In the month of October, I participated in six distinctly different book-signing events. Each hostess tailored the agenda to her specific venue. And all activities, I might add were extremely successful. Most importantly, I was able to network and schedule additional events.

Because marketing is a top priority for any author, each invitation encouraged guests who couldn’t attend to purchase a book on line or at their local book retailer, potentially boosting sales. In all, over five hundred invitations were mailed and each of my hosts sent out at least a hundred or so more e-mail invites, spreading my reach even further. Truly, I watched the power of networking at work! For some, these numbers might seem small but as an unknown author, I am VERY excited. Writing is only one aspect of the business. Ministry, developing a platform, marketing and selling books round out the rest. Here’s what I learned this month:
•Set a marketing budget and stick to it.
•Location, Location, Location! Select book signing venues that give you the most bang for the buck!
•Think big! Call, e-mail, write, Facebook, twitter, get a hold of every person you know in any city, state or country to help market your book. Family and friends really want to help. They want to be a part of your success and you will soon see the power of networking, working on your behalf.
•Use each book signing opportunity to secure additional book signings or speaking engagements. Six events yielded 5 more book signings that are already confirmed and at least a half a dozen potential opportunities. As I said, people really do want to help.
•Look, act and be professional in every area of your business. EVERY area!
•Flexibility is the key. Be prepared for any and everything!
•Be thankful! Pride will block a blessing every time!
•Even if you HATE public speaking, learn to love it. If it seems daunting, ask the Holy Spirit for help. Trust me, if you allow Him to be your tutor, you’ll soon be preaching from a pulpit!
•And finally, thank the Father for everything: your gifting, finances, family, friends, actual and future book sales, scheduled and unscheduled events, and future novels. I think you get the idea! Thank Him for what you see and most importantly, for what remains unseen. Just get up each and every morning and give thanks!

Goodbye for now,
M. Lyn Walker