Two tons. That’s a lot of books. Today I received my remaining books from the Ingram warehouse, which now ends my connection to PGW, the company that we worked with to distribute Ink Horse Publishing books.
It was a bittersweet day as I sat in the parking lot awaiting the tractor trailer to arrive and drop off the pallets. Two hours to think about Michelle and all the plans we had to create a business to help writers, especially equestrians, make their publishing dreams come true. It was a great four years. We had a small stable of writers moving their projects forward, and I had two books in progress, as well.
While I sat in my car, I cracked open a new book club book. It felt so good in my hands, the thick hardcover with a beautiful dust jacket, and the aroma of fresh ink and paper wafted upward while the seat heater no doubt contributed to the flow. I’ll never tire of the feeling of a book in my hands. I’ve tried reading on a Kindle and iPad, but it’s just not the same for me. Audio books, too. I do listen to them when on long trips, but much prefer the tactile feel of a book.
With the help of my husband and son, we offloaded the 25-pound boxes of books from the pallets to the carts to the storage unit. As I gazed at the boxes stacked tall inside, I wondered how I will sell these on my own and if so many other people would still cherish the feel of a brand new book in their hands…if they will click on the ad or the social media post and push the buy button. I guess I will soon know as I begin the next chapter of selling the books on my website without a distributor. It’s time for me to begin yet another tutorial on advertising and algorithms. I’m fortunate that I enjoy learning and accept the challenge with open arms. And each time I box up another book for a reader, I will hope they find excitement and education within the pages and notice the fine smell of ink on paper.