My First Author Event!

Some time ago, last March 2018, I was able to attend my very first author event/book signing. I’ve been meaning to share my experiences and what I’ve learned for a while now, but what can I say? I’m good at procrastinating.

This event was hosted at my library. For a few years now they’ve held a local author fair. Once I heard it was coming up and that I could be a part of it, I jumped at the chance to attend. For new authors, please don’t assume you only have to wait for author events to simply fall in your lap and you can just show up, and make a lot of money and get readership.

Determination and persistence are key. You have to do your research. Look up upcoming events in your area. Registering is required and space will be limited. Always plan ahead. And as an FYI- these events are not always free. More times than not, there is a fee for attending. In the case of the event I attended, I was only required to pay 10% of the profit I earned.

So, after registering for the event and receiving the conformation email that I was accepted, I went straight to the internet and searched for all the information I could find about attending an author event. I found anything from a quick list of things you must bring, to detailed advice on how to make non-awkward conversation with potential buyers. I learned a lot that I had never even considered. Definitely do your research so you’re prepared and you can at least give the appearance that you know what you’re doing. 🙂

So to sum up my experience I’ll break this up in two sections. What I wish I had done differently and what I have taken back.

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I wish I had….

• Had bookmarks at my table. When you are planning how to set up your table there are certain things you should really have. Obviously you need your books. How many? Every event is different and I can’t speak for all of them. I made sure I had at least seven of each copy. Enough to display but not too overwhelming. Besides your book, you should include things such as, pens to sign with, business cards and bookmarks (Which I hadn’t made at the time), and a sign up list for your newsletter. A bowl of mints is also a nice touch. And balloons. Everyone loves balloons. You want to draw potential readers in, and if they stop by, make sure they have something to take back with them.
• A card reader. Right at the very end of the author fair I ended up missing out on a sale due to only accepting cash and checks. If you create a FREE account on Point of Sale you will be sent a FREE card reader to use on a device. Internet access is required and there’s an app you need to download to use it, but hey, that’s a great tool to use! There is a small percentage that will come out of the purchase, just a head’s up. As a side note- if you’re accepting cash, have change with you…
• Sample booklets. I’m not sure what these are officially called, but one of the authors had tiny sample booklets with the first chapter and where to find her books. I have been searching for where to get these ever since and have never found them. So if you know what I’m talking about, please let me in the comments.
• A tablecloth. Depending on what your table looks like, you may or may not need a tablecloth. I figured I could get away without one until I saw my table was this yucky gray color with a few stains. My (supportive and amazing) parents made a quick run to the Dollar store and bought one of those bright colored plastic tablecloths. It fulfilled its purpose, but lesson learned- always bring a tablecloth.
• A banner. This may sound slightly frivolous, but it also (in my opinion) gives off a professional appearance and people from a distance will see it. Besides, how fun to set up a retractable banner with some splashy colors and fancy font that says something to the effect of ‘MEET THE AUTHOR’. I still have to get one.

 

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I learned…

• Authors are readers too. Let me explain this. After my table was set up and I was looking around at all the other authors, my first thought was that they were my competition. Wrong. Granted, each us were hoping to make sales that day and gain new readers. But we were all writers with something in common. I mean how many people can you really talk to about killing off your character without getting some looks. I’ll honestly admit I was a little surprised when some authors walked up to my table and showed an interest in my books. So try not think of the other authors as competition, but potential readers.
• Sharing tips. This follows up with the previous one. Aside from getting to chat with other writers, I got quite a lot of useful information, including where to order supplies like bookmarks, a number for a recommended cover designer, and more. Personally, I use Vista Print for business cards and labels but you can order cheaper bookmarks on GotPrint. (I learned this on a Facebook group) It’s important to remember that it is okay to share what you know and help out fellow authors. 
• Free stuff is a draw. Who doesn’t like getting free stuff? Especially when it comes to books. To grow my mailing list, I offered all new subscribers a free PDF copy of my book, The Beast. (The free offer isn’t available anymore but the link is for Amazon) Needless to say I had over ten new subscribers and there seemed to be a lot of interest in the book. Granted, I’m not sure if anyone ever read their free PDF copy, but it was worth it. Free stuff sells!

And finally…

• Have FUN! Your first signing/event can be stressful. You want to make a good impression. Maybe you’re worried that it won’t be successful. What defines what success is? Is it selling at least one book?  Making a certain dollar amount? Signing your first book? Meeting new people? Define your idea of a successful event and work toward achieving that goal. You also want to come fully prepared and not make any bad mistakes. So plan ahead. Mark the big day on your calendar and then start getting ready for it early. Do your research, make your signs and posters, spread the word on social media, order books and pick out your outfit. But don’t let all the preparations take the fun out of it! Your first event is one you’ll never forget and you want to enjoy it. You’ve come this far and you deserve to celebrate! 

Photo from the author fair. In case you’re wondering- my sister kindly agreed to dress up as the ‘Beast’ from the book. Love her! Make sure you follow her blog!

 

 

 

I hope this has been helpful. Have you already attended you’re first author event? How did it go? Tell me about it in the comments and if you have anymore suggestions or advice for a first author event please leave those as well. 

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Until next time, 

~Writer for Christ~