Yesterday, Kelly Justice, owner of Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va., sent an e-mail to her customers that ranks high on the list of best indie promo ideas ever. To entice them to an author event Saturday featuring Harrison Scott Key and his new book, The World's Largest Man, Justice wrote:
I'm actually a little afraid of this event.
My interactions with the publicity department of HarperCollins regarding how his tour is going so far and my brief introduction the author himself have me concerned about my ability to manage the afternoon.
I'm not sure we're allowed to have this much fun in a bookstore. I will have to check the misdemeanor statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia, because I'm pretty sure what we will be doing is illegal.
But, I sense you're a risk taker!
And, from the simple fact that I own an independent bookstore, it should be obvious that I am the opposite of "risk-averse."
So, take a chance with me. I don't think he's dangerous.
I'm pretty sure, anyway.
If you don't want to take a chance, you can still order an autographed copy below and we will ship one to you in the safety of your home and you won't have to take the risk.
Anxiously Yours,
Kelly Justice, owner of Fountain
