As a newly published author I am excited about having my book available for readers to enjoy. It has been my lifelong ambition to have a book published after being inspired by the film 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
When my book was released in February 2009 I immediately went to work to get it in stores. My book is available on all familiar websites, but I wanted to be able to see readers look, touch, and feel it in stores. There's something special about going to a bookstore and finding a book you want to read, holding it, flipping through the pages, and then making your purchase. Sometimes I buy a cup of coffee and read it in the cafe that is usually attached to the bookstore. The relaxing atmosphere is fabulous.
As I took my book to the managers of all the big-box bookstores I realized that corporate-owned bookstores are not inviting for writers without a familiar name, but when I went into the smaller, independent bookstores I was welcomed with open arms.
In March I went into Mysterious Galaxy Books and almost immediately they agreed to have a book launch for me, which took place on April 18, 2009. They still carry copies of my book!
In June I learned about Bay Books in Coronado and held a book signing event on June 5. Then I reached out to Baja Bookstore at the Lindbergh Field Airport, the Upstart Crow Bookstore in Seaport Village, and Warwick's Bookstore in La Jolla.
As I learned more about being a published author, I learned independent bookstores are the best market for authors newly published to get our books on the shelves. More importantly I realized these independent bookstores provide a benefit to our community. They employ helpful people who enjoy what they do. The provide hard-to-find books that the larger bookstores do not carry. The customer service surpasses the larger businesses and your money spent in these bookstores comes back to the community.
It's for reasons such as these I believe it's up to all of us to support the local independent bookstores. The next time you need a magazine, book, or want to relax visit your nearest independent bookstore and you'll see what I mean about having some good quality time among people who love doing what they do.
Keep on reading!
David Lucero, author of THE SANDMAN
www.DavidLuceroSandman.com
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