Drawing Maps for Fantasy Novels

Recently I decided to take up sketching again. Eight years ago I sketched maps and concept illustrations for my planned books. I've finished two maps. One for "First Queen," a novel I proposed to my publisher. And another for the third novel in The Sword Of The Dragon series, which is set to release in March 2012! Drawing my own maps is not only fun, it saves me money and helps me put my own vision on the paper instead of trying to get an artist to render it for me. I sketched these first on paper, then scanned them into Photoshop, and finished with touch-ups and some more sketching using my Wacom drawing tablet.

B&N in Milford CT, 80 books sold!

It is safe to say that I have held a lot of signings at various bookstores, and in many states. I have had mixed success. Independent stores tend to have far less foot traffic, so I sell far fewer books in that venue. I used to have great success at Borders book stores, but now they are out of business. Barnes & Noble is the king of present day brick and mortar book stores. I've been focusing on selling through more B&N locations. The first B&N I signed at had only ordered 15 books, and I sold them out in a matter of an hour and half. The next store I sold out their 40 books, and the next was over 50 sold. But this past Saturday I went to Barnes & Noble in Milford CT. They had 80 books in stock, some of which sold prior to the event, and my signing completely sold them out! This is the most copies I have ever sold at a book store and I was so thrilled. I have other B&N signings booked, and I am going to book more of them. ....Anyway, I need to get to bed. Just wanted to update my faithful blog readers (-:

How To Sell Your Novel. Tip #1

Having several years' experience in retail sales, and having achieved great success with it, I was well positioned to sell my books when they were published. I think if I had to give tips on how to sell your novel (especially at book store signings) I'd start with:

Don't be pushy. Establish a relationship through a short dialogue. Your potential buyer will be inclined to hear you out on your product if you do this. Take an interest in the customer, and they will take an interest in your book.