Self-Published Author Succeeds in Getting into Bookstores
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. — Thomas Edison
When I was a young girl with the occasional bit of pocket money, I bought books such as Black Beauty and Alice in Wonderland at a small independent bookstore Black Bond Books. I dreamt that one day my book would be on those bookshelves too.
Last year, while I was still writing the manuscript for I’ll Do It Myself, I emailed Black Bond Books and asked if they accepted self-published books. (In hindsight, that was probably not the best way to ask the question.) The response was they typically don’t accept self-published works. Disappointed but not surprised because I was learning the self-published book was the illegitimate child of the publishing industry, I continued writing and proceeded with my plan to self publish my autobiography.
More recently and with encouragement from the Surrey Writers Group, I asked again if Black Bond would consider my book. This time I focused on the book’s message rather than on how it was published. After a delay of a few months and a gentle reminder from me, the response was positive! It was another “fall on my knees” moment along this book writing and self-publishing journey.
Yesterday I dropped off ten copies, which they are taking on consignment and will evaluate in sixty days. I’ll Do It Myself will be in local stores in time for Christmas! Please let Black Bond know they made a good choice!
Some times a “No” is not the final answer. “No” doesn’t necessarily mean failure. Some times you need to ask again, perhaps in another way or another person or at another time. Being persistent and driven, without being annoying, leads to success!
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