By Scott Burke
Crofton Staff Writer
After setting his sights locally last year, a Crofton-area man is taking his self-published book to new heights this holiday season, by bringing a fact-based Christmas story about his grandmother into the national spotlight. John Snyder, whose Christmas tale revolves around a 9-year-old girl’s relationship with her father who works on the B&O Railroad in the early 1900s, originally released his book to local stores last November. And with the help of a marketing campaign – he’s the owner of a public relations and advertising firm – “The Golden Ring” quickly became the No1 best seller in Washington and Western Maryland bookstores.
“The reaction to the book has been wonderful,” he said.
Now Mr. Snyder, who lives with his wife Ruth Ellen, and two daughters, Nikki and Carli, is doing the unthinkable – releasing the book in stores across the country without the backing of a major publishing company.
“It’s very hard. Publishers won’t take manuscripts without having an agent, and you can’t get an agent without being published,” he said.
He has contacted the major bookstore chains to see if he can get his book on their shelves and has scheduled numerous book signings as well. He has also gotten plenty of airtime on radio stations all over America. The book was even featured in the Dec. 12 issue of Family Circle, which is on sale now.
The novel is set in a small Pennsylvania town, the same town Mr. Snyder’s grandmother, Anna Snyder, grew up. He was inspired to write the heart-warming tale of the love between a young girl and her father after asking his grandmother three years ago about her early Christmas memories. Unfortunately, his grandmother died only a few days after reading the final manuscript.
The marketing side of the business is hard work, he said, but it also gives him a chance to meet the people who buy the book, and he’ll keep doing it “as long as people are saying they like my book.”
And apparently, the hard work is paying off. At recent book signings at area bookstores, Mr. Snyder has sold numerous copies. On Nov. 11 he sold 58 books at the Annapolis Barnes & Noble and on Friday he sold 61 books at B. Dalton Booksellers in Annapolis Mall.
“We have signings here all the time, but John Snyder, is the best marketer I’ve ever seen,” said Cindy Melrose, manager of B. Dalton.
On Friday, curious shoppers passed Mr. Snyder’s table displaying several copies of the 164-page book, which he believes is geared toward people of all ages. Mr. Snyder would introduce himself with a handshake and then tell them a little bit about his book. That’s what convinced Kate Shaw, a second grade teacher from Richmond who was in the area visiting relatives, to buy the book Friday with Mr. Snyder’s signature.
“He told me what inspired him to write it,” she said.
Ms. Shaw will read the “The Golden Ring” to her class.
Debbie Pyles of Severna Park said she has seen the book in an antique store in Bowie a couple of weeks ago. Although she was interested in the story, she didn’t buy it. But after seeing Mr. Snyder at the mall on Friday, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity again.
Mr. Snyder, who hopes to begin writing his second novel in January, said his Christmas story is something readers are yearning for.
“Despite what the experts say – that people aren’t looking for this type of book – they are. They have a huge hunger for something that feeds the soul and heart,” he said.
To learn more about “The Golden Ring” or read the first three chapters, visit www.thegoldenring.com.