Last week I received the following email:
Dear Julie,
I am writing with regard to your book titled We’ll be Married in Fremantle. Given increasing warehouse costs, we have had to review the amount of stock that we are holding for a number of titles where sale numbers each year are low. Unfortunately this book is among those selected to be removed from stock. We would, however, like to offer you the opportunity to purchase as many of these copies as you choose at a price which will cover our costs of shipping and handling….
CEO of … Press
Initially I felt humiliated, then I realised that it is now a rather ‘old’ book, having been published in 2001. I also comforted myself by realising that most of the 5,000 books had sold and I could rescue the 300 or so remainders from being pulped at very little cost. I am still deciding what to do.
It’s not that I have any intention of on-selling the books; I certainly don’t want to have 300 or so copies of my own book on my bookcase to remind me that it wasn’t a bestseller; and this dilemma has nothing to do with ego.
During the time of writing my PhD, then re-writing it into a book (several years altogether), I remember being absolutely driven. I wanted passionately to write something that would change attitudes to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. And my thesis/argument was so simple: listen, and respond to, the stories, even when they don’t make sense.
So I have a few creative ideas of what to do with those 300 or so copies IF I decide to rescue them from obsolescence.
Prince and Princess don’t have to worry about these kinds of things – oh to be a bird!
jmgoyder 
Well done for selling so many copies and good luck with your decision making.
But you don’t have to worry about the issue, either. You just have to make a decision. The good news is, there’s no wrong decision. It’s a rare time we’re presented with that kind of situation!
Publishing has changed so much since then. You could get the books and sell via social media– I bet you’d find an audience. Good luck!
Prince and Princess are beautiful!
I can’t wait to hear all about what you’ve decided to do! I’m sure your decision will create value for many many people struggling with Alzheimers in their lives.
HI Julie
I think this might be my first comment on your blog. I follow you avidly as my mother had Parkinsons and dementia, she passed away in 1988.
Could I suggest you make the surplus copies available to either the nursing home and /or the relatives of the residents of the nursing home – I so wish you had been blogging while we , as a family, were trying to cope with my Mom’s dis-ease.
PS you may recognise me from the Farmy Fellowship
Laura
Dear Julie – I would love to purchase your book – how can I do this? (have a family member that is starting to have issues although at the moment not sure what the diagnose is)
Also – what lovely birds you have – amazingly gorgeous!
for sure you should rescue them if it is not a financial burden–and you should be so proud of the number that did sell–in Canada that is almost a bestseller!
I remember when I began working in the field of investigating abuse of the elderly, someone who worked with me gave me a book in regards to dementia. I remember being so very grateful for it. And I’ve often recommended books to families who are newly dealing with dementia.
I can imagine you have a LOT of choices Jules…not the least of which may be signing one and donating to the care home where Ants is? Selling them online and donating the proceeds towards research if you don’t need the funds? Making some available to those who’ve met you here and have become better care givers for your stories and advice and would love to continue to hear your voice? Any way you look at it though, if one were to have a dilemma, it’s not a bad one to have…xoxo
i love the peacocks! thanks for adding the pic:) nice to have one more decision to make. seriously, i have reached my limit and do not envy you having one more thing on your already full plate.
hoping that you have a great week. sending you love and light….
I am sure that even now you can find someone who would find reading your book a help.
I wait to hear of your ideas with interest.
I would imagine you don’t want to see them just disappear… whatever they do with them. I’m sure you’ll make a good decision. Maybe if when you write your next book, it will somehow tie in with your first one… ?? Diane
I’m sure your book will help people to become better care givers or supporters of loved ones, and you’ll find ways to make it happen.
You could make the books into an art installation. I’ve seen one before and thought it quite unique. The books were simply piled one on the other, glued and then some sort of glue or lacquer to preserve them. Of course, you’re in the position where you have to buy 300 books to do so. Making this choice pretty difficult. You could always try a Fund Me page?
I think that nearly 5000 books sold is a fantastic number for the sales. Good on you!
Julie – My advice is to buy the remaining copies. Over time, you will receive many requests for the book. Keep it available.