Christine Mustchin - another Waterstone's signing

First of all some thoughts on last Saturday's signing. I learnt how important the blurb on the back of the book is. When browsing it is usually the first thing people look at when they pick up a book. I guess that the cover and title are the deciders in whether to pick up the book or not but, after that, it seems to be the blurb that does the selling. And how difficult it is to get right - I can certainly vouch for that.

On the strength of the book sales on Saturday I phoned Waterstone's Haywards Heath branch and go a positive response to my enquiry about a book signing there - so much so that the date is already fixed for Saturday 9 October.

Meantime I am following up the bookshops and was delighted that City Books have sold the copy I left with them and have taken a second. It's so good to have a friendly local independent bookstore. They are becoming such a rarity nowadays. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - Waterstone's book signing

Well it's done. My first book signing. First of all thanks to the Waterstone's guys for being so helpful and welcoming and providing tips on how best to handle the signing. They advised going and talking to people so this is exactly what I did. Targeting the person to approach and then opening a conversation without appearing obtrusive was crucial. Just occasionally I got it wrong but mostly I found people very happy to talk about their experience of reading and interested in what I was doing. I managed to sell 25 out of the 30 books that Waterstone's had ordered and signed the remaining 5 for them to put on sale in the shop. It was hard work but worth it. Very tired today as I existed for over 6 hours on a small bottle of water, one banana and some chocolates. My choice as I didn't want to miss a moment. One great part of the day was a visit from my father who had made the journey by train to make sure he didn't miss the day. Peter took him out to lunch and then put him back on the train. Amazing and he had a chance to recommend the book to the over 65s in converstation with a journalist who wanted to offer it as a prize to this age group. Nothing like expanding horizons. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - Waterstone's and on

A view of Waterstone's from the top deck of bus today in the company of grandchildren aged 5 and 7. I wonder what it will be like to be the subject of a book signing? I have support from the United Authors group who have been emailed about the signing and I hope a couple of people will turn up to support. My father is keen to come even if he has to come by train from Portsmouth. What determination at 86 years of age.

Another opportunity has presented itself and I must not turn it down. I have been given a contact at Sussex Radio, again through United Authors. An interview would certainly be a new experience. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - book signing Waterstone's

The grandchildren are staying at the moment so not much in the way of promotion of From Nemesis Island this week. Did pop into Waterstone's to see advance publicity for book signing on Saturday. They have used their own posters - simple black and white and not the ones I took in which feature the book cover itself as the poster background. I assume they will use the A3 ones for the display though. Anyway there was a copy of the book in the window so everything is certainly on track. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - book signing Waterstone's

Count down to the book signing on 28 August at Waterstone's Brighton. Not a lot left to do now. I have taken in posters and flyers to Waterstone's, prepared bookmarks and bought sweets for the display stand. Yesterday posters went up at Maritime House where I rent an office. I was very grateful for getting permission for that.

I went back to Steyning bookshop and was promised that they would read the book and get back to me, though not till end of September. Fingers crossed.

Otherwise I have been keeping an eye on booksales, slowly creeping up, and revising the first chapter of my children's novel. Prompted to do this by attending talk by agent Julia Churchill at our United Authors group. Excellent speaker with lots of good tips. Not sure my type of writing is eye catching enough but you can only write what you can write. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - book signing

Delivered the posters and flyers to Waterstone's today in readiness for the book signing on 28 August. It's all beginning to feel very real and consequently I am delighted and apprehensive. I have been warned that 2-5pm if the busiest time, so I have from 11am to prepare myself. All the staff at Waterstone's Brighton have been so helpful and friendly, it has been a good experience so far. It's up to me on the day, of course. I've been told that a bowl of sweeties is okay and I have made up some bookmarks too. Essential to give something back if people are giving up their time to speak to you - even more so if they buy a book. It seems that over-ordering is the norm but that, depending on how many are left unsold, sometimes they get the author to sign a few copies and put on a display. They generally hold on to them for 3 months which seems more than fair to me. We'll just have to see how it all goes.

Meantime one more book sold according to Troubador website - wonder if it's Clapham again. I can only guess. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - of politeness and promotion

Reflections on how to say no today. Something I experienced when I was managing a medical education centre. The best way I always found was to be firm but kind in your manner and sometimes regretful that things could not be otherwise. I always tried not to be condescending or arrogant. I was reminded of this by a gentle refusal to take on my book by an independent bookshop in London. I went away feeling positive rather than demoralised - not always the case as I have discovered elsewhere.

Thinking ahead to the book signing on 28 August. I went along to Waterstone's on Saturday to see how they had set up the signing for that week's Saturday author only to discover that she had already left. To be fair the signing was scheduled from 1200 -1600 and I arrived at 1630. Obviously not everybody inflicts a 1100-1700 regime on themselves as I have chosen to do. Saw a pile of books not sold but I guess they have to over order just in case. Checking my book sales online I saw a jump of 50 books which I assume is what Waterstone's have ordered for me. I think 8 books an hour optimistic but I'll do my best. I spent time in the shop looking at those who came in. The demographics look okay for my book but engaging people without hassling them will be a challenge. I wonder if I could bring in some sweeties to tempt them over to the stand. I'll certainly produce some bookmarks as it's good to have something to give people for their time.

Sunday I wrote my article for Writers' News. I used it as a chance to set down my own views on what I am trying to achieve in writing From Nemesis Island. I'll let it mature a bit and then send it off. Otherwise I had a look at the beginning of the next novel. It was so good to get back to writing and creating your own universe again. A bit of typing to do and then I'll try and get going properly again. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - progressing the promotion

Footslogging the bookshops again except that it was really a car slog. Peter took up his role as mini cab driver extraordinaire (an ever more frequent addition to his portfolio of activities) and we set off to south London for a second round of attempts with independent bookshops. Limited success but two said they would consider taking on From Nemesis Island. The first, in Kennington, took details and the second, in Peckham, also took a reading copy. The owner also enquired whether I had an agent and said she would pass it on to one if she thought she knew someone that the book would suit. Dreams are made of .... It all depends on what they decide. It made a difference that the book is available through Gardners. They wouldn't have even considered it otherwise. Thank you Matador marketing guys! Mustn't think about what might or might not be but assume the usual defualt state of thanks but no thanks and move on. So - have sent a letter to my former head of department at the Central Clinic to tell her of booksigning and ask if anyone can review the book. Have also drafted feature for Writers' News. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - pushing the promotion

Quieter pace these last couple of days, concentrating on bookshops again. Telephone follow up to start with and discovered one book sold in Clapham on sale or return basis. They are going to order from distributors now. Will collect my royalties on Wednesday - £4.80! Have to start somewhere and I'm really pleased. Will keep working at the independent bookshops - it's such a pleasure to deal with them.

Another project involves writing a feature articleabout myself and the book. Finding outlets for this is a challenge. Will start with Writers' News and take it from there. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - from book launch to real launch

Just one week after the book launch a trip to Dover for the real launch. Not exactly a boat launch, it was the launch of my father on to his first cruise abroad. Settling him on to the coach I felt as if I were seeing him off on a school trip though I know that, actually, he will soon be charming everyone with his easy-going manner and love of socialising. His first texts suggest that all is going well and the facilities are excellent. Here's to a great holiday for him.

On the way back from Dover I called in to Orpington is search of one of the bookshops I had included in my mail shot re From Nemesis Island. Nowhere to be seen! Oh well another promotional possibility excluded. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - promotion pause from portsmouth

Just waiting to leave Portsmouth and take father to hotel in Dover prior to his departure for Rhine cruise tomorrow. He is just so supportive of all my efforts re From Nemesis Island. He wanted to contact local Waterstone's but we have agreed that targeting local paper may be better. He is going to try and get to book signing in Brighton on 28 August and a photo of him there with me might make a suitable story for the Portsmouth News.

Meantime I have been reflecting on how people manage when they have a high public or internet profile. Even the little I have achieved so far with my presence on google search makes me nervous. Privacy is a wonderful thing I think. More about this no doubt later.

Final mundane thought for the day on computer frustations. I have been unable to put photos on my blog so far. Will have to enlist help. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - post launch promotion pause

Have been away for 2 days looking after the grandchildren. A chance to take a breath from launching From Nemesis Island. No sign of article re launch in The Argus - oh well. Will give it a week and then assume if was not news worthy enough. Meantime more time away from book promotion as I'm off to Portsmouth today to take my father on to Dover where he begins a cruise on Saturday. Great adventure - he is 86 years old.

Next week I'll plan the next phase in bookshop promotion and see about writing futher articles re the book. I have a book signing at Waterstone's in Brighton scheduled for 28 August and Matador have produced some excellent posters to advertise the event. I am concerned that no reviews have appeared on amazon yet and that they've reduced the price of the book. Strange, as I know at least one person has submitted a review. They also wanted to buy 2 copies but amazon would only supply 1 - why? Must ask the marketing department at Matador.

Christine Mustchin - the pluses of promotion

Some good feed back today. The news editor of 'The Argus' Brighton & Hove's local newspaper is to put in a piece about the launch. My letter to The Observer responding to article on FGM was published today and I have now sold 50 books. Is this good progress? The book has not yet been officially published so I'll take it as a yes.

Tried to take time off today to unwind but it is near impossible. Instead emailed many those attending the launch to thank them and sent photos to some of those who could not. Christine Mustchin