Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Last week, Judy Christie gave us the lowdown on how to connect to major book clubs and local bookstores as places to promote our books. You can read that post here.
This week, I asked Stephanie Grace Whitson, bestselling author of more than twenty historical novels and two-time Christy Award finalist, to tell us how to turn libraries and museums into promo spots.
Q. Stephanie, how did you extend your relationships with museums and libraries beyond being places to do research?
A. By being willing to give back to them as a way of showing my gratitude for their help and support. I’ve been presenting programs on historical topics for quite some time, and for those programs I am paid a speaker’s fee. But I also donate at least two such programs a year as a way of saying thank you. I make sure that libraries who invite me to speak receive a free copy of my new books, and I always send a handwritten thank you card after a library has hosted me. I’m an avid library patron, and it’s been wonderful to receive the support of the libraries in my region of the U.S.
In regards to museums, I’m mindful of just how overworked and underpaid most museum staff are. 
When I ask for their time to help me with research, I make sure I prepare for a meeting. I have a list of questions, and I take notes as those questions are answered. I respect the time of the experts I’m speaking with, and I thank them–again, with a handwritten note. Experts who have helped me with research are thanked publicly in the acknowledgements section of my book, and when the book is released, I send them a copy with the “official” thank you highlighted with a Post-It note applied to the appropriate part of the book. Over the years, I’ve been blessed by the unselfishness and the enthusiasm museum staff always seem to have for their subject of expertise.
When I ask for their time to help me with research, I make sure I prepare for a meeting. I have a list of questions, and I take notes as those questions are answered. I respect the time of the experts I’m speaking with, and I thank them–again, with a handwritten note. Experts who have helped me with research are thanked publicly in the acknowledgements section of my book, and when the book is released, I send them a copy with the “official” thank you highlighted with a Post-It note applied to the appropriate part of the book. Over the years, I’ve been blessed by the unselfishness and the enthusiasm museum staff always seem to have for their subject of expertise.This fall I’ll have the privilege of giving a program at the home of Bess Streeter Aldrich, a little-known writer who is my favorite storyteller. Her home in Elmwood, Nebraska, is open to the public and visiting has always been a joy for me. Seeing where Mrs. Aldrich wrote her wonderful books (A Lantern in Her Hand is the best known) is inspiring. The opportunity to support the museum with a free program (there will be a quilt show and a charge to attend) came because over the years I’ve become acquainted with some of the members of the foundation that runs the museum. On a whim I offered to give a free program, if it could help to support the museum. I’m delighted and honored to lend my support to something I care about–the legacy of a Nebraska writer whose stories have encouraged me.
Q. What types of events have you held in museums and libraries?
The International Quilt Study Center and Museum hosted a book launch for my nonfiction quilt history book, Home on the Plains: Quilts and the Sod House Experience. Because the museum is in Nebraska and all the women and quilts featured in the book are from Nebraska, the museum thought it a worthy event. It was very well attended, and the gift shop sold a lot of books. It’s a wonderful memory.
I’ve given programs at museums and libraries for many years and have a “menu” of topics that I offer for a reasonable speaking fee. These events allow me to meet readers, to celebrate new books, and to share the real history behind my historical fiction.
In addition to history-related programs, I’ve conducted writing workshops.
Once I donated my time to help a museum do a fundraiser. For a small donation, people brought in their antique quilts, and I did an informal “your quilt’s story,” identifying the age of the fabrics, the pattern name, etc. That was a way for me to give back to a historical museum.
Q. What advice would you give to an author who would like to deepen relationships with research locales, both in terms of what to do and what not to do?
Respect others’ time. Don’t just show up unannounced and expect to have your questions answered. Call ahead, introduce yourself, and make an appointment. Be ready to tell the person how much time you think you’ll need and what kinds of questions you’ll be asking. Present yourself as a professional and treat it like a business appointment–because it is. Be on time. Always thank the people who help you. A personal, handwritten note is a rare thing in this day of e-mail, and it will set you apart and show your sincerity. If someone gives you significant help, thank them in our book’s acknowledgements section–and make sure you spell their names correctly.
Consider donating your time once in awhile, either as a volunteer for a special event or to create an event that will bring patrons into the museum or library. April is National Library Month, and that’s a wonderful time to support local libraries. Most museums are desperate for enthusiastic volunteers–and you never know when you’ll find inspiration for another book. One of the museum experts who was helping me research a book introduced me to an obscure historical figure who became the heroine of my novel Unbridled Dreams, about a trick rider in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Another museum visit inspired the book that releases in March 2015 entitled Daughter of the Regiment.
To learn more about Stephanie and her books, you can visit her website here.
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Thank you, Janet and Stephanie. My church librarian has placed my book on display this whole year and has encouraged people to read it. As I walk by, I’ll see when it’s checked in and when it’s checked out. She even came to the women’s retreat where I was honored to speak on my book. I made a point to thank her, and at the women’s retreat, I went over and told her how much her kindness meant to me. But after reading your words, I think I’ll do something more for her. Thank you for that encouragement and the reminder to reach out to the local library, as well.
Supporting church libraries is another wonderful way to reach out to new readers. Thanks for that reminder!
These are really excellent suggestions.
If I may, I’d like to add this comment – “to whom much is given, much is required”.
When we partake of another’s knowledge and use it in our work, we’re not only beholden to acknowledge their contribution – we have the obligation to ‘get it right’.
Not only the specific input we’ve received, but everything – we’ve associated someone else with the accuracy of our work, and we carry at least a small measure of responsibility for their good name.
Thanks for adding this, Andrew. I’ve been greatly helped by a lady at a nonprofit for my current WIP, and I want to remember this perspective as I write and then eventually do my Acknowledgment section. Great perspective!
Well said!
Great reminder, Andrew.
Many thanks, Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Whitson, for this thoughtful advice, so kindly given.
Living history and re-enactment organizations are also splendid sources for information.
The details of how items like clothing were made, used, and even how they felt must be interpreted for the modern reader in terms of comparable 21-st century knowledge and experience.
Contemporary writing cannot address this; memoirs of the American experience in the Second World War may describe the uniform cloth used, but do not really convey to the modern reader how uncomfortable it was. The uniforms issued before the Normandy landings were even worse, impregnated with chemicals to deter the effect of gas attack.
British uniforms, issued to the Indian Army, were even worse, and would have been intolerable to modern flesh.
It is the re-enactors who take pains to understand “how it felt”, and who even take pains to have new garments manufactured to the original specification.
Seeking the advice of such, a small donation does not generally go amiss, because they keep history alive at their own expense.
I might further say that it is well to approach anyone with an open and humble heart, and not to make an effort to parade one’s own knowledge while asking for aid.
For, as the film-maker Mr. James Cameron said in “Avatar”, “it is hard to fill a cup which is already full”.
Thank you for the suggestion of connecting with Living History and Reenactment Groups. That’s an excellent suggestion. I had no idea the fabrics in WWII were so intolerable to wear.
I agree that Living History folks and reenactors can be great resources, but I’d add the caution to check sources. I’ve witnessed some distressing historical errors and inaccuracies. Which reminds me of a research tidbit shared by a history professor once–he encouraged researchers to seek out three independent sources to verify each other in regards to historical details. In other words, just because someone knows a lot doesn’t mean they can’t make mistakes. Try as we will, history buffs can’t know everything.
Thanks Janet and Stephanie for sharing this. I haven’t done any research at a museum for my contemporary books, but for my current WIP, I’ve received some great help from a couple people at a nonprofit organization. What you’ve shared, Stephanie, has helped me see ways I can give back and say thanks for their assistance.
This is a side of the writing world we don’t often hear about. Thanks, Janet, for sharing this!
You’re welcome, Jeanne.
Some authors, who base their stories on real communities make sure they integrate themselves into that town, volunteering to help feed the poor or attend local parades and other social events.
There are so many examples of building relationships of respect in this post – being respectful of others’ time; sharing resources, knowledge, and time; and saying thank you personally and publicly. Great reminders as we start a new week!
Thanks, Carol. I like the way you put that–“building relationships of respect.” That’s a great way to think about it. As a writer, I’ve been surprised at how many times I’ve ended up needing more information from a resource, and if there is that relationship of respect, the door remains open for future help. And I generally need a LOT of help LOL.
I love the marketing ideas! Thanks for sharing, Janet.
You mention marketing. One thing that writers can do that their publishers probably won’t is to contact the small museums that have gift shops attached in regards to a book that speaks to their topic. Where is your book set? Does the setting play an integral role in the story? If so, museum gift shop buyers just might LOVE to carry your book! Their budgets are tight, and sometimes they need to do so on a consignment basis, but it might be worth it to help history buffs discover your work.
When I visited Belle Meade plantation near Nashville last summer, there was a huge poster of Tamera Alexander’s book To Whisper Her Name in the gift shop. I found every one of her titles in their small bookstore, including her series set in Colorado. One of the docents said she had met Tamera personally when Tamera took a group of her readers on a tour of the plantation. Great examples of how to connect with readers, and give back to the community where her story was set.
Jenni, and also an example of how an author can make a big splash in a small store where she has connected with the individuals running the the store.
It doesn’t hurt to write museums–particularly those whose information you’ve accessed on line–to thank them for providing resources.
We recently were in Seattle and stopped in at the Gold Rush Museum and I never got into the exhibits because the rangers and I got into such a lively conversation about my book–which they looked up on Amazon and were excited to hear about.
I don’t know the book will turn up there, but they’ll remember my name–and that’s what we want, right? Other than people buying the books! 🙂
Good point about thanking people and organizations for material that’s online. It’s easy to forget some person had to make sure the information was posted and was accurate.
Museums–they’re not just for research anymore! At the history museum where I volunteer, we’re always looking for fresh ways to bring history alive to the community. If you want to reach folks who have a heart for all things historical (including fiction set in their favorite time periods), the museum’s a great place to connect. Maybe the same could be said for other genres (science museums for science fiction fans, etc.) Many thanks to Stephanie for her great attitude and ideas for museums.
Jenny, you reminded me of a phrase I learned when I was working on my masters degree. “Doing history.” Much of the emphasis for our studies was exactly what you mention–making history come alive.
Thank you, Janet and Stephanie, for this informative post.
Stephanie, I think you are spot on with sending handwritten thank yous. It adds a personal touch that is getting lost in today’s email / texting society. Also, you demonstrate great respect towards people in many ways, such as calling ahead and making an appointment and in understanding that both the museum and library staff are busy professionals. The way you treat them says a lot about you. It also, I think, is just as important–if not more so–as you’re giving back in terms of waiving a fee as a speaker. Treating people as people rather than as a simple resource will win friends and influence people. Besides, it’s the right thing to do. Unfortunately, many people no longer do it. Thank you for your great example.
Blessings.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe Independence Day weekend.
You’re very kind, Christine. And my mother–the one who taught me to show respect and write those thank-yous–is smiling from heaven at this moment 😉
Thank you, Stephanie, for your sweet reply.
Many blessings! 🙂
I love speaking at libraries. Because of their budgets, I usually lower my price or speak for free. In part it’s a way to give back. But it’s also a great way to connect with readers and learn how they interact with my books.
Great points, Cara. One of the things that made me feel like a “real writer” was seeing my name in the digital “card catalog” at my local library. Libraries are such a vital part of a community.
I’ve been blessed to set foot inside the house museum that I use in my story. I’ve also perused the Key West botanical garden to research native plants and their uses. One of the naturalists who works at the garden has answered a slew of questions I’ve sent via email. The maritime historical society has been helpful as well.
For my WIP, I’ve visited a number of local museums, and also enjoyed a historic walking tour led by an enthusiastic 10-year-old. It’s great to see young people bring history to life.
Stephanie, thank you for giving real life examples of how we can bless others along the writing path.
I’m so glad you mentioned A Lantern in Her Hand. Great reminder of how much I enjoyed reading it years ago.
Jenni, I think we must research in similar ways insofar as checking with the experts to get things right. Glad to “meet” a fellow Aldrich fan, too.
Add me to the Aldrich fans! My favorite is “Miss Bishop.”
I sailed abord a two masted sailing ship to get the feel of what my 12- year-old characters experienced.
I felt the the booming cannons, observed the close-quarters maneuvers, and tasted 18th century maritime life aboard a tall ship. I was a Jack Tar for a day and unfurled and furled the sails, verbally taunted the landlubbers, and sang a few sea shanty’s.
I also got to see Baggywrinkle in operation and polish a Charlie Noble.
Amazing research, Donnie, and I know your story rings with authenticity because you took the time and trouble to experience what your characters went through. As for Baggywrinkles and Charlies Nobles … a great vocabulary lesson for this sailing fan. Blessings.
Thanks for this wonderful information. As someone who also writes historical fiction, I’ve come to depend on local experts. It’s great when you find someone willing to help. I’ll definitely be using your suggestions in the future.