6 weeks, 4 book launches & 8 hosted gatherings – Since The Acquisition of Elizabeth Grace was released on March 26th, we’ve held four book launches and eight supportive friends have hosted me in their homes, at the Toronto Club and at the Toronto Public Library’s Biblio Bash Gala. Thank you to so many for introducing me to your friends, neighbours and colleagues. I’ve been learning through all your great questions, which have made me think more deeply about why I write and how my characters are formed. And I understand now, through your observations, that this new writing venture was part of something that was bubbling under foot, waiting for a chance to be explored.
How does a Novel reach the bookstore shelf?
I’d never appreciated what it took for a new novel to gain a spot on the bookstore shelf. While I’ve been told that approximately 60% of book sales come through Amazon, I was curious about how the other 40% found their way into the system. And it is a system; one I’m gradually learning about. My initial understanding was that a small publisher like mine, had a sales representative whose role it was to reach out to retail stores, inform them about my book, and encourage orders. Naively, I asked if I could meet the representative, but was told that isn’t done. In time I learned this representative works for multiple client groups, and each of those groups have long lists of existing and new novels to promote. Which then raises the question – how well does that representative know my book, and how effective is he/she in pitching my story? I understand now the key pitch is between the representative and my publisher. But with publishers bringing out new titles each month, I can only imagine how crowded the conversation is, when a publisher and a representative meet to discuss books.
I now understand why my publisher has encouraged me to walk into local bookstores and seek to strike up a relationship. That personal step, makes a difference. Over the past month, I’ve met with TYPE BOOKS, Ben McNally Books, Curiosity House Books and BOOK CITY – Yonge & St. Clair. I’m learning that booksellers are some of the nicest folks around, and not to be feared.
The next mountain ahead to climb is with Indigo. Unfortunately, my publisher’s representative had a misstep with my book at Indigo. The Acquisition of Elizabeth Grace was never pitched to Indigo ahead of it’s March 26th release date. In early April I asked my publisher why friends, seeking to buy the book at Indigo, were being told it was “out of stock”. My publisher queried this and learned of the representative’s mistake and now, four weeks later, Indigo is seeking to rectify the situation. They are also open to me visiting instore to promote the book, so that might become a bright rainbow over this puddle.
So, how does a novel reach a bookstore shelf? It’s cliche, and I keep using this phrase, but it’s so true … “it take’s a village”, and the help of many. Thank you to Rebecca and Chloe for connecting me with TYPE BOOKS. Thanks to Laurie Thomson and Willa Black for introducing me to Ben McNally. Thanks to Andrea Ross, Martha Reeve and Diane Perry for opening the door with Rina at Curiosity House Books, and thanks to Catharine Grant for mentioning me to Chris at BOOK CITY and encouraging me to pop in for a visit. And to all of you who are reading this, please do reach out if there are independent bookstores you visit with friendly management. I would love to meet them!
Best to all,
Gwen
Email: gwen@gwenkharvey.com
Midtown Book Launch – April 21st
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and sixty guests joined in at The Lobby at Heaps Estrin for Tea, Scones and a “Meet the Author Q&A”. Thanks to colleagues & friends who joined in, asked great questions and added one or both of my novels to their reading pile. And thanks to RE:BOOKS’s Chloe, who sitting up front with me, told the story of finding my manuscript in the “slush pile” – they really do call it that!
What a party!
On April 25th, before heading to Biblio Bash, Toronto Public Library’s (TPL) Gala, as one of their 38 Author Guests, I posted a short reel, expressing my excitement. I posted at 5pm, tagging TPL, who scooped it up as their first story for the next 24 hours. This meant both gala guests and others viewing TPL’s growing instagram story, always began with my face & 8 second video. 1500 views later, I had learned the power of instagram tagging! And …a big thanks to Angel Harding & her girlfriend table. I so enjoyed my time with you all! My instagram has a reel of the night @gwenkharvey
Mulmur Launch Party – May 10
Thank you to Diane Perry for hosting forty friends and neighbours in your beautiful home outside of Creemore. Thanks, too, to Donna Tranquada, who with her CBC Radio interviewing skills, led the Q&A with well-formed questions, that gave me time to think as they were posed. And thank you to everyone for joining in with your questions and statements of appreciation for the book! It’s heart warming to have so many readers finished & sharing such positive reviews. My instagram has a reel of this event @gwenkharvey
Thanks for opening up your homes!
Thank you to Alex Hahn, Clare Cowling, Sue Marshall and Mary Mullen for opening up their homes and hosting me and their friends. I so enjoyed meeting all the women you gathered. Thanks too, to Kim Shannon and Mary Throop for hosting me & others at the Toronto Club, and toasting The Acquisition of Elizabeth Grace with a Chablis Celebration.
Kirkus Review
When the Kirkus Review arrived, I breathed in and nervously read through the full page review. I breathed out as I encountered lots of positive adjectives, but I needed to read it a few times to digest it. Ultimately, I was won over by the words “Harvey, a skilled storyteller”, and the final phrase “An enjoyable, touching, and ultimately triumphant tale of family and fortunes.” The full review can be seen on my Linkedin page.
Off to Tuscany!
On June 1st, I will be joining nine other writers in a Villa outside of Sienna, for a week of writing & sharing. Led by Wide Open Writing, this trip will celebrate their 10th year of Tuscany Writing Retreats. Sue Marshall, a YA author and friend, will be joining me. Come follow me on instagram @gwenkharvey – I look forward to sharing the scenery, food, wine and, of course, the learning!
Are you in a Book Club?
If you’re in a Book Club and your club decides to read one of my books, please reach out if you would like me to attend as a Guest Author. Depending on dates and location, this could be by zoom or in person, for some or all of your meeting … whatever works best for you. I can be reached through email at gwen@gwenkharvey.com
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