WHEN READERS BECOME PROMOTERS

ByLee Ann

I’ve said many times that book stores are not the only place to sell books. Modern book marketing includes a careful analysis of the target market and some creative thinking about where those readers hang out. So: gift stores, tourist attractions, farmers’ markets, club meetings and events relating to the subject of a book – festivals and gatherings of all kinds – now often include author readings, or a table of enticing new books on offer that relate to the place or event.

What’s more, publishers are not the only people who distribute and sell books. Authors, even well-established, famous authors, have to actively initiate promotional activities, supplementing a publisher’s sometimes meagre promotional budget.

But when readers take on the role of promoting and placing a book in the reaches of potential readers, well, that’s a gift most authors and publishers only dream of!

Copies of Muskoka’s Main Street recently made their way to the staff room of the Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, courtesy of my friend Pam’s daughter-in-law Rae-Ann. Rae is a teacher at the school, which sits between Sundridge and South River, just east of the Muskoka Road in Parry Sound District. As they are neighbours to Muskoka, Rae feels that some fo the staff will certainly take an interest in the book. She even asked me for some promotional material to set up as part of the display, and I happily sent her a map which shows the location of the Muskoka Road.

Previously, thanks to the efforts of the publisher, copies of Main Street had made it as far as Burk’s Falls. Like the road itself, the book has now pushed a little farther north. I’m very excited about that!

Thank you, Pam! Thank you, Rae!

CHRISTMAS WITH MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET

ByLee Ann

Please join me on Sunday November 25 at Brantim Country Garden Centre Christmas Open House. Brantim is Ottawa’s premier grower of superior outdoor plants, and their seasonal hanging baskets are renouned throughout the region.

I’m thrilled to bring Muskoka’s Main Street to this annual event! Local vendors of fresh quality baking, Christmas crafts, candles, jewelry… and of course you can find a stunning outdoor winter arrangement or wreath, swag, or table arrangement!

So plan to take a drive in the country, just minutes from Scotia Bank Place. The greenhouses are truly gorgeous; you can browse from 9am to 4pm with a cup of coffee or apple cider. There’s even a draw for a $200 Brantim gift certificate.

I’m sure you will find something for everyone on your list. Hope to see you there!

MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET IN THE NEWS

ByLee Ann

The latest press coverage for Muskoka’s Main Street appeared in The Muskokan newspaper (September 21) and in The Weekender (September 28). These weeklies are widely distributed across Muskoka, providing great exposure for the book. Along with the feature article in the August issue of Muskoka Magazine, plenty of seasonal and permanent residents of the district have now been alerted to the book’s publication!

The goal for any publicity is to get a book into the hands of as many readers as possible. The challenge for any publisher or author is to identify who the readers are and get the word out to them. Local media is an exceptional method for this. I’m delighted with the support  and exposure that Main Street has received so far.

Connecting With Readers

ByLee Ann

There is nothing more gratifying to a writer than to talk directly to readers! Getting the chance to learn what different people think of the book, which sections they found most interesting, or what struck them when reading the story. In the past couple of weeks, a number of readers have contacted me by email and phone to let me know they’ve read the book and to tell me what they like about it.

Of course, this doesn’t always happen. Often as a writer, you do the work and then put it “out there”; the only indication that the book is being read is sales numbers – which are fine, but sterile compared to a lively discussion with a reader who didn’t know that Ontario was largely settled via colonization roads… or a descendant of one of the Muskoka Road surveyors who related some memories of his father, also a surveyor… or an archivist who wrote with great praise for the depth and accuracy of the research.

I’ve also enjoyed looking at the daily stats on the number of “hits” on the website, and what parts of it are being read. (Lots of clicks on ‘where to buy the book’ and also the dynamic map, very exciting!)

As time goes by, I’ll have opportunities through planned events to meet with more readers. Meanwhile, as a reader myself, I’ve resolved to contact more authors and let them know their books have not gone out into a void!

A “MAIN STREET” EVENT FOR MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET

ByLee Ann

This Saturday, September 15, is the Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show in Huntsville. Main Street downtown – which is of course the Muskoka Colonization Road – will be closed off for the event. And Muskoka’s Main Street will be available for sale at the elegant Veranda Home and Garden Collection, 72 Main Street East, thanks to Elise Bélanger, the store’s owner.

What a great opportunity to wander along part of the Muskoka Road and see the kinds of verhicles used by earlier travellers!

And what a great example of a creative way Muskoka Books publisher Patrick Boyer is bringing the book to another set of readers. The very first “vintage” car to putter along Main Street is featured on the front cover: a 1905 two-cylinder, sixteen horse-power Rambler. According to the driver, Jack Milne, the car “created quite a show in Huntsville.”

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

ByLee Ann

I did not have time to reflect during Thursday’s book launch for Muskoka’s Main Street – I was too busy catching up with family, with old and new friends, and signing books. As I think about it now, I realize how very successful the book launch was. Measured in sales, of course. But much more importantly, as measured in people who support me.

The signing table

The crowd was never overwhelming and I had a chance to talk to everyone without feeling rushed. Christianne was there, a friend I have not seen for over two decades. Leslie and Arnold were there, friends I just met two months ago. Inbetween were friends from work, writer friends, “cousins”, neighbours. And still others who had already bought books but showed up anyway, to congratulate me again. 

I had phone calls and emails before and after the event, some sending regrets and warm wishes, asking where to buy the book, others giving glowing reviews for the book as well as the book design.

These are early days in terms of guaging the commercial success of Main Street, which is certainly an important measurement. In terms of people who support me and “show up”, though, the book is already a smash success. Thank you!

Post-launch dinner