“I can talk pretty well,” said Frank, smiling.
“Yes; but can you talk to the point?” asked Mr. Vincent, shrewdly.
“After I have had a chance to examine the books and understand their strong points.”
“Yes; it is absolutely necessary to become acquainted with the works one wants to sell. I have a clerk who knows our books thoroughly. If you take hold, I’ll have him give you a regular lesson, and also give you a pamphlet I issue, called: Aids to Successful Book Selling.”
“I suppose you issue a great number of books for agents?”
“I have issued a great many during the past fourteen years. But at present I have only four books which I would advise you to try to handle. The first question is, do you want to work in the big cities or in small towns and country places?”
“What is the difference?”
“In the big cities you can take orders for very fine books at high prices. In country towns and villages you can sell good-looking books that are cheaper.”
“What would you advise me to do, Mr. Vincent?”
“I think you’ll make more of a success of it selling in small places first. After you have some experience you can try your luck in one of the big cities.”