Mary Boyle doesn’t just write children’s books; she actually sells them! In February alone, she was at five farmers’ markets and book fairs in the Sacramento-Roseville areas. Wow, Mary! How do you do it? “I go to lots of book fairs, festivals, and farmers’ markets. Most require a fee–and even an interview–so the real payoff is not just in money. I get ideas that tweak my creativity—like translating my books into Spanish, developing ‘board books’ for toddlers, and combining books with stuffed toys as ‘gift packs.’ Plus, we vendors become real friends. I admit, it’s only now, after three years of marketing, that I’m financially in the black. My real payoff is knowing I’m encouraging a love of books in children. There’s really no price tag on that kind of marketing.” Writers agree—writing is the fun part; marketing is the real work. Obviously, the secret to Mary’s marketing get-up-and-go is her love for the children her books are written for.
Inspiring!
What a wonderful talented and innovative woman. It takes a lot of work to take your artistic passion to the buyers through vending. My son does the same with his blown glass. I hope one day Mary will be able to market her material in a way that will be less work. She will miss the vending community though.
What a great idea she had to combine the books with a little toy. Great saleswomanship for all the right reasons!!
Does she have a web site of when&when she will be? Love to get a book for my grandnephew.
People talking about writing books, but you have actually done it. Thank you for spreading the love of reading to young people.