I am back home after another set of book-signing events. I had sales events in Airdrie and Red Deer at the beginning of August. Then, I returned to Red Deer at the beginning of September and which I then used as a home base to do four events in Calgary with a break of a few days before doing three events in Edmonton the following weeken
I sold 146 books, including 17 two days ago in Lethbridge. I sold other books during this time period as well, but not via the Chapters/Indigo stores. Do I make enough money to pay for the gas, the meals, and the Airbnb rentals? The answer is a resounding no. However, when I stay in Red Deer, or at another extended-family’s home, the answer is “good enough.
Selling the books is not really about the money. It is about the ego. I am a writer and a writer needs an audience. As I sign books which people have paid for, it is like getting a trophy. The conversations with prospective buyers is also important. After all, I am an introvert and sometimes it is valuable to be able to talk to others about the books I write.