It is always hard to get back up again!!

 Back when I first self published (Mrs Handbag and the Magic Seed) I was doing everything in my power to get myself "out there". I had success calling my local newspaper and a lovely piece about the book and how it came about was written. On the back of this, some calls started to happen, meaning I was being contacted about doing readings at various places. I also emailed local pre schools who invited me in to read too, which was lovely!! I even had the opportunity to read at a country show ( I think it was in Sussex!) where a contact I had was selling books and invited me to come along to share my book! It was such a lovely feeling!!

Then I had the book read that made me feel flat.

I was asked to read at a local soft play centre, which seemed such a lovely idea! One of the party rooms was set up for me, with a throne to sit on to read. I was nervous, as I am with the majority of readings I have done in new situations, but I really wanted to make myself seen and the story to do well.

2 children came in to hear the story. They were with their grandfather, who sat in the cafe having a coffee whilst I read the story. The children loved it and it was a hit! The eldest girl of the two asked me where they could get the book from. I told them that I had brought copies with me, so if they wanted to buy a copy they would need to speak to their grown up.

They disappeared and the Grandfather appeared, very stern and not looking very impressed at all.

"What's all this about a book on sale?"

"Oh hello, yes.....this is my book. I think the children really enjoyed it" I handed him a copy of the book.

He flicked through it sighing.

"How much?"

"Well I am selling them for £6 today as a special price"

"£6? For that?? You have got to be joking!"

"Well as I say today it is a special price. I self published so a lot of my own time and money have gone into the book"

He handed me back the book and muttered "A load of c**p" before stomping back out of the room.

I sat back on the throne and felt deflated.

I was still new to all this and although I was aware that inevitably not everyone would like the book, it hit me hard. I wasn't expecting him to buy the book, there was no obligation, but the response to me was just cruel! 

I never did sell many of the books from readings, but I did enjoy doing them. I keep seeing one of my local bookshops holding author readings and meet and greets and I do intend going to one. They charge for theirs though!! I look back now and wish I had not been so deflated by it. I have a much thicker skin now and am so used to rejection regarding my books from adults (and organisations!) that I only listen to my audience, who are much easier to please!

In fact, one of them told me just the other day that they still had a copy of one of my books at their house and it was always one of their favourites!

That is who we need to listen to! (Just a shame they aren't in charge of the purse strings or have the ability to publish!!)