INKSPOT NEWS -- JANUARY 14, 2011

Darrell James will be signing and discussing his debut novel, NAZARETH CHILD, on Saturday, January 21st, 2:00-4:00 pm, at Barnes & Noble, 5130 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ. (phone: 520-512-0758). Stop by to hear about the making of the novel and enjoy refreshments with all.


Robin Allen will attend the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, TX, January 20-22, 2012. Robin will spend Saturday (1/21) at the PopUp Stage for Mystery Day at ALA, and will participate in the first panel, "Don't Mess with Texas Authors" from 9:00AM-9:45AM. On Sunday (1/22), Robin will be signing books in the Midnight Ink booth from 9:15AM-10:15AM.

Also at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, TX, Midnight Ink will be holding a drawing for signed copies of Lois Winston's Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun and Death By Killer Mop Doll, as well as the handcrafted mop doll shown in the photo. Stop by the Midnight Ink booth (#1459) on January 20th to register. The drawing will take place at 7pm during the opening reception.

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In addition, Lois Winston will be part of panel (along with Nancy Martin, Tom Straw, and Clare Toohey) presenting The Funny Side of Crime, sponsored by Mystery Writers of America/New York Chapter at the Mid-Manhattan Library on Thursday, January 19th at 6:30pm. The library is located at 40th St. and 5th Ave. The panel takes place on the 6th floor. FMI: 212-340-0837.

THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY (SORT OF)

by Darrell James

There’s been a lot of talk, of late, about the best way to market a book in today’s brave new world of book publishing. Social networking and use of the internet to get the word out certainly offers an economy of scale that’s hard to argue with. But (and you can call me old-fashioned here if you want) there is something marginally unfulfilling about selling a book online, particularly in eBook form where no physical matter has changed hands, and no engagement with the reader has taken place. The greatest thrill for me as a writer is being in the public, face to face with potential readers, getting that nod of agreement… “Yes, you can sign it for me.”

Wow! (Lots of Books To Sign, B&N Dayton)
Maybe it’s the salesman in me. But there’s nothing like it as far as I’m concerned.

When we launched my debut novel, Nazareth Child, in September we (wife/publicist and I) set out to meet as many potential readers as possible in the first ninety days of the books life. Our reasoning was based on the premise that “word of mouth” is still the number one influence in a book (or author’s) success. And that word of mouth is spread by either those that like the book or like you. (Preferably both.)

(A Hug Always Helps)

We had a saying in my sales days: “Buyers, by and large, buy from the sales person in front of them.” I still think it holds true to some extent to this day.

(Discussing Nazareth Child at Foul Play Books, Columbus, OH)

During the past eight weeks, I have maintained an almost daily schedule of speaking in libraries and before fraternal and social organizations. Meeting with book clubs and writers groups. Doing-meet-and-greet-signings in both independent and chain book stores. I’ve participated in one national conference and a regional book festival. And, in two locations, have thrown private book launch parties with close to a hundred people in attendance at each. Along the way there were casual venues, extending invitations to friends and readers to join me after one event or another for drinks and socializing. (Between events I would do drive-bys of the area Barnes & Nobles, meeting each of the staff members personally, and signing stock (which I was pleasantly surprised to find available at virtually every store). It was all part of connecting with people in a personal and meaningful way. The result of all this has been that I have had the chance to personally engage and sign books for literally hundreds of readers.

(Even This Little Cutie Joined In The Celebration)

Was technology involved?

Actually, I couldn’t have done without Facebook and email as a means to put the word out. But the real payoff (and the real surprise) has been the incredible involvement of others—friends, family (for sure) but also those I have met and signed books for along the way, those I have spent personal time with, those who have read the book and enjoyed it. It’s been a near symphony of positive support going on across the web for weeks now. And, it’s my belief that the level of buzz in the social media would have been far less fervent had it not been for the personal contact.

(Check Out The Del Shannon Rocks T-Shirts)

At any rate, however you might want to measure results, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve reconnected and spent time with wonderful old friends, and made hundreds of new ones that I hope to become old friends in time.

The photos are just a few glimpses of the many great moments along the way. I’m looking forward to many more.

(Friends Old and New Turned Out In Cincinnati)

Nazareth Child: A Del Shannon Novel is currently available from bookstores and from online retailers in both trade paperback and for all popular eReaders.
http://www.darrelljames.com/