Well, it is official. I received notice today from the marketing manager that Ghost Towns of the Southwesthttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760332215&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr is sold out and a second printing is under way to meet current as well as future orders. Wow!
This may sound like a bit of shameless self promotion and perhaps it is. However, the primary reason for noting this is astonishment.
As noted previously, few books sell more than 500 copies per year. The marketing manager noted the publisher figures it a success if a first printing sells within three years. This book was released in March of this year!
Now, if I can just figure out what we (the publisher, me, those who helped transform the idea into a book, the layout and editorial people, and the marketing team) did. I am not sure if I would use that secret formula to write another book that sells out in record time or take the easy road and sell the formula.
As you may have noticed posting has been rather sporadic in the past few days. I am sorry to say that this trend will continue until next Monday but rest assured I will have tales to tell. With that said, I would like to thank you for the patience and for making this book a success.
What a wild ride this has become. It is just like old times – cinch it down tight, say a quick prayer, and open the chute!
Tonight my dearest friend and will organize our new series of Route 66 prints and note cards that the Kingman Route 66 Association will be making available at the Bob Waldmire Memorial Exhibit at Beale Street Brews & Gallery during the month of May and on line after May 7.
These prints and cards in the first series are of western Arizona and will make excellent souvenirs as well as be a welcome edition to any office or den for a price that will fit the most modest budget. I should also note that the limited edition, signed and numbered prints, are still being sold through the Lile Fine Art Gallery in Amarillo.
Wednesday evenings dance card is already full. After work I will be having dinner with Bob Stevens of Cars & Parts magazine who is here for the Route 66 Fun Run in his very rare 1960 Edsel. Then its down to the gallery to assist in set up of the Bob Waldmire exhibit.
This will be the first Fun Run I have missed. As noted, I have a book signing in Burbank at Auto Books – Aero Books this Saturday. I should add that it might be a book signing for Route 66 Backroadshttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=076032817X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr and Backroads of Arizonahttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760326894&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr only instead of the planned for three title show.
As this post seems to be digressing into shameless self promotion I might as well add another plug. If you are interested in scheduling a book signing drop me a note or contact Maurrie Salenger, the marketing manager at Voyageur Press at 612-344-8154.
Since it is the full time job that puts on the table I should also note that my schedule is currently full for every weekend in May with the exception of Memorial Day. However, as we are planning to motor east on Route 66 the last week of the month there is a possibility something could be coordinated.
Now, on May 1st a drawing from among those on Facebook registered as followers of Route 66 Chronicles will be held for a signed copy of Ghost Towns of the Southwest. I will notify the winner on Monday, May 3rd, and send the book as soon as it becomes available.
That takes us to the next item in the Hinckley promotional tour. If you would like a signed copy of this book, or other titles written, please let me know. We are finalizing an arrangement with the Kingman Route 66 Association that will include this group responding to all requests and a percentage of each sale being donated to the association for use in their ongoing efforts to add some luster to the tarnished Route 66 gem that is Kingman.
Now, a couple of Route 66 items of note. The next Chillin’ on Beale Street is scheduled for May 15th and will coincide with the Downtown Spring Fair. So, if you are in the neighborhood my suggestion is you plan on spending the weekend in Kingman as a good time willbe had by one and all.
Again, thank you so very much for the support and patience.
