Giving Books Away

by Charlotte Barnes
(Navarre, FL, USA)

I wrote "Don't Schedule Your Wedding on Game Day" purely for love. I've always loved college football, and I wanted to write a book that combined that love with my desire to promote values such as honesty and kindness to others.

As I was trying to promote the book, I looked in the phone book and sent a copy to every sporting goods store, gift shop, and sports bar in my area. Anyone I thought would be even mildly interested in my topic got a book. I also sent a copy not only to my alma mater's university bookstore, but every university bookstore in certain football conferences.

Sometimes I'll even use books as thank you's. I once left a book for a waiter at a restaurant. (He still got a tip, in case you're wondering.) I give copies of all my new books to my dentist for his waiting room. Any place with a waiting room is good. I knew one of my books must have something going for it when it was stolen out of the waiting room of an eyeglass place!

I give books to people with limited income. If I think they'll love my book, I'll give it to them if they can't afford it. Sometimes folks you give a book to can become your greatest champions. They'll get the word out.

Always keep copies of your books handy in case a new opportunity presents itself. Giving out books can bring you not only joy, but new readers, as well.

Visit Charlotte Barnes, Florida Poet, Author and Humorist.