Authors OnLine -

I wrote my book "Bristol Pottery 1784-1972" principally for personal satisfaction but also in response to demands by collectors for a concise but comprehensive reference source. I settled on the self-publishing, print-on-demand option because this is ideal for a collectors’ reference book which needs constant updating and revision.

I was aware from the outset that, because of its specialist content and hence its limited appeal, marketing my book would not be easy. My main sales outlet would be the Bristol Museum as it would be to the Museum’s bookshop that the casual visitor would eventually resort in his quest for further information.

Initially, I sold about 40 books directly to known collectors, friends, etc. but there were other potential purchasers such as closet collectors and former Pottery workers who also needed to be informed.

Favourable reviews appeared in several antiques periodicals and an article I wrote for a local newspaper gave my book increased prominence. However, I was aware that much-needed additional publicity could be derived from a book signing event.

In view of the subject’s specialised nature, there was unlikely to be sufficient public interest to justify a "signing" at a major city bookshop. This was borne out by the lack of response to my information sheet circulated to all local bookstores. An antiques fair would have been an ideal venue but this was discounted as “signings” would be an on-going feature at my stand at the bi-monthly Shepton Mallett Antiques Fair.

Accordingly, the Museum, with its extensive displays of Bristol ceramics, was settled upon as the most suitable venue. This was welcomed by the bookshop manager who, prior to the book’s publication, had been unable to respond positively to the many inquiries she received for information on Bristol Pottery.

In order to benefit from the maximum number of visitors, the "signing" was arranged to coincide with the annual "Doors Open Day" when public access was permitted to many city premises and artefacts not normally open to inspection. The media were informed via a Museum press release and the event was highlighted in my newspaper article. However, more could have been done to maximise publicity by way of further press articles and notices and, possibly, by announcements on local radio and television.

Local ceramics societies, known collectors and acquaintances were notified by e-mail, telephone, etc., but I now believe that formal invitations would have produced a better response and sense of occasion.

The Museum ordered 40 books for the event but these were misprinted and had to be returned. It was then too late for another delivery and reliance had to be placed on my own limited stock. This demonstrates the need for early ordering.

The day of the "signing" was fine and sunny, the first decent weather after weeks of almost continuous rain! Consequently, there were fewer visitors to the Museum than in previous years as people enjoyed the sunshine. Moreover, the event received no attention from the media who concentrated on covering outside activities. In retrospect, it would have been better to have chosen a day when not much else was happening.

Books were sold from a table in the Museum foyer adjoining the bookshop. Colour photographs from the book were displayed together with a few attractive pieces of pottery. As the Museum had its own café, it was not thought necessary to provide refreshments. This was a misjudgement, however, as a glass of wine and canapés would have ensured a more convivial atmosphere and attracted more visitors.

Notwithstanding the problems highlighted, I sold 20 books, took six telephone orders and dealt with about 50 general enquiries – not bad for a specialist publication with limited appeal!