Yesterday, I had the opportunity to offer autographed copies of my non-fiction book, When Death Comes a Knockin'. While I must admit, the book sales I had...well, let's just say they could have been better since I was set up for approximately 6 hours as hundreds of attendees from the National Fraternal Order of Police Conference were immensed in the food, spirits and fresh air along the River Walk in New Orleans.

I handed out a slew of brochures, business cards, book marks and pens, all with either my book info, or places where my book can be purchased; as well as promo items for other authors who have graciously sent me promotional items. In addition to book sales, I met a lot of interesting people. My book is a self-help, inspirational book about loss and grief. During the course of the evening, at the urging of a concerned husband, I spoke to his wife about the recent loss of her sister and the emotions she was experiencing due to the recent death of her sister to cancer which resulted in a book sale, and a girl who had lost her mother a month ago, another book sale. Other sales went to people who simply stated they were avid book readers.

In addition to the book sales I did have, I met a mot of interesting people, namely a funeral director, two gentlemen who are the directors of grief counseling and grief notification for their agency (who also purchased a book), a critical care nurse, and a director of psychology for the state of Kentucy, etc. Why am I mentioning these, you may wonder. Because all of these could result in further book sales for me, as my book would be a perfect fit in their areas of expertise.

The point of this whole post. I'd like to stress that while book sales are great, and while every event migh not net the books sales you desire, be prepared to at least hand out your promo items to attendees, and greet every person with a smile as they pass your table and pick up your promo item. Who knows how many sales or other opportunities might lie ahead for you from that event.

Overall, I'm pleased with the outcome of that event. Only time will tell if any other sales will be garnered from the event. But I can assure you of one thing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!