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 "Out of the trunk of his car..."

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Abe F. March
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Al Stevens
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Al Stevens
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Al Stevens


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"Out of the trunk of his car..." Empty
PostSubject: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptySun Jun 27, 2010 7:06 pm

I read that authors of some well-known books began by self-publishing and selling books out of the trunks of their cars. For example, James Redfield is said to have sold 100,000 copies of his self-published "The Celestine Prophesy" from the trunk of his Honda.*

What does that mean? Did he sell quantities to bookstores? Individual copies to passersby on the street? Door to door? Roadside stand next to the guy selling boiled peanuts?

How long does it take to sell 100,000 copies of a book one at a time? Assuming most buyers would want an autographed copy...

* I don't know why we need to know it was a Honda, but whoever tells the story seems to think that the make of the car is significant. Maybe because Hondas have small trunks?
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"Out of the trunk of his car..." Empty
PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptySun Jun 27, 2010 8:21 pm

I dunno ...ask him.

http://www.celestinevision.com/contact.html
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Al Stevens
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptySun Jun 27, 2010 8:43 pm

Thank you for the link.
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Abe F. March
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"Out of the trunk of his car..." Empty
PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptySun Jun 27, 2010 9:29 pm

It appears that there are some that wrote a book to create a job for themselves. Not a bad idea if one is unemployed.

I didn't write a book so that I could sell it myself. My feelings about that have not changed.
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Al Stevens
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jun 28, 2010 5:13 am

I wrote books, magazine columns and articles, scripts and computer programs for a living. Now retired, I do all those things and other things just for the hell of it.

My wife says retirement is twice as much husband on half as much money.
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alj
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jun 28, 2010 5:44 am

Redfield's book is a little like the Star Wars phenomenon. It was an idea waiting for expression, and the numbers of people who were ready to read about it were substantial. One of his main points is the validity of synchronistic happenings. The book is a perfect example.

Ann
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alice
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jun 28, 2010 6:27 am

This is the frustration with writing that I have. I am not a salesperson.

Some people can sell anything. I am not convinced that anyone has to have anything, much less my book.

That is the reason I sought a commercial publisher. If I go with LuLu guess what--back to self promotion.

For me, it is easier to let it go. I don't want to have to sell books from my car or home or anywhere.

How on earth did the world live without my book? It managed. It can keep on managing.

Some people are salespeople. I know a lady who wrote a "book"
It is a handwritten memoir. She acts like it is the Bible.

Writing a book is enough. Selling it. is another matter.

It would help if books were rare items--there are far too many of them.

Now everyone with a keyboard fancies themselves a writer.

I am tired of offers for me to buy my books. Obviously they want me to sell them. I am not a bookstore.

I am beginnig to foam at the mouth Sorry.......Now if you would like to hear how I really feel. I hate selling my book--will give it away.
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Al Stevens
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptySun Jul 04, 2010 5:51 pm

I sent him an email last week and asked him about it. So far, nada.
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Shelagh
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jul 05, 2010 1:10 am

You obviously forgot to order a signed copy in your email.
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alj
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jul 05, 2010 4:58 am

James Redfield, if that's who you sent your email to, has become big-time now. Since The Celestine Prophecy was picked up by Warner Books, he's written two sequels, a couple of non-fiction books, made a movie, is working on a third sequel, has a regular spot on several radio shows, and has become a political advocate.

I'm not sure it's all for the good. The original book, while popular, could have used a professional editor. Warner has helped with that, but methinks that success has caused the man to take himself a bit too seriously.

Just me.

Ann
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alice
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PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jul 05, 2010 6:05 am

Shelagh wrote:
You obviously forgot to order a signed copy in your email.
lol!

lol! lol! lol!
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madhatter
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"Out of the trunk of his car..." Empty
PostSubject: Re: "Out of the trunk of his car..."   "Out of the trunk of his car..." EmptyMon Jul 05, 2010 6:09 am

Whew...then I have that part licked. I never take myself too seriously..."Out of the trunk of his car..." 855547
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