Crowdfunding–The Old-fashioned Kind.

My friend Coy is on vacation with Stable Relation. Here they are at the airport.

I admit I came a little unglued last Friday when Michelle, half-way across the country, posted a photo of the book on a tablecloth that did not belong to me. I got nervous, like it had broken in to her house or something. Now it’s getting easier. This airport photo only made me snort tea, but in a good way. *Book-as-traveling-Gnome*

Really, it’s time for me to let go. It’s up to all of you now. Time for me to kick back and just nag and yelp from the sidelines.

When I was in production, lots of people asked me if I was going to crowdfund the project. To tell the truth, the idea made my throat close a bit. If marketing makes me uncomfortable, asking for money would make me pass-clean-out. Part of it was habit. After 35 years of funding my own gallery work, I guess I think it’s my job. Well, the buck stops here. Literally. This is where I ask–well, grovel really–for your help. Here’s how; it’s kind of like a pyramid scheme.

First, please read my book. It’s available right now. If a certain number of books sell within a relative period of time, then Google and Stable Relation start to have a thing. If it’s more than a one night stand, it might turn into a long term relationship. Google is the dream boyfriend.

Maybe after you’ve read it, you’ll think, “Dang, she didn’t just ramble on for 240 pages about nothing but horses. When the surprise wears off, you might think your non-horse friends would like it, too, because it’s a story that’s pretty universal. If so, then please tell your friends because there is nothing better than word-of-mouth. Consider it verbal crowdfunding–the very best way to sell anything.

And then, as if that isn’t enough, please consider taking a moment to write a review. Be honest, even if you don’t like it, (and I know some people won’t.) Be as honest as a horse. I can take it; this is not my first rodeo. Love it, or give me one star and say, “Ick.” But reviews, good or bad and just a sentence or two long, make a huge impact. It’s a numbers game on the other side and numbers draw attention. Post the review on Amazon and Goodreads, pretty please. Cut and paste works fine. If I can manage to get 50 reviews, there are people trapped in dark offices in basements who will lift their squinty eyes up toward a flickering fluorescent light fixture and say, “Huh?” Sometimes it’s even followed by a yellow-toothed grin. It’s a huge deal for me and the book. Please write a review and post it twice. Then drop by Barnes and Noble for good measure. I will be embarrassingly grateful.

Are you an Influencer? I just recently learned the term; they are people who are willing to be a Boss Mare; meaning willing to move other people’s feet and encourage groups of people to read my book. You could suggest it at your book club or send an email about the book to your contact list or post about it on social media. I’m available to talk to groups; you could invite your friends and associates to a reading/book signing like Lauren is doing in Denver.

I did recently receive invitations to both New Zealand and Norway. It’s very flattering but it’s hard to figure out the math; having me to book club gets expensive on other continents. Besides, I have to keep an eye on a couple of elders here at the farm. For now, I’m looking into online and local opportunities so I can get back in time to feed. How hard can a podcast be?

Help with whatever you are comfortable with, but please vote for Stable Relation early and often. Every mention and every book sale helps. Every. Single. One.

Weekly Report: At this point, 109 books have sold. Thank you! It’s great news considering its release date is next week. (Right now Amazon and Barnes & Noble have it, but the eBook is only at Amazon. I working to get the listings complete.) But it’s wonderful to have these sales. I don’t have that many friends, so it means that more than my locals have bought it. Yay! At the same time, I am fairly sure there are worlds of possible readers I haven’t found yet.

Because you asked, yes, I’m happy to sign your book, if you want to mail them to me. It costs about $4.00 each way, but I promise to send it right back. The other alternative is that I had some printed bookmarks made up. They have the cover image on one side and room on the back to sign. I am happy to sign one of those and mail it if you like. Use the contact form above for information on either option.

Finally, send me a postcard from the road. I mean it; if you travel with Stable Relation, even if it’s just out to the barn, send me a photo. Let’s have some fun.