I've probably given more than 100 copies of my books away. That means I've lost more than $1300 in revenue.

One of the things I have come to realize is that as and up and coming author I have to give books away.  Prior to Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age being published, I figured I would have to put about 25-50 aside for media reviews.  That was probably a conservative number in light of the fact that I was looking for MAJOR EXPOSURE and in order to get it, you’ve got to have your name and your book out there to create some buzz.

Well, it’s a year later and I calculate that I’ve probably given more than a 100 copies of my book away.  Now, if you equate that in terms of dollars and cents, that means I’ve lost more than $1300 in revenue.  That’s money I certainly could’ve used but I prefer to look at it as money well spent.  As a result of my generous donation, I’ve been interviewed by three television stations in major markets; had several radio interviews including WOR Radio in NY and the Audrey Chapman Show in Washington, DC; and been written about in the New York Times.  People are even blogging about me.    

But my books didn’t just go out to media folks, I’ve also been in position to give my book to people like:

Singer Natalie Cole

Radio One Owner & CEO Cathy Hughes

Darryl McDaniels from the rap group Run DMC

Celebrity Fitness Club Fitness Expert Harvey Walden

Actor & Rapper Christopher Martin from Kid-n-Play & House Party

Yes, Oprah also has one somewhere in her book pile, along with the ladies from The View.

I share this with you to say if you want to be successful with your book, you’ve got to put it out there.  You have to be willing to invest in you---even if it’s at a loss in the beginning.  Putting your book in the right hands can make mean future sales.  You see, I believe Natalie Cole will purchase copies of my book for all of her girlfriends and tell them what a wonderful read it is.  Cathy Hughes may plug it on her TV1 program sometime in the near future.  Because I provide healthy tips in the book, Harvey may purchase copies and give them as gifts to the women in future episodes of Celebrity Fit Club and share with them the strange way that we met. (at a gas station).  I just hope he doesn't talk about how I need to be on the show :)

I look forward to you seeing me on The View!