Marketing Local Authors

The works of Sonoma County writers can get lost on the shelves of even the most supportive local bookstores. So one resourceful author has found a way for their books to stand out.

Many of the Sonoma County writers who are participating in Jeane Slone's local authors bookselling program have been published by established publishing companies. But these days, she observes, that's only a starting point for a little known or first time author.

Laura McHale HollandWorking with publishers turned out to be a years-long exercise in frustration for Laura McHale Holland, so she ultimately published her memoir, Reversible Skirt, herself.

Jeane SloneSlone admits to being surprised by the way her local authors initiative has been embraced, and attributes that to the burgeoning interest in "localism" in Sonoma County. 

The roster of authors and topics featured in the local authors book display is impressively diverse.Still, Sloan has been surprised at which of those titles has been the "best seller."

The Sonoma County authors' books can be found at the following locally owned coffee shops:

Apple Box Coffee, Petaluma

The Barking Dog Roasters, Sonoma

The Bean Affair, Healdsburg

Bungalow Coffee and Tea, Larksfield

Café Noto, Windsor

Community Café, Sonoma

Cookie's Café, Santa Rosa

Food Bar, Petaluma

Golden Bean, Rohnert Park

Gaia's Garden, Santa Rosa

Local Folkal, Cloverdale

Midtown Café, Santa Rosa

Muffin Street Baking, Santa Rosa

Off the Track Coffee Shop, Forestville

Pearson & Co. Expresso & Catering/McCoy's Cookware,

Santa Rosa

Studebaker Cheese Cake, Sonoma

Viva Cocolat, Petaluma

Book clubs also also invited to email Jeane Sloan atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to invite most of the local authors and receive discounts. She also maintains a local authors blog with interviews and information about new locations.