“Can I get you something to drink?” Analise asked.
“Water would be great.” Cari looked at the platter in the middle of the table that contained pastries and other offerings. “Don’t tell me you baked these, too?”
“I got up early and made them especially for you,” Randi replied.
Eden couldn’t help but laugh. Randi was not a cook. She’d convinced Eden to take a baking class with her once and Randi never got the hang of it. Eden couldn’t understand why shewouldn’t simply follow a recipe, but no, Randi always thought she knew better.
Randi chuckled. “No, I’m kidding. Eden can attest to my lackluster baking skills.”
“However, she did pick those up at our favorite bakery on the way to work this morning,” Eden said. “You’ve got to try one. The scones are the best.”
Cari smiled, reached for the pastry, and set it on a plate. She took a small nibble at one corner and raised her brows. “Mmm, that is good.”
Eden smiled. “Are you nervous?”
Cari set the scone back on the plate and wiped her mouth. “I am. Asking me to turn over parts of my business that I painstakingly built and refined is daunting.”
“Oh, we get that,” Randi said compassionately. “No one knows your business like you do. It’s your baby.”
Eden smiled at Randi’s kind and nurturing tone as she eased into the presentation.
“You could write the best book in the world, but if no one knows about it then the story remains untold. It’s all about discoverability. That’s what we do. We help readers find your book and then you make them fall in love with it,” Randi said.
Eden could see the curiosity on Cari’s face. Randi had a way of drawing people in and Cari was not immune to it.
“Let’s start with advertising,” Randi said.
“I’ve always done okay with ads,” Cari commented.
“Yes, but wouldn’t it be nice to do better than okay?” Randi countered. “I’ve done a few I’d like to show you.”
Randi clicked a button on her computer and an ad appeared on the screen.
Cari gasped. “Oh, that’s good, really good.”
Eden couldn’t help but smile at Randi. Her creativity amazed Eden and even though she’d already seen the ads she couldn’tkeep from being, once again, captured by the tagline and images. She’d already read the book, but wanted to read it all over again.
Randi smiled. “Thanks. This is just a start.”
“So I turn it over to you, but what if I have ideas?” Cari asked.
“You’re not turning it over to me,” Randi said, using Cari’s words. “You’ll approve every ad and give us input on what you want to see. You’re still a big part of this, Cari.”
Eden saw Cari relax as Randi clicked through several other ads she’d created. It reminded her of the other night when Randi had been giving Eden’s pitch at the event. She, too, had been nervous, but when Randi started to talk, Eden began to loosen up just as Cari was now.
Randi talked about social media and how they would use selected personal information to connect with readers. Yes, they wanted to gain new readers, but as Randi explained they were establishing a relationship. Readers were loyal and Randi outlined how they would cultivate trust thus earning their loyalty.
Eden encouraged Randi with a look, a nod, or a smile whenever she glanced her way. Seeing Randi in her element, shining with her expertise, made Eden’s heart beat fast. She wondered if Cari felt the same thing. Randi could be captivating and Eden noticed she, Cari, and Analise were all enthralled and under her spell.
When Randi talked about in-person events she looked over at Eden. During the week as Randi developed the pitch they’d decided it would be best for Eden to talk about the relationships Hook, Line & Reader had with the local bookstores.
“We regularly hold events at area bookstores as well as participate in book events at local venues,” Eden explained. “Are you comfortable doing book signings?”
Cari sighed and frowned. “They’re not my favorite thing to do. I feel so awkward.”
Eden gave her a compassionate smile. “I get that,” she said. “Not all of us have a way with words like Randi does.” She smiled at her best friend and looked back at Cari. “However, we have a local bookstore with quite the sapphic following. The Plot Twist is a cozy space that is perfect for signing events. We’ve done several Meet the Author events as well and Ginger, the owner, makes the readers feel special and is so good at putting the author at ease.”
“That sounds like fun,” Cari said.
