Wednesday was crazy.
First, I sold 9 books, with three more promised. That may sound like ridiculously few, but as I've mentioned many times, my book does not have a fancy cardboard display at Barnes & Noble. Every sale is to people I know. On Tuesday night, I sent a message to the members of my international women's club (membership approximately 200), and 6 copies were requested. I brought three extras, just in case someone saw my message, wanted a book, but didn't write back. I sold the three extras, and could have sold at least 3 more if I'd had them. This is so exciting to me - I don't even really know some of the members who bought books from me. I hope that they enjoy it, and I cannot wait to hear their comments!
After picking up the kids from school, I took them to the local library. While there, it occurred to me that I should ask them if they'd carry a copy of my book at the library if I donated. What's the worst that could happen? They could say no. So, I asked. And they said yes. Simple as that. It took me one minute to ask. I was shocked that they said yes so easily. Wow. So, now my book holds a place at the
Gemeindebucherei Feldkirchen.
When we got home, there was a message from my sister-in-law, Neslihan, that I only partially understood, but I knew that it had something to do with my book. Long story short, she and my brother-in-law, Samim, appear to have talked about my book with someone who has connections to the publishing industry in Turkey, and that someone knows someone who may be interested in publishing it in Turkey!!! Who knows if anything will come of this - in the publishing industry, you must really put up your defenses because of the huge amount of rejection that you inevitably receive. So I do not have my hopes up, but if something does come of it, we'll definitely have to open up some champagne.
Other things happening this week:
I may get an opportunity to do a reading of my book at
The Munich Readery, the largest English-language second-hand bookstore in Germany.
The Turkish American Association of Washington has received a copy of my book and may recommend it to its Turkish language and culture students.
A local cafe has offered to carry copies of my book :)
The first author I wrote to (see previous post) wrote me back. Seriously, write to authors whose books you have enjoyed.
I feel like there was something else, too, but in short, things are moving. It's exciting. I think I'm going to make some business cards! :)
If you read my book, please let me know what you think, and write a review on Amazon!! :)))