Being famous doesn’t guarantee fans will come

Sonia with John Montz, manager of Bank of Books in Ventura, California

Bank of Books in Ventura, California, is a lovely indie bookstore for book lovers of all genres. It’s the kind of store that attracts those who love to browse and dig into stories. It’s also the kind of store that attracts famous people, such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, according to John Montz, the manager.

Last weekend, during my book event at Bank of Books, John told me an interesting story.

Academy Award winner, Gregory Peck,  famous actor in the movie To Kill a Mockingbird, had a book signing at Bank of Books. They advertised his event in all the local newspapers, and set a table inside the store for him to sign his book. Not one person showed up. Not one.

The manager decided to have him stand outside the store, and when people recognized him, they finally formed a line which stretched down Main Street.

I enjoy meeting new people.

So knowing that even famous people don’t always draw a crowd, despite publicity, should make indie authors feel better when they only draw a small number of “fans” to their book events.

In my opinion, you always meet one person who makes the whole event worthwhile, and this time, I met a great lady who purchased my book, and we exchanged business cards. The secret is to be “gutsy” and go up to people and chat.

Have you had a book signing where no one came? Have you been to many book signings yourself?

Submit your “My Gutsy Story.”

I am collecting new “My Gutsy Story” submissions for 2013.  NOW is the time to submit your own “My Gutsy Story” and get published in our Anthology. Please contact sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

To submit your own, “My Gutsy Story” you can find all the information, and our sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here.