My book on the auction block

I donated 3 copies of my book, SILENCED CRY, to be sold at auction this past week to benefit our public television station, WIPB. I'm not quite sure how it happened or how much the books sold for, but all three copies were sold by the time they put the books on the board for bids. The announcers seemed surprised by it--I don't think I've ever seen that happen before either.

I had given the announcer the book's blurb and a summary of reviews to help "fill" time while they waited for bids. He didn't have to "fill" time, but he held up a copy of the book and gave it a great promo, and read a portion of the blurb, etc., on air to approximately 120,000 viewing households across central/northern Indiana and parts of Ohio.

It cost me the price of 3 books, but it did go for a great cause and hopefully will prompt some interest.

So far, local attention for SILENCED CRY has really been amazing. I wrote to several friends this morning to give them the update on the telesales. I also mentioned that the trend I'm seeing is that the number of readers are 3-4 times greater than those who have bought the book. Yes, to some it might be a bit irritating, but there's no way to prevent it so why try. For example, a co-worker is sending his copy of SILENCED CRY to an author friend from Russia, but said he had to get it back from his sister in-law first who borrowed it from his wife. This means I sold one book that's been read by 4 people. The other day, I went to a kitchen home party. A woman I had never met before greeted me by saying she loved my book and couldn't wait for the next one. She borrowed it from a friend who had borrowed it from someone else. Our city library purchased 3 copies of SILENCED CRY but said the book has not hit the shelves since its release in April 2007. It's been checked out and on reserve since then.

After reading my e-mail, one of my friends wrote back to say that she understands I'm not all about the money (not true), but my publisher is, and they would want sales. No argument there, but it's not I don't care about sales, by all means, PLEASE buy a copy or two or three as Christmas gifts!! But I understand that it takes time for an unknown author to build a readership. Joining a group such as this one is one way to promote ourselves and our books.

Months before the release of my book, my publisher told me several that no one buys a debut author's books for the writing (i.e.: no one knows them so how could they). Therefore my goal for SILENCED CRY has been:

1) To create name recognition: Apparently this is happening in my home community. My primary focus continues to be on having an Internet presence as well.

2) To create a following for the series: I think the fact that readers are recommending the book not once, but multiple times says more than all the glowing critical reviews combined.

3) I feel very strongly that if I succeed with goals 1 & 2, sales will happen.