The Renfrow Story

I approved the final proof on Nov. 6, officially sending the book off to the presses. I’m working with Print Ninja, a company out of Evanston, Illinois and they have been wonderful. To keep costs low, the actual printing is done in China. (I have very mixed feelings about this part, but working on a tight budget it seemed unavoidable.)

While there certainly was a huge sigh of relief once the final approval was complete, it didn’t take long for my brain to shift into the next gear: How do I get this book distributed?

The Grinnell College Pioneer Bookstore will be the main retail location. They have been wonderful to work with and have been offering an advance order option. Last night I was at the store during Grinnell’s annual Jingle Bell Holidays, a festive night that floods downtown with lights and music and shoppers filling the local stores. I brought along the printout of the final proof so people could see a preview if they wanted. It was an evening filled with many conversations about Edith and about her involvement through every step of the book development process.

I’ve been working to update the website to make it more about “how to get this book” than “I’m writing a book”. One of the big challenges I’m working through is related to getting it into other independent bookstores. The main audience is people who have ties to Grinnell or Grinnell College, so directing all of those sales through the Pioneer Bookstore makes sense (plus I want to support this great local store). But I would also love to get it into bookstores in Chicago, where Edith has lived since 1937. I’m learning a little too late about warehouse and fulfillment center options that can be done in collaboration with Print Ninja through EFS. I’ve also now learned that bookstores really like to use Ingram, but it seems like I’d have to have the book printed through their service if I was going to do that. I’ve got a wonderful friend in Chicago who is talking to local bookstores and she says many are interested. For the time being, I’ve added info to the website about arranging for wholesale to bookstores, and I’ll use the same process I’m using with the Pioneer Bookstore.

It’s also worth noting that going through a warehouse & fulfillment center service would take a significant chunk out of the cost of each book (and Amazon takes that to an entirely different level). Again, working on a tight budget, and knowing the bulk of the sales would come through Grinnell connections, this didn’t seem like the best approach. I absolutely believe this book has a broader audience and really do hope I can figure out a way to get it to out there. In my dream world, someone with publishing house connections will get wind of it and take it to that level. For now I’m doing my best to handle what I feel I can manage.

As of this moment I feel really good about the Grinnell area sales and will focus my efforts there. I think they already have around 75 pre-order requests (we added around a dozen last night) which seems like an indication of solid interest. I’ll be delivering the books to the bookstore the day they arrive in Grinnell (you can bet I am taking that day off so I’m home!). The bookstore will get in touch with all pre-order customers so they can come pick up their copy – unless you see it here first!

You all are welcome to join me in crossed fingers, prayers or magical incantations that they arrive the week before Christmas instead of the week after!

Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good girl and have worked really hard all year. All I want for Christmas is an early delivery date. Monique