Ok folks, sorry to start another SOS thread, but wanted you all to see this. I am sitting in Barnes and Noble now and I just spoke with the Community Relations Manager and handed her a press release and business card. I told her the posters, flyers and other goods would be ready soon. She knows me and sees me here often, so she was quick to help.
Here's the deal. When she pulled up the ISBN on our book, there's no info other than the title. She says that's not good. I told her the book was recently released and that Ingram just got a hold of it, so perhaps they are still updating their database. She hopes that's the case.
She explained in detail the importance of an author listing, the type of book and how to categorize it, and whether it's a non-returnable. These issues are pertinent to Barnes and Noble. Now the other thing she mentioned which blew me away, because I too was concerned is that because this book is time sensitive. (Katrina related) that I should find out when Ingram will update so that they can order the book.
I told her that I would be doing some promotions with the media, and her thing is that's fine, but if people come in asking for the book, mainly by a title, then she's afraid that her "newly" staff won't be able to figure out what book to order. And if they come in and ask for it by my name, they still won't be able to pull it up. She says that most customers won't be back a second time for it. She showed me on her computer how all the relevant info was missing in comparison to the other books. It didn't even come up under Jenna's name.
She wants to help out. She did tell me too that she is booked up through the holidays with signings. But promoting this book with posters, flyers etc is possible.
She gave me a Barnes and Noble Acceptance Criteria Sheet, and told me where to send a copy of the book and a press kit to The Small Press Department of Barnes and Noble. It's free and they determine what books to place in their stores nationwide. She says that it usually takes them 6 weeks to respond, but to mention once again the time sensitve matter, and make sure Ingram is updated. This is only an option. Locally, she wants to help.
When I mentioned Jenna, her face lit up. She then began to read the Press Release thoroughly. That felt good, knowing I'm somewhat connected to Jenna. Anyway, she gave me a business card and told me to email her as soon as I knew when Ingram would update. She told me to stress the Katrina time sensitive issue with them, that this might expedite things.
So Jenna, Chunky, others, what do you think?
Here's the deal. When she pulled up the ISBN on our book, there's no info other than the title. She says that's not good. I told her the book was recently released and that Ingram just got a hold of it, so perhaps they are still updating their database. She hopes that's the case.
She explained in detail the importance of an author listing, the type of book and how to categorize it, and whether it's a non-returnable. These issues are pertinent to Barnes and Noble. Now the other thing she mentioned which blew me away, because I too was concerned is that because this book is time sensitive. (Katrina related) that I should find out when Ingram will update so that they can order the book.
I told her that I would be doing some promotions with the media, and her thing is that's fine, but if people come in asking for the book, mainly by a title, then she's afraid that her "newly" staff won't be able to figure out what book to order. And if they come in and ask for it by my name, they still won't be able to pull it up. She says that most customers won't be back a second time for it. She showed me on her computer how all the relevant info was missing in comparison to the other books. It didn't even come up under Jenna's name.
She wants to help out. She did tell me too that she is booked up through the holidays with signings. But promoting this book with posters, flyers etc is possible.
She gave me a Barnes and Noble Acceptance Criteria Sheet, and told me where to send a copy of the book and a press kit to The Small Press Department of Barnes and Noble. It's free and they determine what books to place in their stores nationwide. She says that it usually takes them 6 weeks to respond, but to mention once again the time sensitve matter, and make sure Ingram is updated. This is only an option. Locally, she wants to help.
When I mentioned Jenna, her face lit up. She then began to read the Press Release thoroughly. That felt good, knowing I'm somewhat connected to Jenna. Anyway, she gave me a business card and told me to email her as soon as I knew when Ingram would update. She told me to stress the Katrina time sensitive issue with them, that this might expedite things.
So Jenna, Chunky, others, what do you think?
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. But, after I read this, I did some searching for the ISBN. Found some interesting stuff. First, I found the book listed through BookFinder4U.com. Here's the link directly to the search results: 
