Susan: You asked how giving away copies helped me sell more copies of Courting Kathleen Hannigan. It is hard to measure, but my sense is that because some people had it in their hands, they picked it up, got hooked, and when they were finished either passed it on (boo) or bought copies for friends (yay). Also, I sent free copies with a cover letter to professors of women's studies, select law professors and directors of women's bar associations. I don't know of any specific group orders as a result, and I only received a few acknowledgements, but again, you never know who the tipping point person is going to be. My great hope originally was that Michelle Obama (whose first job was working with/for me at a large law firm here in Chicago) would just carry it, leave it on a beach someplace or even just throw it out! As far as I know, she still has it. Hope springs. Anyway, if your book is attractive on the outside (and I think mine is), then to me it's like buying shelf space at the bookstore. It's costly, but in the end cheaper than the couple grand I spent on ads in my alumni magazine, the Bar Association magazine and Facebook. (Although of the latter, I think FB has the most punch.)
I'd love to hear your thoughts/experiences, and any suggestions from others.
All the best,
Mary

Hi Susan. Thanks for the friend invite. I look forward to it. :-)

Just opened the door to the novelist group for you - welcome! You might introduce yourself by telling us what you’re working on in the “Show Me Your Novel and I’ll Show You Mine” discussion if you're not too uncomfortable talking about what you're working on. I’ll look forward to chatting with you!

Meg