This is an example of why it can be important for authors to connect with book sellers. Booksellers wont recommend a book they haven’t read, and with all the books out there, it’s hard to get their attention. But if you form personal connections with the ones actually selling your book to the multitudes, they're much more likely to read your book.

How do you connect with booksellers? Well, you can walk into your local bookstores and go talk to them. I remember reading on an author’s blog about how their family has gotten in the habit of stopping at bookstores while on vacation so he can go in and talk to the manager. Another author shared how her teenage daughter will talk to clerks in bookstores and ask if they’ve ever read her mom’s books.

You don't have to drag in your family or journey across the country visiting bookstores, but wandering into the ones in your neighborhood is never a bad idea. Unless you're a jerk in person; then stay away.

Readings are also a great tool for you. Yes, your publisher might set up some of these, but go ahead and call up your local bookstore and ask to do a reading. Even if you don’t get many people there, you will get those working in the bookstore to know who you are.

In the same vein, you should also be familiar to local librarians. People love reading local authors, and librarians are frequently asked for recommendations. Some libraries do readings (and not just for children's books), so that might be an option in your area. Does your local library even have a copy of your book? If someone borrows your book from the library and likes it, they’re more likely to go buy more of your books (or get their own copy). And who doesn't want more people to do that?

Those are just a few of the tips and suggestions I've seen from published writers. Are there any others I might have missed? Any input from booksellers?

Speaking of connections, Julia Wertz is collecting b&w comics for an anthology based off Craigslist and newspaper missed connection ads. She's accepting submissions until December, so move fast if you want to be involved. Check out some of the ones already submitted. Oh, and here’s the story behind it all.