Living the Dream + Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Submitted by Lisa Steadman on June 4, 2007 - 7:31 pm

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(Also known as Never Spend $300 to Make $1.40)

 

This is a picture of me at my book signing at Book Expo. Notice the fabulous signage, the party streamers, the smile on my face. For an hour, I had a steady stream of people all interested in having me sign a copy of the book for them. It was all very exciting and dreamy. And while I would love to pretend that that’s how all book signings are, I have to be honest. That’s not reality.

Two weeks ago, I took a Red Eye into JFK. Even though my book tour was on a budget, I decided to splurge and have a town car picked me up and drive me to my book signing in Jersey City. I thought I deserved it. And so I spent a little over $300 to have a car pick me up at the airport, drop me off in Jersey City, and pick me up later that day to take me back to New York City.

My signing, as it turned out, took place in a New Jersey mall. My vision of speaking to a full house was quickly dashed when the bookstore manager set up a rickety card table at the front of the store and explained that I would just talk to people passing by. Um, what? Apparently, I was to become yet another annoying person in the mall trying to get your attention.

Homegirl don’t play that.

I decided to make the best of the situation, making casual conversation with anyone who actually looked at me or gave me the time of day but not harassing those who avoided my gaze and hoped to pass by unnoticed.

In the hour and a half I was there, I sold one book which pretty much nets $1.40 in my pocket. So much for ROI.

They say your first book is a learning curve. I have definitely had some pricey lessons along the way. All in all, it still feels like I’m living a dream. Well, a dream that includes losing more than a little hair to stress and a friendly notice from the IRS inviting me to spend four hours with them later this month.

Dreams. The reality may not be as perfect but the experience is still sweet.

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