There are so many uses for it and I'd like to share some of them with you. You can probably come up with many other ways besides these!

** Remember, we're in the business of selling books:

Bulletin Boards in stores and businesses you frequent. Thumbtack your card there with the others.

While sitting in waiting rooms, on a plane, train, or bus talking to people. Hand them a card.

At gatherings, class reunions (yuck), or while networking with your 'real' job -- hand them both of your business cards.

Tuck a few inside a book you've sold for the buyer to pass out to friends.

Ask to leave a small stack of them on the counter at your local public libraries. Libraries love local authors! So do people who come to the library -- they take the cards, trust me.

If your book is a children's book ... anytime you see a mother with children, strike up a conversation, introduce yourself and hand her a card (or more to give to friends).

Again, for children's authors, any time you meet a teacher, a principal, school librarian, give them cards.

Ask to leave a stack of business cards on the counter at the mechanic's where you take your car, at your hairdresser, or even at the gym.

Buy a small business card holder, have it full of cards for the table beside you at book signings, school visits, or other speaking engagements. Maybe someone won't buy the book that day, but when they take a business card, it's an excellent reminder of your book for later.

Here's one of my personal favorites and I've sold a lot of books this way:

Restaurants -- when the check comes after dinner, write "Thank You!" on one of your cards and then sign it. Leave it along with the tip for your waiter or waitress. Many a time, they have followed me out to the door asking more about the book, or wanting to shake my hand, or even ask for more cards for the rest of the staff.

* The above also applies to anyone giving you a good service, i.e., barber, clerk in a department store, but always write "Thank You!" and sign your card. Remember, it's an autograph, too.

People love meeting authors -- use this to your advantage, fellow writers. Have those business cards in your pockets and ready to pass out. You'll sell more books, I promise.