How to sell books

An intriguing package arrived on my doormat yesterday from writer Sarah Salway. It was what I call "granny wrapped", after my nan who wrapped all Christmas presents in several yards of impenetrable brown parcel tape. I needed a kitchen knife, scissors and patience to open it. But this was not a process I wanted to rush... 

Even the tape that bound the package together had a literary theme – a promise of good things inside....

Opening the standard Jiffy bag, I found another parcel inside. Scrabble letter wrapping. A handwritten label. "With love..."

On the reverse of the parcel, a card with a handwritten message and a personalised sticky label...

Open that parcel and inside is.... another parcel. I love parcels in parcels. This one is wrapped in scarlet tissue paper... 

On the reverse side, it has a special seal. Must contain something important...

Inside that parcel, a collection of beautiful poems on postcards. I like postcards. I like poems...

And what's this? Two special chocolates and two very posh tea bags. Time to put the kettle on?

While it's coming to the boil, I look inside the notebook. Yes, there is a notebook in the parcel.

Not any old notebook (of course). This one contains a set of personalised writing exercises and prompts...

And while I'm thinking about those prompts, and sitting down with my tea, there's a book to read. Did I tell you I'd bought Sarah's book? That's what was in the parcel. Along with a few other lovely things

Now, that's how a writer can sell a book. And, more importantly, that's how a writer can make a very special connection with a grateful reader. You can buy direct from Sarah here. She has other books available. I love her poetry collection, but own it already. But Sarah says every package will be different, so maybe I'll buy it again.