Dwayne Murray Sr.’s Blog

 After completing my first novel The Mouse That Roared, I started to think about ways to market and promote my book. I am a self-published author, therefore much of my own publicity depended on me and my wife Angela, who I must say has been an intricate part of my Internet presence. My wife and I were brainstorming together when we decided to talk to street vendors to see if we can sell books with them.

I first reached out to a book vendor named Pargo who sells books on 149th street and Third avenue here in the Bronx. Not sure on how I would be received, I mustered up the guts to approach Pargo and ask if I can one day promote my book with and do a book signing. Pargo welcomed me with opened arms and set me up with a book signing the following weekend. We discussed payment; which in my opinion was fair and just, and we were in business

The day I was out there with Pargo on 149th & Third Ave., I was a bit apprehensive about approaching shoppers passing by. Eventually I said to myself “If you’re going to promote your book, then get the molassess out my ass and get to hustling!” I started handing out my bookmarks and copies of my Chapter 18 excerpt and readers were stopping at my table. Avid readers started purchasing The Mouse That Roared and by the end of day I had sold 27 copies with Pargo the 149th Street book vendor.

 After my first encounter of hustling my book with a street vendor, I decided to tap into the area that is well respected in the world of African American urban literature…Harlem U.S.A.

I headed to Harlem New York to see if I can sell my book with some of the top-notch vendors on the streets. I met a vendor named Henry who is located right on 125th Street. Again being new to this game I was apprehensive about approaching him. Eventually I did and again I wasted too much concern over how I would be perceived. Henry told me to get my table and set up right next to him. I was excited about selling my book on the streets of Harlem. That day I sold 36 copies of The Mouse That Roared. I had avid readers stopping at my table, who purchased the book prior to who had nothing but great things to say about my book. It was a wonderful feeling to hear that readers enjoyed my book.

I also hooked up with a book vendor who happened to live right in my neighbohood. We met serendiputously through my youngest son’s friend. Nelson is a book vendor who sell books in the Bruckner Mall here in the Bronx. Quickly after we met I did a book signing with him. I sold over 30 copies on my first day with Nelson.

I was compelled to write this article about street book vendors as I recognize their importance to marketing and promoting authors and their work. Street book vendors has played a major role in the marketing and promotion of authors of African American/Urban literature. I believe my connection to street vendors has been one of the best moves I made in marketing and promoting The Mouse That Roared.
 

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