Source: http://www.adzines.com/Book-Marketing-Articles/Sell-Your-Book-At-Book-Fairs-Festivals-Trade-Shows/6425

Play a bigger game with your book sales by expanding your audiences at local or nonlocal book fairs, festivals or trade shows. Can’t afford a booth or table, rent a space on someone else’s table and volunteer to be back for their book. In fact, rent a corner at various different tables in the same fair or show and triple your exposure.

The place on the net to go to find out what’s upcoming in your area, or an area you want to travel to, is at the Library of Congress’ website: http://www.loc.gov.loc/cfbook/bookfair.html. When you visit, the listings are in alphabetical order or by state. You will find shows for other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. International events, including Canada, listings available. Travel for a month, write it off for your taxes, and include several different fairs and shows while you there.

Since I live in Virginia and travel frequently to Washington State, I plan my travel and schedule around these two areas to start.

Virginia

Fall for the Book | Fairfax | Sept http://www.fallforthebook.org/

Hollins University Annual Literary Festival | Roanoke | Mar http://www.hollins.edu/news-events/litfest/litfest.htm

LAUGHS: Loudon’s Annual Unforgettable Gigantic Hilarious Storyfest http://www.laughsfestival.org/ | Sterling | June

Newport News Celebrates the Book | Newport News | Oct http://www.newport-news.va.us/library/

Virginia Book Festival http://www.vabook.org/ | Charlottsville | Mar

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Gathering | Glen Allen | Mar http://vasa.communitypoint.org/archives/events/vasa_gathering_2004_call.html

Washington

Bellingham Storytelling Festival | Bellingham | Nov http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~rvohs/storyfestival2001.html

Bumbershoot http://www.bumbershoot.org/ | Seattle | Sept

Forest Storytelling Festival | Port Angeles | Sept http://www.dancingleaves.com/storypeople/forestfestival/index.html

Northwest Bookfest | Seattle | Oct/Nov http://www.nwbookfest.org/

If you prefer to view the list by date, visit: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bkevents.html.

The National Book Festival, Washington DC, an extremely large event, held every October on The Mall. For more information: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/natl.bk.fest.html.

Take a few minutes, visit the Library of Congress’ web site, and find the ones that fit into your schedule and location. Get bold and stand out, do book signings at Wine Festivals too (no matter what your topic).

You can even contact table renters in other locations and offer a commission for selling the books and you don’t even need to be there. Look for people with integrity and give them a complimentary copy of your book. Write a “dedication” to them in the front.

For other possibilities to expand your book sales, visit your local and state government web sites for events, libraries, school district events, business organizations, civic or private clubs, bookstores at museums (private or public). Also, consider the arts and craft festivals and fun fairs.

Nonfiction Author Natalie Goldberg used to write instant poetry at booths at New Mexico area carnivals – including the school carnivals.

If you are a technical writer look for Technology fairs and exhibits. Business Expos are the place to be if you are business writer. Are you a children’s author, ask to sell your books at Parent Day events at the local schools. Christmas shows are great for children books too. Did you write a historical book? Include all the history events on your tour for 2004.

Well, we shared some new places to find events to sell your books at in 2004. Don’t stop here, be creative, and try anything at least once, if it is financially conducive. Stretch your imagination and your opportunities and watch your book sales soar. Most important – have fun doing it. In addition, don’t forget to write a book about it!

(c) Copyright 2003, 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

Catherine Franz, a Business Coach, specialized in writing, marketing and product development. Newsletters and additional articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://abundance.blogs.com

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Source: http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/2011/03/working-with-bookstore-to-pull-of-great.html

today’s post, I want to share some tips that I use when I set up events at book stores, whether for me or for someone else. Hopefully, you can find something to help you when you plan your next event.

Before we get to today’s post, I want to let my DFW readers know that a great author and friend of mine is having a book signing at the Creekwalk Barnes & Nobles in Plano, TX on March 12th, 2 pm. (810 West 15th St., Suite E, Plano, 75075). If you are able, please join Pari Danian, sculpture, photographer, author & cuisine artist in celebrating the launch of her book, The Palatable Plate: Cook & Eat Like An Artist. Door prizes, raffles and book signing will make this an afternoon to cherish. I’d be grateful if you could help spread the word.

Now, on to our post…

1. Meet In Person Before The Event- If the bookstore has a community organizer who is responsible for the event, drop in a few weeks early to meet them and shake their hand. The sooner you can become a face and not a name, the better your relationship will be the closer you get to the day of the event.

2. Ask What You Can Do To Help Promote The Event- We all have our marketing ideas, but don’t neglect to tap into the wisdom of the coordinator. With his or her experience, you may learn what works with that venue that you may not have thought about before.

3. Ask If They Have Any Suggestions- Coordinators probably know their patrons well. They know what appeals to them because they have seen many authors in their venue before. Will you get more traffic with snacks? What about a give-away? The Barnes and Nobel that Pari will be at has a Starbucks close to where she will be sitting with her cookbook. The coordinator suggested that Pari bring a simple appetizer found in her book to catch some of the Starbucks visitors- very clever. You never want to underestimate the help that the bookstore can offer you.

4. Don’t Spring Any Surprises- Of course, if you have a cookbook, it might not be a good idea to bring a toaster oven and demonstrate a recipe without clearing it through the bookstore. If you have a gimmick, then it’s probably best to run it by the bookstore first. If they’re going to say “no”, you’ll want to them to do it before you arrive for the event.

5. Give Plenty Of Advance Notice For Your Requests- Do you need an outlet for a computer or WiFi access? Whatever you’re planning on doing for the event, make sure you let the bookstore know what you need. Many requests are easy to accommodate if you just give them time to plan for your requests.

6. Introduce Yourself To The Booksellers- If you can find out which employees are scheduled to work during your event, stop in before the event to meet them. Tell them about you and your book and let them know how excited you are to be at their store. Just remember, they have a job to do, so be considerate with their time. You’ll be surprised at how a little visit like this will help you gain some important allies when you’re sitting at the table signing books.

7. Arrive Early- I like to arrive about 30 minutes early. That gives me plenty of time to set up and I usually have time left to browse the books. I can also press the flesh one more time with the booksellers before the show starts. Arriving early can give you a chance to make sure everything is perfect for your event.

8. Laugh And Smile A Lot- The day of the event is your day to shine. You are the star and the bookstore wants nothing more than for you to have a successful event. Nothing can help you do that more than smiling. Laughing and smiling has a way of warmly inviting customers over to meet you. If they feel that you’re there to talk to and that you’re not going to pressure them to buy your book, you’ll be surprised at how many of these people will go ahead and make the purchase. After all, it makes a consumer feel good to buy something from someone they like, right?

I hope these tips help you when you plan your next event. If you can find a way to work with the bookstore, you’ll find a powerful partner to help your event go by smoothly and successfully. You may even find yourself invited back for many more events with them in the future.

Tony Eldridge

Tony Eldridge is the author of the action/adventure book, The Samson Effect, that Clive Cussler calls a “first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure” and the Twitter marketing book, Conducting Effective Twitter Contests which helps people find targeted Twitter followers. He also shares his book marketing tips with fellow authors through his blog and through his free video marketing tips for authors. You can follow him on Twitter @TonyEldridge

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Source: http://www.writersdigest.com/qp7-migration-all-articles/qp7-migration-fiction/how-to-set-up-a-preorder-event-for-your-book

Written by: Seth Harwood with Alison Janssen

Online preorder events can be an incredible success. My fellow podcasting authors Scott Sigler, JC Hutchins and Mur Lafferty have all made huge runs up the Amazon charts thanks to this kind of marketing. If you’re dedicated to building an online presence, a preorder event could be a great strategy to try. Here’s how to do it.

1. Affiliate Programs
Instead of asking bloggers and podcasters to post about your book out of kindness, offer them an affiliate code. Their readers can use it to get a discount when they buy your book, and you can give a few dollars back to the affiliate for each referral. Everyone wins!

2. Podcast Marketing
If your books are on Podiobooks.com, you can use dynamic insertion to automatically add short promos to the beginning of your online catalog of content. Since people are always going out and listening to my recorded books (I’ve used podcasting—turning my work into audio files [MP3s]—that I distribute FOR FREE via my blog, iTunes and Podiobooks.com to get my novels out and build an audience) now I can get fresh promotional content to them within these files.

Also, there are a lot of great podcasters who’ll be happy to run a promo or two for you or even have you on for an interview. (See #1 above.) I’ve even lined up live interview shows!

3. Fan Evangelism
Use Twitter and Facebook. Even if you’d rather not maintain a Facebook page or Twitter profile of your own, realize that your readers likely do participate in social media. Ask them to change their profile picture during the week of your online event. Provide easily downloadable avatars for them to use—each time a fan using your avatar sends a tweet, their tweet serves as a reminder of your online event. (For an example of how to offer free avatars, click here.)

4. Point of Sale
Make it as easy and intuitive as possible. Readers are becoming more and more confident with purchasing online, but it’s important that your point of sale works properly, and will keep buyer’s credit card information safe. PayPal is a top choice for online vending, but there are other options. If you’re not confident in your web abilities, ask around. It’s worth the investment in professional help if your point of sale is smooth and appealing.

5. Package Deals
Do you have previously published books? Would your book cover look good on a t-shirt? Don’t be shy about offering package deals as a part of your online presales event.

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source: http://www.newsletterjournal.com/information/book-marketing/book-signing-fun-and-profit-for-writers-and-readers.html

by: Jo Condrill

Have you ever walked into a bookstore when an author is scheduled to do a book signing and found no one in the audience? Do you shy away from autograph tables, perhaps fearing that someone may ask you to buy a book? Consider the other side of the equation. A book signing is an opportunity to learn about the author and what makes a person undertake the challenge of writing a book. If you’re a reader, you can delve into background information about the book. If you are an aspiring author, you can learn from another author’s experiences. Every book signing is an opportunity to learn-without obligation to buy anything.

Book signings can be held almost anywhere. Is your book about gardening, nutrition, or money? Why not have an event at a large garden supply outlet, a spa, or a banking institution? Are you writing about an exciting period of music or interesting musicians? Then consider one of the big local music stores for the seminar. On the other hand, if you’re a speaker or professional seminar leader, why not sign your books in a nearby bookstore in addition to selling them at the back of the room when you give your next presentation?

To help publicize a book signing, coordinate it with a special day, like Grandparents Day, or some topical holiday that has special meaning in context with the subject matter of your book. Several Internet web sites offer hundreds of dates that you can use for a public relations opportunity. Think of different and innovative ways to connect your book and your ideas to something that is already scheduled to happen in the area. For instance, if your book has anything to do with women’s health, you may tie into a local Race for the Cure event, which supports research on breast cancer. Or, dream up a day of your choice to publicize your book. “Today is national TAKE CHARGE day!” Couple a book signing with seminars or speeches you have already scheduled, a family reunion, or other special event. Where would your target audience likely gather? Find that place and go there!

Provide a mini-seminar on the topic of your book. Some people in your audience may have already read it and want to pose specific questions. Prepare comments, anecdotes, and insights in advance. Greet your public enthusiastically and welcome their questions.

Book signings can be exciting for writers and readers and profitable for everyone.

Jo Condrill is a professional speaker, author, and consultant. She has conducted successful book signings across the US, including one in Rockefeller Center in New York City. “From Book Signing to Best Seller: An Insider’s Guide to Conducting a Successful Low-Cost Book Signing Tour,” which was coauthored by John B. Slack, was named the 2002 Best Writer’s Reference Guide by the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association. http://www.publishandprosper.com

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You would always want the best to market your book. Book events are the times when authors expect much for their book’s exposure. Preparing for these events can be tough considering that there is a list of things that need to be checked and finalized. Book events like make every author dreamy and anxious about long customer lines and stuffed cash boxes.

Regardless of the amount of money that you are going to invest on a book event, it should turn out successful. As self-published authors, you have to wear the event coordinator’s hat. This basically means that you have to spearhead every event and look at everything down to the tiniest details.

This article features a smart checklist on how to improve conducting 5-star promotional events for your book.

1. Brainstorm. This is the stage where you squeeze in everything that’s possible. Jot down all your ideas that best suit your event. These ideas should answer the question: What do I want my readers to think about me and my book? Aside from generating ideas, you should also consider the following elements: relevance, consistency, creativity, and strategy.

1. Sit down and plan out. Think of ways and means that’ll help your ideas come to fruition. Think of practical but highly effective strategies. Your strategies will most likely cover: venue, logistics, promotions, and publicity.

1. Budget. This can be very challenging. Money can easily run out when you’re having fun. That’s why you should optimize the use of your budget for every book event.  Consider what things are necessary. Hold off on the fancy things that can wait when there’s more than enough money. Stay loyal to your budget.

1. Advance publicity. Content, medium, and timing make advance publicity effective. For content, you should be creative and relevant to attract attendees. What can your readers learn from reading your book? What makes your event worth the time? Create a simple yet persuasive strategy statement. State a call to action. Mediums can be attractive invitation cards, bookmarks, flyers, posters, button pins, print ads, press releases, websites or video trailers. Timing can be very crucial. It’s best to launch your advance publicity 30 to 60 days prior to your book event.

1. Crowdsourcing. When you let your readers get involve, you don’t only get attention, but you get the opportunity to generate ideas from them. Crowdsourcing can be in many forms. Get the public involve by letting them help you out on creating a video trailer for your book. Offer appealing rewards to entice a lot of participants. You’d be surprised to see how much ideas can be generated to your advantage.

1. Give away good attitude at all times. Criticism, whether you agree or not, is part of success. Always have a polite and courteous attitude especially when facing impossible-to-deal-with customers.Success doesn’t come overnight.

1. Express gratitude in tangible ways. At the end of every book event, it’s always best when you reward the people who took time to attend. If it’s possible, send out personalized ‘thank you’ cards. By doing this, they will most likely look forward to your next book event.

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by Katherine Swarts

source: http://www.sellingbooks.com/book-events-that-really-sell

You’ve arranged a book signing, or reserved an expo table. You’re counting the days to the big event, dreaming every night of mile-long customer lines and overflowing cash boxes.

Unfortunately, that scenario really is “in your dreams” for most writers. If you aren’t sufficiently popular to draw interest on pure name recognition, you may be lucky to get ten visitors and one sale.

There are ways to improve your chances, though. Here are my candidates for the top five things that attract browsers to a book signing or expo table.

1. Relevance. When considering where to exhibit, don’t stop with bookstores and book expos; hold your health-book signing at a fitness center, or display local-history books at your town’s centennial fair. You may actually sell more at a “non-book” event where attendees are more focused and direct competition less.
2. Advance publicity. Give “save the date” cards to your friends. Post announcements—preferably weekly for a month in advance—on all your blogs and social networking accounts. (Even out-of-state fans have acquaintances and relatives in your area.) For individual signings, send press releases to local media—and be sure the host business announces the event in its newsletters/blogs and on its Web site. Provide posters for hosts to display the month of the event. (Incidentally, minimize time competition—don’t schedule signings when half the town is traveling or at a major local festival!)
3. Visual appeal. For an expo, place an eye-catching ad—with book cover image—in the official program. For any event, use a large, colorful banner sign—preferably set high enough to read from across the room. Arrange about a dozen of your books—not so many that they look cluttered—on the display table. Also to avoid a “cluttered” appearance, use a low-hanging tablecloth (solid-colored, preferably white or pastel) to hide your boxes.
4. Giveaways. A bowl or platter of “sweet nibbles” always draws visitors. Offer something more permanent, too; bookmarks with cover images and lists of additional titles are always good. Or provide a premium related to your topic (fudge for a dessert cookbook, tiny stuffed kittens for a story featuring a cat) and marked with your Web address.
5. Good attitude. The number-one quality of every successful business owner. Make eye contact, with a wave and a smile, whenever someone glances your way; few can resist the implied invitation. Smile even when you think no one is looking; it adds to your table’s visual appeal. Remember that rearranging your display, eating lunch at your booth, and leaving the table unattended are sure ways to miss all but the most determined customers. And even if only two people stop all day (one to raid your candy dish and one to tell you your book should be banned) and the air conditioning fails on the hottest day of August, think happy thoughts and save the pity party until you’re out of the public eye!

For tips from the veterans, click to the following articles: “How to Have a Successful Book Signing” by MaryJanice Davidson; “Selling Your Books at a Booth” by Belea T. Keeney; and “40+ Ways to Make Your Next Book Signing an Event!” by Larry James.

Katherine Swarts is a professional writer specializing in corporate blogs/newsletters and other articles. Her Web address is www.spreadthewordcommercialwriting.com.

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