Florida Poet Says Authors Must Think Outside the Bookstore

In today's marketplace, best-selling authors often dominate bookstore signing schedules. Florida poet Kay Day offers tips for authors who haven't quite made it to the top ten list.

(PRWEB) July 1, 2004 -- Book lovers will line up to meet the latest best-selling mystery author. What many readers dont realize is that America is full of successful mid-list authors whose books are profitable yet dont make the best-seller list that is based on book orders. These authors are increasingly turning to creative methods for connecting with readers, and holding signings and speaking events in locations other than bookstores is an important part of the success plan.

Bookstores are a necessary alliance for authors like me," says Kay Day, whose collection A Poetry Break was released by the small press Ocean Publishing in 2004. My publisher has worked to place my book in as many traditional outlets as possible." But many bookstore owners refuse to support poetry, unless its inspirational, like that of the late Mattie Stepanek, or a product of an established handful of poets like Billy Collins or Mary Oliver. I realized early on that Id have to be creative in arranging signings," says the poet, who also writes nonfiction for magazines like The Writer and reviews for journals like ForeWord. "Publishers Weekly just announced a dip for bookstore sales in the first quarter of 2004, and I believe part of the reason may be authors who have a great book but who just aren't on a John Grisham level yet are turning to alternative outlets."

Thats why Day readily agreed when Janice Husk, innkeeper for the nationally acclaimed bed and breakfast, The Inn at Oak Street, asked her to do a literary presentation. The facility located in Jacksonvilles historic Riverside district was chosen Inn of the Month recently by Travel and Leisure Magazine, a national publication with 1,000,000 readers. Instead of doing the event solo, Day suggested including two other authors with new books in different genres than her poetry collection.

Vic DiGentis novel Windrusher had come out with an endorsement from actress Betty White. D. H. Eatons novel The Osceola Community Club had been released by Cumberland House and a major arts group had featured it at a luncheon. I felt the three of us would be a win-win combination." says Day.

Inn owner Tina Musico went to great pains to publicize the event. Her graphic designer created posters and post cards that Day likened to a Madison Avenue effort." Arrangements were made for a local caterer, Intimate Occasions, to provide light refreshments. Each author mailed personal invitations to readers, and sent news releases by email to area media.

Both authors and the Inn were pleased with the results. DiGentis novel is about a wayward cat named Windrusher who must find his way back home after being unintentionally left behind when his owners move. Breaking new ground in a lovely old home is quite a combination," he says. The experience of spending a few hours in historic Riverside, enjoying Tina and Janices hospitality, and being part of this inaugural event was like a visit home. It certainly left this cat writer feeling warm and fuzzy."

Eaton was equally enthusiastic. "Speaking of, and autographing, my Southern novels in such an elegant Southern setting was dreamlike," she muses. My first book, The Osceola Community Club, introduces readers to the aristocratic Delameres, whose turn-of-the-century home is so very much like The Inn at Oak Street. The second book in the series, Chapeaux, Dining With the Delameres, carries the family's legacy into present times and finds their noble homestead converted into a bed and breakfast inn. Ill certainly never find myself signing my books in a more perfect spot than The Inn at Oak Street in Jacksonville, Florida!"

Day says the location itself spurred interest in the books. The Inn is one of those grand places that exudes ambience," she says. There was ample room for all the guests to have a seat, and the layout encouraged a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Plus its located very conveniently to the arts, entertainment, and shopping district downtown where Super Bowl 2005 will be held. Buildings like this just have an innate charm. I can see why the Inn is such a popular place for visitors to Jacksonville." She says the decor and acoustics really matched her poetry well.

While bookstores are essential to any author, competition in the current marketplace for good dates requires authors to be creative in setting up events. The Inn at Oak Street was perfect for our event," says Day. I hope well be able to do it again. All of us have traditional publishers, but locations such as this are also perfect for self-published authors who may have challenges when trying to set up bookstore signings. Id highly recommend thinking in terms of what location compliments the book itself. The bed and breakfast was perfect for each of ours."

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