Writing and publishing a book is a business, and if you want to be successful, you have to promote and market your book yourself.

There are several ways to market your book, and one way is to start small, and build your way up. That’s what I’m doing, and I decided to never say “no,” even if the group I speak to is small.

Most of us can’t afford a super expensive publicist who promises a national TV spot for $5,000 or more.

So last week, I was invited to sell my book at a fashion store in Newport Beach. Most authors would not think of promoting their book at a fashion store unless it was related to fashion design, modeling, or starting your own clothing store.

But since I refuse to say “No,” to opportunities, I said, “Yes,” to Monir Ghaneian, and had the most amazing afternoon and evening at her beautiful “Tropez” Boutique in Newport Beach.

Not only was I surrounded by gorgeous dresses, necklaces, purses and shoes, including fancy flip-flops, to go with the theme of my book: Freeways to Flip-Flops but Monir invited her Persian friends and relatives and I have never felt so comfortable in a clothing store in my life.

We had a wine tasting with Lillian Norminton offering wines from the Napa Valley Levendi Winery as well as home made Persian appetizers and salads and gourmet cheeses.

Several customers walked in, tried on outfits, and came out of the changing room to get feedback from all of us women, and I honestly felt like I was invited to my best friend’s house. A singer walked in, a small business owner, and a mother and her daughter shopping for her high school reunion outfit. The atmoshere was magical and women from different backgrounds bonded, just as women love to do.

Monir wanted to help me promote my book, and asked me to make a mini-presentation in front of all her customers. She heard me speak at WomenROK at the Wine Artist in June, and thought I should share my memoir with her relatives and customers.

I truly believe that when you are open to new ideas in your local community, magical things can happen to you, with your business.

What have you tried that was different to market your book? Did it work?