Thank goodness people love kids!

One day I was convinced to take my kids to the mall for some much-needed junk. At some point, we found ourselves waltzing into Barnes and Noble for my daughter had heard that they had a diverse toy section upstairs. While the kids were ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the plethora of boxed science experiments, pop figures, and 500+ piece puzzles, I perused the children's book section. And I thought to myself, how can I get my books in here? As it stands now, my books are offered in many different online bookstores, Audible, and a few gift stores. But to have them available in a bona-fide brick and mortar bookstore? That would be icing on the proverbial cake.

After the kids picked out their treasures, we went downstairs to the reference desk. I asked the representative how in the world I could get a copy of my book in their stores, as it was already on their online Nook bookstore. She seemed disinterested in helping me at first, but then my kids ran up to me asking for cookies from the B&N Starbucks. The representative was immediately drawn to my children, thinking that they were special in that they were in a bookstore rather than a video game store (which we had already hit up beforehand). She began asking them questions about their favorite books, and authors. The children stared blankly at her, until one of them belted out, "Hoagie & Katie!!"

Thus began our conversation about my book, website, audiobook, etc. I was very fortunate to actually be talking with a B&N book buyer, and after handing her my H&K business card, she simply informed me that she would have someone call me once the book was on the shelves. I didn't know what to do with myself, as I couldn't believe it had been so easy. I thought I would have to haggle, open up my website on her computer, set up a meeting to show her hard copies of the books...you know, beg. Then she did the unthinkable. She told the kids to choose their favorite cookie and she'd take care of the payment!

As the greedy kids ran off to choose their booty, I stood there stunned and grateful, offered my thanks, and tip-toed away hoping I wouldn't break the spell.

Guess what? She delivered. A few weeks later, I got a call stating my book was on their "Local Favorites" shelf in the children's section! Now I know the secret, bring my kids with me to do the marketing for H&K!