Ask, Listen, and Act

by Beverly Lionberger Hodgins

It was a steep curve I climbed during the past year while learning how to promote my first book. Let me tell you how one thing led to another.

TwoDot Books released my biography/autobiography, Mercy and Madness: Dr. Mary Archard Latham’s Tragic Fall from Female Physician to Felon, on April 1, 2022. Though TwoDot assigned me a publicist who answered many early questions, the responsibility was mine to promote the book locally. In my excitement, I asked my husband to share a short announcement that I prepared with his Facebook friend group. It was thrilling to watch a large and enthusiastic response result in numerous pre-orders of the book on Amazon.com.

I’m glad I can claim Spokane author Mary Cronk Farrell as a friend, for she has been a great help by sharing her knowledge of the experience of writing and publishing many nonfiction books about incredible women. (Check out Mary’s books!) Attending one of her book launches at our local independent bookstore, Auntie’s, was an eyeand earopener, where I took notes to help prepare for my launch. She used a PowerPoint presentation, which surprised and inspired me as I thought, I can do that.

Mary showed me how to apply to Auntie’s requesting that they host my book launch. Once I’d accomplished that and the book was accepted, the launch of Mercy and Madness followed and was a great success, with over thirty people attending. That evening the events coordinator informed me that the store would be ordering more books to stock. Before the event was over, a woman extended her hand to me, holding a business card. “I’d like to interview you for our radio show,” she said. “Please call.” The live interview experience at the local radio station was quite enjoyable, though I had been quaking in my boots a bit at the thought of it.

Not long after, a reporter from a local newspaper called asking for an interview. (More quaking!) But I enjoyed walking past rows of desks in the newsroom on the day of the interview. However, I was not happy with the results after allowing the newspaper’s photographer to snap photos. I wish I hadn’t agreed. (Perhaps it was my ego intruding.) I had no say over what he chose to present to the public. Plus, he misstated the title of the book in his captioning—under each of three photos! I was disappointed. I would recommend that all authors have a good headshot available. Fortunately, the article was complimentary and interesting, and clearly stated the title.

Questions presented to more experienced authors let to my investing in a website designer to continue to promote Dr. Mary Latham’s story. Having no experience whatsoever either building or managing a website, it was money well spent. Now, my website is transferring to a site where I will be able to manage it myself. The learning curve widens.

While visiting a small history museum in my area, I noticed that they sold books by local authors. I asked to speak to the book sales manager, who was a pleasure to meet and who promised to email proper forms. Now, Mercy and Madness is on the shelves at the museum.

Next, I received an email from an organization in Spokane called “The Westerners.” This is a group whose website, westerners-international.org, states, “Westerners share a dislike for stuffed-shirtism, over-seriousness, shiftless thinking, and above all ignorance.” The local chapter, or “corral,” invite speakers to a monthly dinner meeting to speak about any topic connected to Pacific Northwest history. A member who previously provided an image for my book apparently suggested the group invite me.

You guessed it; I accepted the invitation (with boots quaking). For this was to be the first time I would speak before a room filled with strangers. My PowerPoint presentation was well received, and I sold several books that evening. I’m a member now and attend monthly meetings for food, fellowship, and historical enlightenment, but also as an opportunity to offer the book for sale each month.

My most recent profitable promotion came after listening to my daughter, who informed me of a store she’d discovered in our downtown mall, suggesting that I try to sell my book there. The store, From Here, is a part of Terrain, which is, according to the website, Terrainspokane.com, “a groundbreaking non-profit building community and economic opportunity for the artists, makers and culture creators of the Inland Northwest.” They accepted my book, so I proceeded to read over their contract, fill in forms, and deliver copies to stock.

It’s a great place to spend a few hours promoting my book, surrounded by all manner of products conceived and created by all types of artists, including authors. Three times since the day my contract began in January of this year, the managers of the store have invited me to hold a book signing, which was promoted on their website. It’s that familiar routine of sitting at a table near the store’s entrance chatting about the book with people who stroll in to shop, often selling a copy. This has been a very successful way to promote a biography about a prominent historical local figure.

I encourage other authors to seek out opportunities like these in your hometown, even if you are quaking in your boots. Get out there “in the wild” with your book! And don’t hesitate to ask other writers for ideas, especially members of Women Writing the West. During my first year as a published author, many ideas and much support and encouragement came to me from these experienced, knowledgeable, generous, and kind WWW authors.