Bank of Books in Ventura, California, is a lovely indie bookstore for book lovers of all genres. It’s the kind of store that attracts those who love to browse and dig into stories. It’s also the kind of store that attracts famous people, such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, according to John Montz, the manager.
Last weekend, during my book event at Bank of Books, John told me an interesting story.
Academy Award winner, Gregory Peck, famous actor in the movie To Kill a Mockingbird, had a book signing at Bank of Books. They advertised his event in all the local newspapers, and set a table inside the store for him to sign his book. Not one person showed up. Not one.
The manager decided to have him stand outside the store, and when people recognized him, they finally formed a line which stretched down Main Street.
So knowing that even famous people don’t always draw a crowd, despite publicity, should make indie authors feel better when they only draw a small number of “fans” to their book events.
In my opinion, you always meet one person who makes the whole event worthwhile, and this time, I met a great lady who purchased my book, and we exchanged business cards. The secret is to be “gutsy” and go up to people and chat.
Have you had a book signing where no one came? Have you been to many book signings yourself?
Submit your “My Gutsy Story.”
I am collecting new “My Gutsy Story” submissions for 2013. NOW is the time to submit your own “My Gutsy Story” and get published in our Anthology. Please contact sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.
To submit your own, “My Gutsy Story” you can find all the information, and our sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here.
Oh, had I known, I would have loved to have attended and to have met you! When you mentioned Ojai recently, that is one of my favorite places…and downtown Ventura has some wonderful shops and restaurants…you are almost in my “backyard” 🙂 I am so glad you are enjoying the energy 🙂
Joy,
I left a comment on your blog, and wish I had known as well. I shall be in Santa Barbara at Chaucers book store on February 19th at 7pm. Perhaps we can meet as I shall probably stay overnight and drive back through Ventura the next day. Please let me know. Thanks and yes, I love Ojai.
It must be every new book writer’s fear that no one will attend his/her book signing. Or as happened to me, I was the only one to turn up. From then on, the writer was unfriendly even aggressive towards me. But no one turned up for Gregory Peck? I bet something went wrong with the announcements.
Penelope J recently posted..Never Give Up on Your Dream
What a story Pennie. You mean the writer was aggressive towards you rather than grateful that you showed up?
Anyway, as I say, I do it to meet people and go with “no expectations.”
I do love book stores, especially one with cats! I haven’t written a book *yet* but it looks like you had lots of people at your signing. 🙂 I might have to check out the gutsy story submission.
Janet recently posted..Forget Goals: What’s Your 2013 Theme?
Janet, Are there book stores with many cats?
Haven’t seen one yet. Please submit a story when you have time. Thanks, and good luck with your dreams in 2013.