After a quick re-composition of myself after the first negative result, I walked to an independent bookstore in the same area on my list. It was supposed to open at 11am, but when I arrived sharply at 11am, the door was not open. I marched up and down the block try to avoid passers-by mistaking me for visiting the licensed sex bookstore next to the independent bookstore (Perhaps they are both independent, but I did not think the sex bookstore would be interested in carrying my book there). A lady finally arrived 7 minutes later on a bicycle and she apologized because she was stuck at the post office. She promptly opened the door of the store and explained to me that I can leave my book for review and pick it up 2 weeks later. I looked around the book shelves and told her that my book is on the topic of adult learning. She replied, “Oh, this is a special bookstore for photography books!” I politely thanked her for thinking that I could pass for a photographer and left holding my head high (not sure why!).
Later that day, I went to another bookstore close to King’s Cross. After being directed to the manager’s desk, I did my usual introduction and the manager replied “Your book certainly sounds interesting, but this bookstore is specialized in selling books related to POLITCS.” I stood there undeterred and asked her if she knew of any other “normal” bookstores. After a few minutes of scratching her head, she gave me a pamphlet called “The London Bookshop Map – 107 independent bookshops”. That very evening, I put that pamphlet on the post to my executive assistant (a good friend) Gary and asked him to compile an ACCURATE list for my next sales trip (and put him on probation!).