Getting our books in front of people is always a challenge. And although a large percentage of books are purchased online we still need that personal touch. Those readers, once they have discovered our books will go online and buy more of our books and hopefully, become lifelong fans. Brick and mortar book stores are becoming dinosaurs so there are fewer places to have book signings. We need to be creative in finding a public place to draw attention to our work. Let me share from my experience and that of others.

I was a vendor at two different events so far this summer. One gave me nice sales, the other zero sales. I’ve been vending books as part of my marketing since my first book came out. Some venues were wonderful, others were disappointing.

I’ve been reading articles lately on finding the right venues. And seeking recommendations from others. This is a small part of my marketing plan but still needs careful considered. My time is valuable.

Here is my list of suggestions:

Library fairs

If your goals to network, add people to your newsletter and meet readers, these are great locations. But authors sell few to no books. Most of the patrons who come to these events are there to borrow free books from the library.

The library may support their local authors but patrons may not. They often ask if the author will donate their books to the library. I’ve only had one library that actually bought my books to add to their shelves. My book in their library gets my name out there.

Some library events are run so well that book sales are consistently good. Ask other authors about their experience. Try the venue once and decide for yourself. Your time is precious, don’t waste it.

Book Expos

These events are huge, expensive, and according to my sources you will sell out because the attendees are there to buy books. I’ve no experience here because I keep learning about them after the fact. Again ask other authors who have attended.

Art Events

I’ve gone to two of these events. One was a special night involving a small art gallery in town. I’d set my contemporary romance New Duet in my town. New Duet had a scene in that gallery. They were more than willing to include me in their event. I sold lots of books. Artists support the arts. My most recent event was an Author Fair in an art gallery in another town. Most of the vendors sold zero books. It was poorly attended. The library had an event on the same day and the layout for the author tables could have been better. I was with those in the basement level, and we saw even fewer people. There was no rhyme or reason to the table layouts. Grouping by genre can help with sales. I was offered a full table, and got only half a table. I managed, but it took a bit of reworking to create a nice display.

Festivals

I’ve had a booth at a small town’s festival about an hour from my home twice. Both times I’ve sold books. This last time I sold three times as many. I was the only book vendor. There were die-hard readers there. And the attendees were ready to spend money.

Venues that match your genre

A children’s author might consider asking a toy store if they can do a book signing there or at an elementary school.

Fantasy writers might consider asking a local Renaissance Faire, or sign up for a booth at a Com a Con event. Renaissance fairs might be a good site for Medieval Romances writers too.

Wrote a DIY book- perhaps a hardware store would feature you.

How about Westerns at rodeo events?

Historical books at museums. If the time period you write in is reflected in the museum, then approach the curator about placing your book in the gift shop or having a book signing there.

Local marketplace events

Many towns and churches have marketplace events. A craft-type fair to showcase local artists. And writers are artists. We create with words. I’ve sold quite a few books at events like these

Farmer’s Market

Depending on what other types of vendors are there, this could be a great opportunity. They are open every weekend. Some farmer’s markets are strictly produce, and plants. Others have food vendors, bakers, crafters, and other home businesses. Those are the ones you are most likely to sell books. Unless the weather is terrible, the Farmer’s Market is well-attended.

That’s my list so far, how about you? Do you have suggestions for book sales locations? Leave them in the comments, please.

As her husband’s evil deeds haunt a mail-order bride from the grave, can she learn to trust again and open her heart to true love? Jed has his own nightmares from a POW camp and understands Delilah better than she knows herself. Can two broken people form a forever bond?

What readers are saying:

What a delight. This book had villains you loved to hate and broken characters you could relate to. I read it in less than a day. (housework had to wait)

My favorite snippet of a scene is. (His hands stilled. The storm shrank to a small place in his mind.) Wow, that’s good writing.

It describes with such depth and with such few words what it is to trust in God during a storm/crisis.
Good job, worth the read.

Heather R.