Bobby Oliver read my book, Mennonite Daughter, and reviewed it the same week. Bobby is the ideal reader and reviewer, but he is certainly not my typical reader.
Seven of the Amazon reviews of The Story of a Plain Girl are from men. Women are more apt than men to pick up a book with a little girl holding a doll on my cover. Thus, my typical reader is usually female, a GenX-er or Baby Boomer in age. Some, even older. Indeed, Bobby is not my typical reader.
Bobby’s Profile
Bobby is a 30-year-old realtor/broker, also not the description of a typical reader of my memoir. My husband and I engaged him to sell our rental property, wanting to divest ourselves of that responsibility. On our initial meeting, Bobby treated us to a snack at Panera Bread Company. During the get-acquainted session, he inquired about our personal lives. Then I mentioned I was a writer and that I had published a memoir. I was surprised when he expressed keen interest in buying my book.
After our “business” meeting, I was even more shocked: He hopped to the ATM machine and withdrew cash to buy a book. Of course, I thought he was only trying to ingratiate himself to us, so he could list and sell our property.
I was wrong. He read the book in record time—days not weeks or months–and promptly posted a review, as promised. Here is the LINK.
The Mennonite Daughter is a refreshing glimpse into a different way of life featuring the timeless tale of an individual questioning the norms and traditions of the society they were born into. Fitting for someone looking to learn more about the Mennonite culture or to simply be entertained through the author’s impressive storytelling ability. Would highly recommend! Looking forward to putting the recipes to use.
What We Were Looking for
- Someone reliable and trustworthy who would give us a fair price for a property we have owned for 15 years
- Someone who would not damage the relationship we had with a good tenant still living in our property
- Someone who would communicate status of the process from beginning to end
- Someone whom we could recommend to other landlords wishing to sell
Bobby’s Qualities
- He gave us status updates regularly and always on time.
- He facilitated the deal with two walk throughs. Also, there were no hiccups in the transfer of property to DuvalHomeBuyers.
Oliver performed as advertised. And we can highly recommend this realty company to other property owners wishing to sell.
In other words, Bobby was reliable, on time, even anticipating next moves, solving problems before they became tough issues. He was able to think “outside the box”!
Thinking Outside the Box
Google Image
The mission: Duval Home Buyers:
Here is an excerpt from an email message affirming the company’s mission:
We’d love to feature a post on our primary website promoting your book, as the idea of broadcasting the accomplishments of our clients to the community resonates strongly with our office culture and values. . .
I might add that the company has assured me that other clients who are authors–not just me–will be accorded the same privilege.
***
Typically, most real estate firms are interested in their clients up until the closing of the sale. This company is unique, wanting to promote cultural enrichment in the community far beyond a business transaction.
Here is a link to the Spotlight
My Take
Most authors, independent and even traditionally published authors, know that book promotion is very much up to the themselves. I have had plenty of disappointment in the rocky road of marketing Mennonite Daughter, but I cherish the successes. If you have read and reviewed my book, huge thanks!
Without a doubt, my encounter with Duval Home Buyers was a high point in my book promotion, a bright surprise!
What has been your experience buying or selling a home?
As an author, what experiences stand out in your book marketing?
Coming next: The Marriage Box
Marketing is the hardest part for any author. How kind of Bobby to not only buy and read your book but to post a review as well. I like his review as he mentions it is a good way for people to learn about a culture they may not be familiar with.
I recall the realtor who sold our place in Canada when we moved to Spain also bought one of my books for her daughter who took it to school to show the teacher. I have more than once sold a book to the person sitting beside me on a plane! My doctor in Canada bought a few of my books. Never miss a chance to talk about your book is my motto. Good luck in selling your rental property.
Darlene, you are one of most savvy authors I know because you are not shy about marketing. Readers know your Amanda books are perfect for reading and gifting. No wonder you have a series that sells.
Thanks for starting off the conversation here this evening. 🙂
Marian — Wow, did you and Cliff ever land right side up having Bobby as your real estate agent, book buyer, reader, AND reviewer!
As you said, independent and traditionally published authors—both—have to market and promote their work.
It was not only kind of him to promote your book, but for you to promote his work, too. It’s a win-win situation. Kudos to you both!
Encounters like these are rare, and I too consider this a win-win proposition. Savvy marketer that you are (promoting your books long before publication) puts you way ahead in the game. Thanks, Laurie! 🙂
I was surprised to see this post pop up on a Tuesday afternoon! How lovely that you found someone so reliable who also read your book and gave it a great review.
Merril, yes, I usually publish posts early on Wednesday morning, and you are often the first responder. However, because this one required links to Duval Home Buyers, I chose to post during their business hours, so they wouldn’t be inconvenienced having to make their connection at 5:50 am.
Thanks for being “on point” again today! 🙂
You’re welcome, Marian. 😀
Sounds like a win/win situation for both of you!!
Thanks, Elfrieda for checking in this evening.
Next week, one of your suggestions will appear on my anniversary blog post. Look out! 🙂
What Elfrieda said. You found a great company. Ps, I am not looking forward to marketing my new book.
Yes, Melodie, after the initial launch, the “shine” wears off, especially after the book has been on the market for over a year. Sometimes it’s grueling, so I take breaks as I have with blogging this month.
The good news for you is that you have recent ties to Menno Media and other outlets in the publishing industry. 🙂
Wow…what a lovely experience, Marian as someone commented a win win all round …I love stories like this it shows that there are still genuinely nice people around and although short it was lovely review 🙂
Yes, I agree, Carol! It’s always gratifying to find people who are competent and nice in the real estate field. The fact that Bobby was also young (and handsome!) was an added bonus. 🙂
Of course that’s always a nice bonus.. 😌😎
Bobby sounds like a remarkable young man! Reading this post was a breath of fresh air, so uplifting.
“Uplifting” is my aim, and Bobby’s behavior and attitude made it easy. Thanks for your insight, Liz!
You’re welcome, Marian!
He is indeed an ideal reader! So glad he was so responsive. And what a great win for you real estate-wise.
This is such a lovely story Marian! He’ll go far. I’m half in love with him already. I have no doubt that he was in love with you.
Marketing one’s self – arrrrgghhh – I’ve seen one or two posts where independent author shows photo of book, a brief review and puts it up on eg Twitter, Instagram. Funnily enough, not FB – though this may well happen. And, on my Twitter feed, plenty of *book promoting companies* tweeting about books. Invariably I ignore them – there are just too many is one reason – time, and all that.Oliver’s review is intriguing and succinct enough to make a tweet and other social media of it.
Wow, Susan, you are quite intuitive in your assessment here – ha! By the way, Bobby has a girlfriend who’s a reader too, so another “win” for him.
I do agree with you about marketing: The book industry is flooded with millions of books monthly, so it’s hard to stand out. Twitter, in my opinion, is easy to ignore because of the multitude of tweets. Some find it effective though.
When all is said and done, I value book sales, good reviews, but by far the thing I cherish most is the friendships social media has made possible. So grateful for yours, Susan.
L. Marie, very few realtors are also ideal readers, especially for a memoir like mine. We can promote one another because the encounter has had benefits for each of us. Yes, also, we no longer have to expend energy and $$$ keeping up another property.
Thanks, L. Marie.
Yes Marian is a win for me, as marriage partner and a mind that is always creatively working…and Bobby was a win for us at just the right time, plus a business-savvy, congenial guy!
You are part of the winning team too, don’t forget that! 🙂
Hi Marian, this is a lovely post. It is nice to know that a younger man is interested in reading your book which is far more than a memoir, it is a gateway into another religion and culture which is always fascinating.
Thank you for your insight here about my book’s audience, Robbie. You, my dear, appeal to a variety of ages with books ranging from World War II (While the Bombs Fell), to poetry, and the charming Sir Chocolate series. 🙂
What a positive and unique experience, Marian. Talk about support from an unexpected corner. Businesses who praise and advertise their customers like this should receive attention and praise themselves, just like you are doing here. My road of promotion is similar to yours. There are ups and downs and lots of lulls. We all have to be creative. And… somewhat lucky! Well done, fellow memoirist!
Yeah, and Amen, Liesbet. Bobby and company are interested in more than the bottom line, although I am certain his business is out to prosper and make money too. As you say, it’s a unique experience, and I will promote Duval Home Buyers to the hilt. Huge thanks! 🙂
A good book crosses genders. I am one of those seven males who reviewed your book, Marian. I found it to be engaging, and I learned so much about Mennonites that I didn’t know before. When a book is both entertaining and educational, that makes for a win/win situation, and that is what I found reading Mennonite Daughter
Pete, that’s high praise. I never thought of audience in quite that way before. Thank you. 🙂
You too are the ideal reader, reading and reviewing my book with intent, so appreciated. We have been on vacation much of this month, so it’s time to catch up with you as well. Off to check up on you now . . . .
I’ve had too many experiences buying and selling a home to even begin to list them here. I’d hijack your post. One of the reasons I’ve never wanted to write a book is because I know I’d have to promote it. I have enough difficulty making myself promote my blog to know that pushing a book would be very hard for me. An introvert.
Most of our house buying and selling experiences have been fraught with X$#?!X!! This one was a breeze—sort of surreal. I guess septuagenarians get a “pass” of some sort.
About book writing. Your blog followers like you just the way you are; you don’t have to promote your posts, which are a magnet. And I don’t think they expect you to jump through hoops writing a book unless you really want to. By the way, many, if not most, writers are introverts, so I’ve heard.
I felt a do-or-die attitude about Mennonite Daughter because the writing for me charted a path toward forgiveness. After my memoir was published I realized a measure of healing. It became this: Do I invest money in a book or give to a mental-health therapist. Same difference, in my opinion . . . .
Thanks for always telling it like it is, dear Ally! 🙂
Hi Marian,
I am delighted to hear of this beautiful experience with a reader who read your book. It is a ray of hope for you and will give you the motivation to keep going with your marketing.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem
Hello, Pat, I believe your morning greeting to me is actually lunchtime in Germany. Thank you for your kind words here. You are the most supportive of authors I know. Happy writing . . . enjoy your weekend too! 🙂
Wow, what a great review of your reviewer. I’ll probably never need the services of a real estate company in your area, but it is good to know there are such great ones around.
Arlene, thank you for picking up on this aspect of the post. 😀
Obviously, Bobby is local, a northeast Florida broker, but I told him that many of my readers, some who may not ever comment, will see this advert and take advantage of his services. That’s my wish anyway!
Wow did you find a gem in a realtor. How fantastic to write an article about you. That’s marketing! And goes to show, we can never assume just who would be reading our books. <3
Debby, with an amazing list of books to your credit, you know the ins, the outs, the lulls of book marketing. But every once in a while, there is something serendipitous like Bobby O!
And, you are right, a reader from Australia called my book “fabzy” while some of my acquaintances were not too impressed. So, you never know. . . ! ((( )))
You make me wish I had property to sell over there!
Yes, but I think Bobby is one in a million.
It is good to see you twice today, once where you are showcased with Laws of Nature on Jill Weatherholt’s blog–and now here. This is my lucky day, Jacqui. 🙂
I love that story about your real estate broker. I too have sold books like that in unexpected ways. Thanks for sharing this. Its a lovely story.
It is a lovely story, and I know you appreciate it, especially since someone spotted one of your first books and ordered multiple, autographed copies, every author’s dream. Thanks for commenting here, Shirley!
I find another missed blog from you in my in box. The Monarchs took over my life this summer, but there are only about 30 left in the nursery. They demanded lots of milkweed and I provided. This is a wonderful story. I was excited when the woman who has a vegetable stand a few miles away asked to buy a copy of my book. Really? I’m always surprised now since my book came out in 2014 and I’ve moved to Monarch Land. He sounds like a wonderful human and businessman.