Most of your hometowns will have not one but maybe a few libraries that you can connect
with as a local author.
Firstly, I live in a rural community blessed with three local independent bookstores within a ten mile radius, and I have a good relationship with their proprietors and a high
profile as a local author.
I stopped in to speak to them about selling my
book as a local author, but of course, the manager was not interested if he couldn't sell my book for $ 3, less than the price that I buy my own books for.
After that, start local, promoting
yourself as a local author and expert.
Pitch your author story to the local media — try to land TV segments as an «expert» being interviewed on your book's topic and pitch the lifestyles writers at local publications for features on
you as a local author.
After donating a copy of your book, explore your options of scheduling a reading or book signing;
as a local author they would love to have you.
If your book topic fits, introduce
yourself as a local author and offer to share your book.
Take the time to introduce
yourself as a local author and discuss the book's topic with them; many libraries feature books by local authors.
They should know you as a local patron before they know
you as a local author that has books.
Perhaps you can contribute social content for
them as a local author.
While you're doing your own shopping, ask local stores to consign copies of your book, featuring
you as a local author (what a great gift idea, right?).