Grandma Knows Best

I also joined the PMA. This organization has provided valuable knowledge for young rookies like myself. It is a great organization that cares about the little guy.

Was it difficult to get people to sell your first book?
Sinke: I would have to say no, not that difficult. We had done a lot of marketing prior to the release of this first book so people were excited and looking forward to it. We had a big kick-off party. … Our initial order was for 5,000 books. We sold out in nine weeks.

What changes to your marketing efforts have been made with the release of subsequent titles?
Sinke: I can’t really think of anything except I would push forward with more intensity in trying to get into the library systems. I am still working on that part of marketing. As far as subsequent titles go, we have learned which wholesale trade shows work and which do not.

And since we are still a very young company, we are still experimenting with a number of [wholesale] buying shows around the country. We are trying to learn which ones work and which ones we would not attend again. We have joined the Great Lakes Book Association that keeps us in the loop with regard to other independent book stores. When a new book comes out, a big mailing goes out, newspapers are contacted and the marketing push is on once again. We always have a kick-off party and make it a true celebration of combined efforts. It seems to be working. In a little over two years, we have sold about 33,000 books. Other publishing companies have stated that this is very good. I am not an expert on numbers, so I take their word for it. Of course, we dream big and hope to reach many more.