[stylist] Request for advice

[Donna Hill]

Hi Chris,
Thank you for this candid, insightful and entertaining advice. I
particularly like :
www.buymydamnbookyoucheapbastards.com
*grin*
You're right about selling the books; whether they realize that I probably
won't sell more than a few, I'm not sure. That was always true with selling
CDs when I was doing my songwriter thing. I learned along time ago that you
need to get paid for the presentation. This is not true if you're well
known; I know people on the folk circuit who can take low or no pay jobs on
their way to higher-paying gigs, because they sell enough "merch" to make it
worthwhile.

As for enlightening the sighties ... I've done enough of that for free and
still do closer to home. If a class had purchased and were reading the book,
I would consider a visit, but I think I'd still want some compensation if
even a token.
Donna

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Kuell
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:16 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Request for advice

Hey Donna,

This is an interesting situation. The way I see it, these professors
probably don't have money for an honorarium, as all universities in America
are experiencing financial strain--or so the beancounters in charge always
say. Yet, they'd like to have you come speak, as they wouldn't have to teach
that day, it might enlighten some students, and may provide for some
interesting discussions in the class following your talk. They dangled the
bone of selling books in front of you, as they aren't stupid and know that
what every author wants is people to buy her books. However, what you and I
know is that college kids don't have spare money, and any money they do have
is set aside for beer and alcohol. I'd be surprised if you sold more than
two or three books. So, the real question is, do you want to make the trip
to help enlighten people about blindness, and if so, how much are you
willing to put out to do so?


Personally, I would tell the profs, who are looking for a free book, that
you only have e-copies available for free, but they can purchase a copy at
www.buymydamnbookyoucheapbastards.com. I'd then ask if they'd be willing to
help provide transportation. If so, and knowing what I know of you, you
should go help enlighten the sightees. And who knows--maybe you'll sell more
books than I think. If they won't help with transportation, then I'd say
thanks, wish them well, and let them know you are available in the future if
they are looking for a speaker and can crowbar open their wallets to help
ease the burden on you.

That's my advice.

chris





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