book. Authors who had published their books several years
ago are still promoting them, something I had not even considered. I
also learned valuable information from those who had published multiple
books. Do you continue to look at the avenues of investment or do you
take a break and let time catch up? Do you jump at every suggestion or
do you weigh them separately from all angles? So much to learn and I
tried to take advantage of every opportunity afforded me during the fair
to ask questions of anyone I thought could provide answers for me to
ponder.
By the end of the three-day fair the
staff and authors were all at ease with each other, conversations turned
from books to family, friends and shared time in laughter and respite.
I am grateful to the ReadersMagnet management and staff and especially
grateful to my team in San Diego. I realize that perhaps I have
overspent in some areas. I cannot look backward but I can look forward
for opportunity and I am more comfortable asking for guidance.
I
will continue to ask for advice, perhaps even offer suggestions and ask
how I can help my ReadersMagnet team. Going to Miami gave me a new
perspective on the book world, and while I do not consider myself an
“author” I look at that differently as well. I would encourage all of
the ReadersMagnet authors, published or VIP to consider going to a book
fair, to hand out marketing materials and co-mingle with the staff and
crowd. When the wave I am riding crashes to shore the three day Miami
International Book Fair will be a shining moment in the journey. I am
grateful to be part of the ReadersMagnet team.
