... so what's been happening?
Well, I've been busy letting people locally know about my little book 'You can see it from here - Views of Sheppey'. It's been in the local paper and I was on the local radio, and boy did that boost sales. No. It didn't. But they were very nice, and I really appreciate that. I've also met and had a lot of support from lots of really nice people - and I don't just mean friends and family, though they've been great.
I've sold 51 copies so far (in less than 3 months) - is that good? Methinks not.Though possibly not too bad for a first-time hard-to-categorise self-published book of words (poems) and pictures with a very localised focus. And copies are still available at the Aviation Museum in Eastchurch and Blue Town Heritage Musuem, The Little Shop of This & That and now at Rose Street Cottage of Curiosities. And from me. And I've got plans for more venues and events...
I also have a product diversification plan. I took a stall at the Minster Village Fayre in June, on what unfortunately turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year, meaning only people very resilient to heat were there, and yet still sold three copies - and several related framed pictures and cards, so maybe a reasonable plan. Other Fayres/Fairs are available on Sheppey - a lot of them, loads.
One thing leads to another too. Through people I've met I've heard of other new opportunities - and from them, others, and so on - new poetry books, magazines, events, maybe even a new poetry group? And I've been working on a new poetry pamphlet. And on the photography side, requests for more pictures, cards, calendars...
I wasn't sure how people would react to my little book, but it has been a very positive experience so far and this is just the start!
