There’s a independent book store that I walk past almost every day.
On multiple occasions, I’ve thought about going to to inquire about selling my book, Thin Spaces there. But, every time I go to step foot in the store, the thought crosses my mind: “My book probably won’t sell. Or it won’t make it past the submission process. There’s no point.”
I decided to make this the first challenge of my project, as it’s something that I’ve been wanting to do, but cower in fear of. This challenge requires immediacy in the response by being very specific in asking for what I want. The request I planned in advance was to confidently walk into the store and ask the person behind the counter to sell my book TODAY (said politely, of course).
The lady behind the counter was very friendly as I walked in. I introduced myself and asked her name (something that I never do- I was already out of my comfort zone). As we made conversation, I pulled my book out from my bag- which probably looked like I was going to hand her some religious cult pamphlet. As I was about to state my request, she let me know that she wasn’t the owner and all submission requests need to go through her. This was a moment of defeat as I hadn’t even voiced my first question of the challenge yet! But, I summoned my strength and stated my request anyways:
”Can I please sell my book here- today? Can I give you this copy to put for sale and not go through the application process?” Due to the nature of the system, she declined, but proceeded to get an application form and encouraged me to fill it out as they do love supporting local authors.
There was something within that was still desperate for acceptance. I asked her if she enjoys reading (surely anyone who works at a book store must love it and be in the throws of daily temptation by being surrounded by books!). She shared that she had already read 135 books this year. Quick math tells me that she’s finishing a book every other day. Damn. That’s commitment. Being the book connoisseur she is, I asked if she would take a quick look at it and give me her initial reactions. She was immediately drawn in by the cover, the poetic layout interior, and the illustrations. She said it was very unique in style and was curious about the subject matter. I asked her if she would read it herself and could have it- for free- and my only request was for her to contact me when she was done and provide some feedback. She joyfully obliged as I gave her my contact information. She wanted to let her friend read it when she finished it, as they were in a book club together.
Even though I didn’t get what I was hoping for, I felt like I was 10 feet tall walking out of the book store. After I filmed the follow up portion of the video, I headed over to Starbucks to have a victory cold brew and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin (because y’know, fall). In error, they gave me 2 muffins- one warmed and the other not. I let them know about the double muffins and they told me to keep both. I felt prompted to give one to a stranger. Once again, I summoned the courage to approach someone at a nearby table and offer it- she was incredibly grateful, but had this look in her eyes that asked “what’s the catch?” (as I’ve ventured through this project, I’ve become quite familiar with this look). In my own way, I felt like the universe had gifted me an opportunity to share something with another person after doing something very brave at the book store. Yes, life can sometimes gift you double pumpkin cream cheese muffins. And sharing one feels incredible.
One key takeaway from this first challenge was that I need to be a bit more specific in my request and to stick with it. It was exhilarating to gift the book to a stranger- but, it wasn’t the ultimate goal. And in doing so, it softened the blow of rejection. For a first go, I think it worked out and helped build confidence. I have the application to submit my book still on my desk- not filled out. But, I will. I’m going to keep finding new ways to put myself out there and overcome this fear of rejection. This effort was a leap in moving in the right direction.
♡
*shameless plug- if you’re you’d like to check out my book, it’s on Amazon US and Amazon Canada (and all the Amazons)
