WrittenRoad Markets, leads and craft for travel writers · since 2002
Sand In My Bra4 October 2003

Sand and the First Lady

When I got to the National Bookfest on the mall in DC, I noticed a camera crew around a small mass of people. Then I saw the body guards. But they just weren't any bodyguards. I dropped my load, grabbed a book and ran over to the crowd. It was like slaloming through a redwood forest to get past the secret service and over to Laura Bush. She was on her way to the car, but I managed to quickly ask her for a photo opp. Sand with the First Lady There was no time to talk, and it all happened too fast for me to even think about giving her the book. Ugh. But still... The bookfest was a blast. I had so much fun, even by myself. Here are some photos. Now, I'm off to an event at the Passenger Stop in Maryland. Getting the first lady photo made me hungry Stealth sales & marketing Book lovers everywhere End of the day No one asked me to leave. I ran into people who had already read the book in the States and in Canada. I met one woman who knew Stories of World Travel. And two people who already knew me from both Sand and the web. All in all I sold 35 books. The biggest sale came in the last ten minutes when one woman bought six signed copies. The man to take that last pic at the end of the day told me, "you're a publisher's dream." The days don't get a whole lot better than that.

8 comments

  • Nancy5 October 2003
    Very cool, Jen! Good eyes! Plus, you are so bold to barge right in there and meet her. But - you forgot to give her the book? Ugh is right! Now you know how I felt about missing the "take us on a tour" lady in Seattle. But you can redeem yourself and make the moment even better by sending LB a book and introducing yourself again in a more business like fashion. I agree with that last guy -I'd think every publisher would kill to have an author like you on their list!
  • Erik6 October 2003
    Cool news, Jen! Ditto on Nancy's comment -- a publisher's dream for sure! Now if you could only get the Bush daughters sober enough to read Sand... that'd be a REAL feat...
  • Jen Leo6 October 2003
    Thanks everyone! Yes, I will have to send her a copy and I can print out the picture and paste it to the back of the envelope if that will help get it to her. I've decided to stay in Virginia today and do some work setting up more opportunities for the rest of the tour. If you have any leads in Wisonsin or Minnesota, please send them my way. Especially women's groups or radio.
  • susan6 October 2003
    Yes, Jen is a publishers dream. Wait—she's our dream. No—she's for real! and we are happy to have her around and grateful that she agreed to drive, alone, across this great country and stump for her book. I think she has had an incredible time so far, got the word out on the book, and is making even more of a name for herself. Surely, all who meet her will remember her, which is especially good with booksellers. Keep up the good work Jen! Mothership out.....
  • Jen Leo6 October 2003
    Thanks for the kind words, folks. I didn't mean to sound like I was fishing. I just wanted to note that it was a nice compliment at the end of a great day.
  • sean7 October 2003
    You are too funny. What a coup!
  • Lori Mayfield8 October 2003
    Jen, Maybe she's got a witty Sand in the White House story to submit for Sand II. That's such a great shot! YOu should use that as your X-mas card. Lori
  • Mary10 October 2003
    A shot to keep forever and pass on to yours. Great job.

More in Sand In My Bra