Today is the positive side of dealing with others in the writing-publishing world.

For the last 11 years the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has sponsored the Decatur Book Festival. I was approached by phone call by someone wanting to "invite" me to the festival. Turns out it was a writer-promotion company and for the cost of $699 I could join them at the AJC DBF. I would have someone there to sell my books when not there myself, a chance to speak to the audience, and a video-promo made.

I am not a fan of phone-sales, and it all sounded a bit "gitchy." I sent an email to Cindy, the person in charge of the Emerging Writers activities for the festival.

I had a return email within 24-hours, and a follow-up email from Mike, the Festival Manager soon thereafter.

The group did have a tent at the festival, and they could "sell" services to people like you and me, but it was (my words here, not theirs) a "rip."

For $125 I could have a spot in the Emerging Writers tent, speak to the audience, and the tent staff would handle my books if I was not on site.

For $675 I could have my very own tent and all the ritz and glitz that goes with being someone with their very own tent. I could even charge other writers to use some of my tent -- anyone want to pay me $699? I have a video camera, so if you want me to interview you and airdrop the video to your phone, I'll include that in the cost.

This is an example of how there are people in our world willing to communicate, and do it quickly, cleanly, and honestly.

Ask the professionals -- the real professionals will act that way, and pretty soon you will have a list of "go to" sites you can trust.

Yes -- I will be in Decatur on Labor Day Weekend. No, not with that "group."

https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/