RicketyRhymer

Hi everybody, I have written a bedtime story and colouring book which should be marketed to the parents and grandparents of 3 to 6 year-olds. I have self published it as "Mary The unwary sugar-plum fairy" ISBN 9781739570002. The story is written in rhyme with each "chapter" illustrated with a colour photograph or a line drawing for the child to colour in. Everyone who has had the opportunity to read the book has said that they think it is excellent and their children have enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately I am totally at a loss how to get my efforts in front of the right audience. At first I tried publishing companies but to no avail. Local book shops had a very mixed response a few were happy to take it on the run-up to Christmas. as for others their excuses for not stocking it could only be described as "Comedy Fiction" but a refusal just the same. How does an ordinay bloke like me break through the barriers? I would be happy to send a copy to you if you think you can help.

I have exactly the same problem. How do you get your book into the shops? My book is called "Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy" It is a bedtime story written in verse with colour pictures and pages for a child to colour in. I presumed my market would be parents and grandparents of 0 to eight year olds. I have taken it to local book shops and garden centres ( thinking grand parents are also gardeners) with a very much mixed reaction to it. I have put it on Facebook Market Place, Ebay and Etsy but no takers. A few copies were sold at Christmas fayres locally but hardly enough to cover the table fees. I have also registered it with Nielsens and Gardners to make sure it is available generally but to no avail. Does anybody have any better ideas? Below is a short poem I use for marketing purposes. Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy Every mum and dad will enjoy Reading this story to their girl or boy It's a tale all written in gentle rhyme To help them sleep when its bedtime About a fairy doing really good deeds From making nice meals to planting out seeds At first things weren’t so very nice Getting her into trouble once or twice But soon she gains power to her wings and wand Making her famous at home and beyond Word of her travelled both far and wide Then Santa asked her out on a sleigh ride What happened next, I'm sure is true They fell in love as together they flew Santa asked Mary to become his wife And be Mary Christmas for the rest of her life. It’s a big glossy book with pages to colour To keep kiddies happy, busy and their day much fuller What I should add to give greater clarity. is that each book sold will help Rainbows Charity Rainbows helps children who are very sick So order yours now and be really quick. Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy By the Rickety Rhymer Its available now from me, [email protected] Ebay Item No 325803384353 Price £8.00 including postage

True, but it is quite a distance from the house and its not likely to be blown over, even in the gales we get here in the Lincolnshire fens.

A dream of my lifetime is to cruise the Norwegian fjords. Oh please let it be me.

Thanks very much Sally, I need all the help I can get.

Thank you so much it will certainly boost the overall marketing prospects. I was talking to the charity yesterday asking for any help and ideas they have in order to get the book in front of the general public. What you have done is great not just for me but also for the Rainbows Hospice charity and the children they support. Thanks again.

My true sentiments I would love to do the same But it’s all down to the loved ones who will remain It has to be convenient where I’m lain to finally rest I suppose it’s the local church yard pity it’s such a mess But then it’s full of wildflowers, birds, bees and rarely disturbed So why should I be that worried or even so perturbed

Yes the bane of my life too. It seems that the harder you try to get rid of them the more determined they are to stay.

Thanks very much Sally it’s very much appreciated. Talking about my book “Mary the unwary sugar-plum fairy” I would like to give it a plug on Silversurfers but don’t know how. I would like to donate some of the proceeds to the Rainbows charity it supports a children’s hospice here in the East Midlands. I am afraid my knowledge of social media and how to use it is very lacking. Any help would be greatly welcomed. Malcolm Mills The Rickety Rhymer.