A book group invitation
Monday, July 6, 2009 
When I was at the Tattered Cover in Denver this year, a lovely woman asked if I’d ever consider visiting her book group. Her group is based in Colorado Springs, not terribly far from the Mile High City. I said, “Sure, in fact I’d planned to come back in the fall for a football game and I’d be happy to visit.”
Then she asked what my fee was.
After an awkward pause I said, “Um, how about a snickerdoodle? A gingersnap? A nice cup of green tea, perhaps?”
She was more relieved than surprised—evidently she had recently approached an Oprah-anointed author who had asked for $12,000. (Pausing to let that number sink in). In unmarked bills? In gold bullion? In non-transferable bearer bonds? Granted, I’ve received honorariums for speaking gigs, but $12,000? I guess he needs it for that costly ego-reduction surgery.
Which brings me back to the whole book group thing. I’ve met with many, in person, or via phone conference––which is au currant these days. It’s festive, it’s lively, and it’s a great way to bridge that gap between author and reader. So if you have a book group, shoot me an email, or you can even connect via Random House’s Reader Circle. They’ll set up phone chats, send out reading guides, free books, and even the occasional Advance Readers Copy of upcoming titles, you never know. And it’s free.
Okay, not free—it might still cost you a snickerdoodle…
Reader Comments (4)
Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com
I can't believe people actually pay somebody that much money just for speaking gigs. Note to self - you're in the wrong business.