Launch Party

Like most authors, I had grand expectations for my first book signing. A long line of people snaking out the door and down the sidewalk, anxiously awaiting their chance to reach me, parked at a table stacked high with my novel, for a brief chat and a personalized signature. Hours of signing and chatting and making new friends. The starting point for blockbuster sales. My luck is holding.

My best guess is that 250 people turned out to support me on my big night. We had 232 copies on hand, and s...