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Hi, Rowan,

First, congratulations to your friend! I know what a first book feels like.

But I know zero about marketing. My books — and next summer THE FORT, #100, will be coming out — have all been sold through various publishing companies that bought them from me. The publishers are entirely involved in sales and distribution, and I have nothing to do with it except for the occasional store signing/promotion tour.

My only suggestion is to try bookstores or libraries close to home, places where he might have memberships, or be known as a customer. Then you might offer them some sort of presentation display piece, holding the books, and stating that they are by a “Local Author.” I don’t know if that will work, though, as a bookseller would be concerned about a book that is basically unedited, unvetted, content unknown and perhaps might even be in some fashion unacceptable. He might also try to drum up some interest through publicity — perhaps a local paper or radio or TV station.

It’s a tough one. I’m sorry I really have nothing concrete to offer except my best wishes for the book and for the future.

                                                                                                                  —–Gordon Korman—–