Writing a book is easy. Getting
it bought by the public is the hard part. Just when I thought I’d completed the
task of researching, writing, editing and finding a publisher – I was then
faced with the real challenge of getting people to read my work!
To give you an example, “From
Handbags to Hand Grenades” was released in January 2025. Since then, I’ve repeatedly
contacted over 800 media outlets from newspapers to TV – yet so far, all I’ve
managed to do is secure just three interviews in obscure and hard to reach far
corners of the British Isles.
I also have multiple social
media profiles and make bi-monthly contributions to over 440 specially targeted
groups to those who I think would like the book. After combining all the
figures from each group I’m looking at a collective potential audience of roughly
seven million views of my posts every two weeks. Yet, this again was slow on
the uptake and all I seem to attract are hordes of fake marketing agents and
scammers who try and offer me their services. It’s been a bit of a surprise
with how little the overall response has been, and a very steep learning curve.
However, there is something
positive in all of this. Despite the knockbacks, the mistakes I’ve made and the
constant worry of whether I’ll make any money; I can be proud to say I’ve produced
something out of nothing. And that something is now being read by others who
are enjoying my work and leaving a string of five-star reviews across the
board. I found out recently my book is being sold in 86 countries which was a
real boost and has now recently become available in audio format – as well as Paperback
and Kindle.
Promoting and selling is like
a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows and you never know what’s coming around
the corner. If someone had told me before I embarked on this three-year journey
what I was going to be facing, then I may have had second thoughts. But here I
am, and I’m glad that despite the difficulties faced, I’d say to anyone who’s
thinking about doing this to go for it. The feeling of something tangible in
your hand that you’ve created is like nothing in this world - even more so when
you see that others are enjoying it too. It’s quite awesome and something I’d
highly recommend. If this is one of your dreams in life, then you ought to give
it a go.
From Handbags to Hand Grenades
by Mark Robertson is the inspirational true story about former Police Officer
Kathryn West. The book talks about her life, career and dangers met every day
for officers on the thin blue line. From the Tavistock Square bombing to
Grenfell Tower, West’s first-hand experience talks candidly of chilling tales
and memorable moments of life on the beat during her 30 years in the MET.
Paperback and Kindle available on Amazon, with the audio version available to
download from Audible. Click on the links below to order your copy today.
For Paperback and Kindle (UK) Click here.
Paperback and Kindle (Rest of
the world) Click here.
Audio version Click here.
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