AGT meeting, October 3, 2019

The Authors Guild of Tennessee met on October 3, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church, Farragut, Tennessee. The meeting was called to order by President Cheryl Peyton at 11:11 a.m.

The following members were present: Carol McClain, Don Pardue, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Cyn Taylor, Mary Gaines, Bobbi Chapman, Jim Hartsell, Cheryl Peyton, Darlene Underwood, Kaye George, Ray Strobo, Sonja DuBois, Eva Wike, Tilmer Wright, Nan Klee, Nadine Richmond, Randall Carpenter, Donna Habib, Linda Fitzpatrick, Jared Jackson, Susan Kite, Patricia Crumpler, David Curran, Jody Sims, Jody Dyer

Guests present were: Gail Palmer, Judy Bingham, Kathy Broggy, Judith Dideer

September minutes. Approved

Treasurer’s report (Jim Hartsell) opening balance $1131.84. Closing $1173.84

Presentation of award for the most members’ books read and reviewed:

The winner of the $25 Amazon gift certificate was Cyn Taylor. She later offered her award to anyone who reads and reviews more books than her in the fourth quarter.

Brief updates from the following Committee Chairs:

 Fairs and Festivals:  Cheryl:       Harvest Festival –Oct. 19

Cherohala Skyway—Oct 26

Spirit of Christmas—Dec. 14-15

Pellissippi Student forum—Oct. 19

Oak Ridge Library Roundtable—Nov. 20, 12-1:00

Marketing committee: member Jody Sims made report on National Authors Day plans.

Jim Hartsell had been selected as one of the nine featured authors

Linda Fitzpatrick is in charge of volunteers. 3:30-8 time slot needs volunteers.

We will get 20% of sales from every featured author including Robert Gipe. He’ll be at the History Center on Gay Street from 7-8.

Mast General Store will have a gift basket raffle

Jody will be guest speaker Nov. 7 Central United Methodist Church at 7 PM

Membership:  Kaye George reports newest member is Lizzie Horton-Newton. She writes mystery, mystery romance, and horror. She is taking over the Ezine and is on Publicity.

Publicity: Cyn Taylor reminded members to send her information for a press release if they had a special event.

 Retail:  Bobbi reports she has removed books from two stores. We are working on adding another store to have 10 stores total.

Mary Gaines gave update on contact with Dolly Parton enterprises. She has spoken with president of Imagination Library, Jeff Conyers. He thought our books would be an asset in the Dollywood gift shop and would look for a Dollywood contact for Mary to talk to.

Book Shelf Ezine. Nadine Richmond has stepped down from publishing and editing the quarterly ezine. Lizzi Horton-Newton is taking over.

Program: Cheryl introduced our speaker, AGT member Jared Jackson whose talk centered on Creating your Own Best Signing Events.

Jared grew up in Flat Lick, KY. Family traveled and sang gospel music. Went to University of the Cumberlands. Became blind at 9 years old from surgery to remove a rare brain tumor.

Worst mistake authors make is marketing only their books. If you market yourself, and make yourself interesting, people will want to find out more.

He markets at restaurants. Any places where a lot of people go. He does book signings at restaurants to reach their customers waiting for a table.

Look at anything other than traditional book stores

Jared’s filter:

Don’t go where it damages your brand.

1. Look at “Goldilocks” number: Don’t go to a place too big or a place too small.
2. Know who your competition is.
3. With narrowed list, don’t call if you haven’t researched: have dates and times, know who to speak to, and have your spiel. Call around opening time or mid-day when it’s quiet and the manager has time.
4. Calling is best for first contact.
5. Example of spiel: My name is__and I write__. I’m looking for places to have book sales. I love your steaks (or whatever). The great thing is, I have a huge online presence. By my advertising I’ll direct people to your restaurant.

Texas Roadhouse, Coffee Shop, McDonalds, Calhouns

He doesn’t have to share his profits. Many places offer him meals.

Meeting adjourned at: 12:25. Next meeting: November 7.