That’s a big if.

“the response to my marketing ploy was overwhelmingly positive”

But did you get a book deal?

“—in fact, I heard lots of laughter and chuckles all weekend. ”

I have no doubt you did. No doubt at all.

“Therefore, while I always strive to do excellent writing,”

Clearly.

I was very impressed by your flurry of qualifications. However, I’m afraid that, despite Googling, I couldn’t find a definition for C.H.H.C.. I found several for A.A.D.P. Congratulations on being one of the following: an Area Air Defense Plan, an Administrative Automatic Data Process, an Afghanistani (or African) Agriculture Development Program, a member of the American Academy of Denture Prostheticians, an amyloid A-degrading protease or part of the Asian American Donor Program. And best of luck with your new book.

Now that I’ve had my first book published and attended numerous conferences for authors, I’ve come to learn that the writing is not nearly enough.

As an author, you need to actively, creatively, perhaps outrageously promote your book and build your platform. In fact, a number of successful authors have told me that promoting is much more important than the writing.

Therefore, while I always strive to do excellent writing, I’m also directing much of my energy to promoting and building my platform. (Hence my blogs, radio show, etc.)

In this case, my sandwich-board stunt (or the “show,” as you put it) was just a way to get people to pay attention to the writing.

1)Trying to be fun and funny when the publishing industry appears to be at a crossroads.

2) Demonstrating that I’m a pro-active, personable author, who has the initiative, marketing savvy and sense of humor to drum up interest in my book(s), no matter what the economy.

3) Pointing out that those of us who write books need to become what I call “author-preneurs.”

4) Aiming to build a buzz for my next book, The Weight-Loss Habits of Highly Successful Losers.” (working title), BEFORE it’s even published;

5) Finding new fans of both my current book, SUGAR SHOCK!, and upcoming book;

6) Seeking to garner media attention and coverage;

7) Hoping to make contacts that could lead to lucrative speaking engagements;

8. Seeking to meet booksellers and librarians, who would stock my books;

9) Open to meeting other author-preneurs with whom I could do cross-promotional ventures.

In other words, wearing an “Are You ‘The One?’” sandwich board at BEA was primarily intended as a platform-building gimmick.

Happily, the response to my marketing ploy was overwhelmingly positive—in fact, I heard lots of laughter and chuckles all weekend. Despite my over-the-top approach, I certainly have no plans to do any of the outrageous things you mentioned.

By the way, look in your mailbox, because I’m sending you a copy of my book SUGAR SHOCK! That way, you can form your own decision as to the quality of my writing.

Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C., A.A.D.P.

Your blog reminds me of a fashion show I helped my sister-in-law with a few years ago. We didn’t know it then, but some of the fashions were of the X-rated kind. (This was Vegas. ‘Nuf said.)

A woman walked by holding a sign that asked: Is underwear really necessary?

As she passed our table, we got the answer.

Ick.