Can a book of "Southern" poetry have mass appeal?

[Patricia Neely-Dorsey]

I have just recently published a book of poetry entitled Refelctions of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems. I am wondering if you think a book of "Southern" poems can have widespread, mass appeal.

[Jerry File Jr.]

I think so because good writing is about humans wherever they live. The South is place, but the people are people. Not to be pedestrian or predictable, I recently read the Faulkner short story Barn Burning. I remember being struck by the human flaws, and I specifically remember thinking on the fact that those flaws could have happened in any other part of the world. Now, as someone who earned a grad degree in business and has spent years making a living marketing, I think that having settled the question that southern poetry can have appeal outside the south, you are basically asking a marketing question: to wit, how do I get mass appeal and consumption outside the south? What is your publisher's plan? Or, if you published, what is your plan? Just wondering. Thanks. Jerry

[Patricia Neely-Dorsey]

Yes, Yes Yes!!! That is exactly what I am asking or trying to ask.
I am asking the marketing question: How do I GET mass appeal and consumption outside of the south? You anwered the first question so masterfully, I am waiting for the answer. Any input? Advice tips? I am self-published.. through GrantHouse Publishers (Feb 2008) so basically the whole thing falls on me to give the book a fighting chance..which I think it deserves..but then again, I am VERY biased. I certainly am not comparing my work to John Grisham but he started out self-published selling his books out of his car,trying to give his book a fighting chance in the literary market, and lots of doors were slammed in his face...now look at what has become of that effort.
I can only hope to do half as well with mine.
I do a lot of publicising on social networking sites, hand out a lot of flyers, tell everyone I know..to tell everyone they know..and so on...and so on. I do as many speaking engagements as I can and attend local events and set up a booth..
again I ask what advice you have for me? Any is appreciated.
Then, I would love for you to read the book and tell me what you think ..then help me spread the word. (smile)
What did you think of the poems on my page..Bookcover..ect.???