Months ago, when in the first stages of planning publicity for my new book, I asked my editor why book tours were always so brutal. And they are–by now I’ll have given 9 talks in less than two weeks, and visited 8 cities. On some days, I got up at 4 A, to make a 6 AM flight, so I could speak that same day, assuming the weather didn’t destroy all my plans.
The good news is that not only did I have no weather problems, but was, and am, overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of my hosts, and the people who came up after my talks. I spoke to so many people who made me glad I’d written and published the book, and can’t find the words to thank everyone enough who said such kind things. A special treat was meeting folks who read the blog on a regular basis, and some who comment regularly too. More on that soon. But the book tours schedule was a bit of a push for someone in her dotage, as I knew it would be when I talked to my editor, months ago.
Why, I asked, couldn’t I stretch things out a bit, and get some rest between the trips? Wouldn’t the publishers want their authors to be on their A game when talking about their book? Well, yes, but there’s another consideration I hadn’t thought of.
Best seller lists, aka, the cocaine of publishing, are only reached if a book sells X number of copies in a short amount of time. (Also called the “velocity” of sales, which makes me want to fasten my seat belt.) That’s why book tours are generally confined to two weeks–it’s like a race to get as much notice as you can for your book in a short period of time. An Olympic marathon for writers, as it were. It’s also the window in which the world of big time reviewers have to look at your book. Your book basically has 2-3 weeks to get their attention, and after that it gets lost in the tsunami of new books published every week.
What helps a book do well, besides being on a best seller list? For one thing, good reviews on websites. Of course, that’s a system that is gamed too: Apparently there are people who are paid to write good (or bad (reviews) on Amazon and other sites. But we authors are relentlessly told by our publishers to ask readers to write reviews on every site they can think of (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, etc).
Another thing that matters greatly in a book’s success is how your book is classified, because the best seller lists, and national attention, is dependent on the genre in which the book is categorized. Right now The Education of Will is a Best Seller on Amazon in, wait for it . . . “Small Animal Veterinary Medicine.” Given 1) I’m not a veterinarian and 2) the book has nothing to do with medicine, that’s a tad strange. In most of the bookstores I’ve visited, the book is in the Pet Section, which makes sense, but not “biography,” or “nonfiction,” which is where memoirs are housed. It feels a tad like finding Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild in Travel/Hiking and no where else. (A lovely exception is Powell’s Books in Portland, who had my book, bless them, all over their stores.) As those of you who have read the book know, The Education of Will is, yes, centered around my dog Willie and the dogs of my clients, but in the same sense that the Pacific Coast Trail gave Cheryl Strayed the opportunity to write about fixing what was broken in her life.
If you would be willing to help spread the word to anyone in your world that The Education of Will is a memoir that relates to women’s issues as much as canine behavior, I’d be ever so grateful. It would mean the world to me if the book could break out of the “pet book” category and be read by a wider circle of people, including those interested in women’s issues, and recovery from trauma and sexual assault, among others. It’s not that the animal connection, and the role my beloved dog Willie played in my life, isn’t important. If you know me, and if you’ve read the book, you know how central Willie is in my life and in my recovery from what my sister calls ROS (Real Old Stuff, except we use another word in place of “stuff…”). But the book is primarily about changing one’s story from “victim” to that of “survivor,” and it’s hard to see it not classified as such. What helps is networking–book clubs, book stores, social media, etc etc.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: I’m back! Oooooooooooo, so good to be home! I’m taking an entire day off to forget about the expectations put on authors to promote their own book (the absolutely worst part of publishing a book, believe me.) I’ll be rubbing bellies and walking in the woods and cooking some real food for myself and cuddling and rubbing more bellies… Can you tell I’m happy? (Photo taken by Nick Berard, actually in November, but still…)
Bonnie Turner says
I just finished reading your memoir and I loved it so-o-o much…your personal journey and the incredible story of Will and other dogs you help is truly heartpoundingly profound. I relate so much to various parts, your trauma, owning a border collie whose internal dialogue is hard to read, and more. Thank you for writing this and I wish you and Jim and Will, Maggie, and Tootsie many happy days in your future…you deserve the best!
Anon says
I am crazily awaiting the arrival of my copy of the book Trish. I am so glad you survived the draining book tour as well. As someone who took your human and animal relations course at the UW, took my first puppy through Dogs Best Friend (in fact, a pug puppy that you held up in class, as an example of what breeders do in order to get a dog that perpetually looks like a puppy), have many of your books-signed-, and am anxiously awaiting one of your future talks, etc. I was sadly not able to attend the night you talked at Room of one’s own.
You see, I am a survivor too. I was a victim far to long. My pugs (first Abby, and now 5 yr Lily) have been a large part of my healing. They get me up in the morning, they get me outside multiple times a day, they are wonderful ice breakers, well, you know all that.
I followed your blog back when you got Will, about the time you were ready to rehome him. Every dog has a purpose, Willies was to heal you, just as my Abby and Lily have been to heal me.
I only wish I had been a better student, but I’ll never forget the one class I had in college, where the professor brought Luke, Lucy, and Pip to nearly every class. At a time when getting to class was so difficult for me, knowing there’d be dogs to love on at class, gor me there at the worst time of my life.
Debby Gray says
I looked, I thought, everywhere in my local Barnes and Noble for The Education of Will. Not finding it I asked for help and was led over to the Pet Section. There were 2 copies and I bought one. I did tell the clerk that I was surprised to find it in the pet section and not displayed in new releases. Curious about whether they would replace the copy I bought, I wandered into Barnes and Noble a week later Saturday and found the book still in the Pet Section but there were again 2 copies. I think I’ll make another trip and ask for it again and express surprise that The Education of Will is not displayed in the new book section.
In the 70s I had folk singer friends who would go into music stores and look for their album. When they found it, they would move it to the front of the record bin. Maybe we blog readers could give some marketing help when we find your memoir not displayed to its full advantage. The subject of the memoir is so timely, and the book so well written it definitely needs a wide audience.
kelly keeney says
Done patricia! Glad you are home..
JZ says
I cannot wait to read this. Thank you.
Barbara says
Patricia, I’ll let all my friends and Facebook friends know. I just started reading The Education of Will yesterday. (First I had to finish Merle’s Door and Pukka’s Promise that you recommended. Wonderful books!) So first thing is Will’s dog reactivity at such a young age. All three of my GSD’s are dog reactive to some extent. Nine year old Mindy came to me at six months already knocking me to my knees if she saw another dog way over there. I still managed to get six Obedience and Rally titles on her as well as Nose Work 1 before retiring her, to her everlasting relief. Two year old Casey seemed okay through his first puppy school session but toward the end of session two he began to lunge/bark at other dogs. Leash reactivity? Clueless play invitation? When you have the biggest puppy in class you take no chances. We’ve just signed up for CGC classes. Six year old Miley has become more dog reactive as she gets older. I just never know which dogs she’ll ignore and which she’ll react to. Her promising obedience career was cut short because she may jump out of the ring and confront a dog she didn’t like the look of. I no longer allow her off leash away from my remote large acreage home. We’ve been kicked out of obedience class. So now we track. I can’t wait to get further in the book and see if there is a magic solution. And, of course, the rest of the story.
I had intended to go to your book signing in Lake Forest Park, WA, but I received an irresistible invitation to go tracking with an expert at a great location. Sorry to have missed you. Maybe you got to bed earlier because you had to sign one less book. I hope The Education of Will attain the success of The Other End of the Leash!
I learn so much from your blog.
Chloe says
So wonderful to meet you in person. Next time definitively stay in Portland longer I have small but good connections to my neighborhood bookstore Broadway Books and I think we can get you in for a reading in the center of Portland as well. And I will gather all the dogs whom I have trained with your book and all myBorder Collie friend and then we can have a delicious dinner!! Lol
I worked in bookstores for years and I know the book placement is very important. One thing folks can do especially for their local shops is write a small review on a flash card type paper and offer it to bookshop owners.
Couldn’t wait for the book so read it onAmazon. Received it yesterday and it is going to one of my clients with the sweetest but very anxious traumatized rescue BC Deemer.
I will write reviews online, yes VERY important.
Your book resonated on so many levels for me. I describe it as a book about humans and dogs trauma and recovery written by a world known dog behaviorist …and she has Border Collies.. Haha.
Rest up.
Kathy and Pippin says
I’m glad you are home for a well-deserved break! I also want to say thank you for doing the talks. It meant a lot to me to hear you speak in Colorado (where I’m sure I took far too much of your time during the book signing afterward!). At that point I was only a few chapters into the book. Now I’m nearly done, and deeply appreciative of the courage and skill it took to write this memoir. You wanted to help others dealing with trauma, and you have. You’ve helped me look at some dark places in my own life with more compassion, as well as understanding and helping my complicated little border collie. I’ve been talking to all my friends about the book and will keep doing so. Thank you!!
lee says
Love seeing your happy face!! Don’t forget to post more pictures on Twitter (dog twitter is the best twitter!)
I’ll be sure to write a review on Amazon and spread the word in other ways.
I finished the book last week; as usual, it’s such a quick read because of the content and your writing style. I’ve never felt such emotion. I laughed and cried; I felt happy, sad, and angry– at people who have hurt you (even the people online who criticized you. Please, ignore the trolls!)
I feel for you–the grueling schedule and you missing your pups and they you. But I’m so happy that you know how much we love you, even though many of us have never met you in person. Your big heart, your compassion, your intellect, and your “down-to-earth” personality are all reflected in your wonderful books that have given us a glimpse into your world and educated us all.
Nicola says
Tweeted and reviewed on Amazon. I notice that it is only available in print on the UK. Mine is still the only review so wonder if you had kindle version it may help boost?
This is such amazing timing for international women’s day..?
Enjoy being home and bask in belly rubbing, great home cooked food and love.
Bethany says
I drove down to Beaverton with my sisters to see you at Powell’s. I had special ordered your book from my local independent bookstore and finished reading it the night before your talk (and rated it on Good Reads).
I admire and appreciate you for all the hard work you put in for yourself and for Willie. Sometimes the universe is telling us to pay attention, and we can’t hear the message until it goes into a messenger we simply can’t ignore. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for challenging men to step up and take responsibility for their actions and the need to hold other men and boys accountable for their actions as well. A message that needs to be repeated again and again.
Andy says
I’ve already written an Amazon review but have yet to share on FB, so I will be sure to include this emphasis when I do.
Have you considered reaching out to organizations that specialize in helping survivors? I’d offer to but it would be inappropriate in my case.
Such a lovely picture of a happy family. And dang your dogs are cute!
Angie says
I’m sorry it was so grueling for you! But it meant a lot for me to hear you speak after reading your work and watching your videos all these years. I’m in the midst of healing from trauma myself and have a sensitive/reactive/anxious bc-mix that I see in a whole new light now. I’ve been spreading the word every chance I get! Wonderful and courageous writing!
Gayla McCarthy says
Read it in one sitting. Loved it! The number of parallels in our stories of ROS was amazing. Multiple ‘events’ starting in childhood, time in Alaska, blaming myself for the rape in adulthood (he only had to hit me once,) and astonishingly, having chosen the same method as our cry for help. Why did we think our rescuers would understand when they found us laying on the ground?
It’s beautifully written! And it would be a travesty for survivors miss reading it because it’s miscategorized…
Sarah Stremming says
I just finished the book too, and have been singing it from the rooftops! I met you in Seattle, where you did a great job though this book tour thing IS a whirlwind. I talked you up this week in my blog as well. https://thecognitivecanine.com/2017/03/08/mutual-memoirs/
Trisha says
Thanks SO much to all of you. I can’t tell you how heartening your comments are. 98% of the time I am thrilled and proud and gratified and grateful that I wrote this book. 2% of the time I’m appalled at writing about such personal things. Your comments mean so much to me; I’ll read them again when the 2% comes calling again.
Barb Stanek says
Great picture!!!!!
Susan McCullough says
Over 40 years ago, I heard Anais Nin give a talk about her diaries — which were highly personal and probably not totally factual 🙂 But she said something that I’ve never forgotten: that in writing about the highly personal experience, we touch the universal experience. I think that you have done exactly that with your book.
Jane says
I was in the crowd at Powell’s, and meeting you was truly the best thing to happen to me in a long time. I’ve read your blog since late 2008–yes, since almost the very beginning!–and now reading your book has given me a whole new perspective on your life. I remember so vividly all your blog entries about Will and his shoulder, and had to re-read them again last night because all I could remember was your upbeat, roll-up-the-sleeves-and-get-to-work attitude about solving his behavior and health problems. I–and I’m sure everyone who admires you and your work–feel such sympathy as I now realize how difficult life actually was for you at that time. This book has given me so much food for thought, and I’m grateful you found the courage to set your experiences down on paper!
Diane says
Don’t be appalled. I understand how that must feel though. You finally gain the courage to express personal experiences and feelings, then you can’t help but wonder why! But you are so brave and your book is great.
Although the book is influential in many ways, the part when you were anxious about going through the airport scanner was a bit of an eye opener for me. I always wondered why some people found it invasive…didn’t seem like it would be a big deal to me (not that I fly…I don’t). That passage made me re-think my initial reaction to people’s resistance. Anyway, I did enjoy the book very much. The picture above is wonderful…a reflection of the ending of your book when I was so happy that there was peace in you and your family. May it always be so.
Lyn says
It was a pleasure hearing you speak and meeting you this past Sunday in Marin. I am savoring your book. Today I received several of the other books you recommended, including After Silence and Mare Chapman’s book. I have told numerous people about the nexpected and enriching impact of hearing you Sunday. Well done, Brave soul! I will gladly spread the word. Lyn
Mary-Margaret Lannon says
Looking forward to hearing you speak at Arcadia in Spring Green, WI – love your work.
Vic N. says
Since it appears that it’s important that Patricia’s fans strike while the iron is hot I’ve wasted precious little time in posting this message. In many instances actions do speak louder than words so after reading from Trish how important it is for the “velocity of sales” to take off I immediately called all the Barnes and Noble stores within a fifty mile radius of where I live in NW Connecticut. First I asked the person on the phone, who sometimes was a manager, if there were any copies of “The Education of Will” in stock. Usually the answer was less than six, and that’s when I told them that since I’ve read the book I’ve recommended it to over a dozen good friends (which is true) and that there’s a good chance that they might descend on your store looking to buy it (which is partially true because I can’t be sure which B&N is more convenient for each of them). I then asked which section the book is located in and invariably, as Trish already noted, they responded, “The Pet Section”. That’s when I unveiled my best marketing approach suggesting that if they wanted to increase sales, why not present the book up front and center in “New Releases” and also in other sections as well, such as “Woman’s Issues”, “Self Help”, etc. etc. In two instances I got the response that it was a corporate decision where the book was to be located. Two others told me “that’s a great idea!” And one said she’d discuss my suggestion with her manager after she chimed in, “I’ve got to read this book!”.
I wasn’t done. I then called Barnes and Noble in New York hoping to talk with that person on the “corporate level” who is not below the pay grade where big decisions are required. I haven’t yet gotten a response after leaving a brief voice mail.
Lastly, if anyone tells you otherwise, this is not “A Woman’s Book” it’s a book for all humanity and worthy of the accolades that are already pouring in.
Vicki Francks says
Patricia
Thank you so much for braving to speak at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, WA. I have read all of your books except The Education of Will & anticipate reading it too. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to speak with you a bit about my rescue Doberman who has improved from very reactive to inconsistently mildly reactive through much dedicated work with her. I was at the end of the line & you looked so tired by the the time I reached you I couldn’t say much more than “I have a rescue Doberman”
Anyway I enjoyed your presentation, look forward to reading this book, and will promote your book as in the appropriate genre.
And welcome home!
Andi Watson says
I am a little more than half-way through “The Education Of Will”. Although it is touted as a “dog” book, it is truly about self-discovery and growth. PTSD is real and experienced by more people than recognized or acknowledged. I’ve not experienced trauma such as Ms. McConnell, but I’ve experienced trauma and live with a reactive English Shepherd dog.
This book has become very enlightening and cathartic to me. It is helping me understand some “whys” that I already knew intellectually but needed to acknowledge and embrace to be better for myself and my dog.
I cannot thank Ms. McConnell enough for sharing her life experiences and knowledge of animals as well as communication skills learned through her love and respect for animals. We are all as human as our dogs are canine. As dog trainers we can help and heal (heel : ) others, but sometimes we fail our own. To acknowledge and own that we may have failed our dog is paramount to helping us to be able to teach and learn from each other.
My Best Regards ~ Andi@ Watson
Trisha says
Oh my my my. Thank you all so much. I’d write more but I’ve come down with the predictable cold once I got home and began to relax a little bit. I’ll come out this viral morass early next week I’m sure, but for now, THANK YOU!!!
Chris from Boise says
I stopped in at our local Barnes and Noble store yesterday, asked for the book, and found it on a display “Pets” table near the pets section. I too raved about it to the clerk who showed me where it was (“never heard of it before”) and to the cashier with whom I first spoke (“wow, that sounds great! I’ll have to read it!”), and said I was surprised it wasn’t up with the new releases.
Thanks Vic N for the detailed report on your B&N push – I’ll try that on our local independent bookstore as well.
That cold is telling you “time to rest, Trisha”. Listen to it. Hope you have some time off before the next tour.
Susan says
Done- a review has been left on Amazon. I hope it helps get the word out. This is an important book and I’m deeply grateful to you for publishing it.
MaryAnn Foley, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada says
WOW !!! So NOT what I was expecting. I wept through much of it. As my dear, sweet Mother would say, “We never really know the burdens others carry.” I feel totally honoured that you have included your “Doggie Family” in your healing process and I will do my best to make sure others outside the “Family” read it as well. A wealth of support for anyone burdened with Trauma. And YES !!! We have the Dogs we have for a reason. And YES !!! Luke was there. You weren’t imagining it !!!
QueenJellyBean says
Thank you Trish. Especially helpful that you cited the titles and authors of books that helped you. Helpful to me that you said you’ll always be dealing with aftereffects of trauma. Helped me to feel less guilt over continuing to make self-healing efforts after an attempted rape as an adult and molestation as a child. Forever grateful.
Susan S. says
A couple of nights after I saw you speak in Wauwatosa I was reading “Will” in bed next to my sleeping husband, & when I got to – that page – I froze. I sat there stunned. Hemingway wrote, “Courage is grace under pressure,” & at that moment I knew that I had seen the real thing, perhaps more so because it was the first night of your tour. I’ve respected & admired you for a long time, but wow. Thank you for being you.
em says
Wow, I know I’m late, as usual, to the party, but I finally picked up The Education of Will today, and while I thought I was prepared for a brilliant, moving, and emotionally challenging book, it still managed to catch me by surprise.
This book is so strong, Trisha. So beautiful and clear- eyed and courageous. Brava.
Anne says
I loved your book, from both angles- the animal and the human trauma survivor aspects. I will definitely recommend it to anyone I think might have an interest in either of those.
I read the whole thing in two days (ignoring the 4 other books sitting on my night stand half read).
Tracey says
I’m so glad I found your blog and books. This really touches home for me….hits some very sensitive areas! I look forward to reading the book and hopefully learning more about how my relationship with my dog can help in the healing process.
Thank you for sharing your story.