Six days remain before I go to visit my hometown of Coeburn, Virginia. The purpose of the visit is twofold: see family and friends and promote my debut novel Jewels.

I am excited, scared and contemplative as I watch the days wind down toward April 5.

I will admit I am a people-person and I love interacting with others, but this is different from doing a sales job (which I've done several in my lifetime). Okay, maybe not a HUGE difference, but there are a few.

SALES/PROMOTION JOB

1) When doing a sales job, you are promoting that company's products/services.

2) You are given a set way to do the promoting. You can do some varying but you aren't really supposed to stray too far from the beaten path.

3) Even if you don't believe in what your selling (that's why a job is sometimes called "work"), you have to say it like you mean. You have to convince the customer of the product/service usefulness.

MARKETING/SELLING YOU (author) and YOUR WRITING

1) You must be passionate about your work. Now, passionate does not mean the same thing as overly enthusiastic to the point of scaring away potential readers. No, what it means is you should believe in what you've written.

2) Shake hands, make eye contact, and remember to know your genre(s). If you are uncertain or seem unknowledgeable about your own work, potential readers will pass you by.

3) Smile, Smile, Smile. Nothing chases away other people faster than a sour expression. Your smile should be sincere, not fake or arrogant.

4) Watch your demeanor. Readers and potential readers can make or break you. If you come across as haughty, unapproachable or as a jerk, you can guarantee no sales. Being friendly, personable and humble goes a long way toward putting a reader at ease and helping you sell yourself as someone to take note of.

5) Presentation. Make sure when you display your book(s) and other items that  you do it neatly, organized, and eye-catching. Always have your business cards handy, or, if you don't have those, have rack cards, flyers, brochures, etc. with your information [website, email, social media, etc.] on it. Having these things available, and offering them to all that come by your display/table will help you leave a professional impression of you.

These of course are only a few tips. I'm sure other more experienced writers could give more. But hey, I do what I can.