Today I’m giving my readers a second look at a post from a year and a half ago which gives suggestions on how to increase sales of our books. A few things have changed since then but the basic advice is still very timely. Click here to go directly to the post. Enjoy!
Have you ever wanted to write a book or to meet published authors face-to-face? On Civic Holiday, Monday, August 1, 2016, you are invited to meet 6 London area authors, face-to-face, and peruse their books at a fabulous event hosted by Chapters, Wellington Road, and the London Writers Society.
You Are Invited
What: The London Writers Society Inaugural Authors Day. Six featured local authors will speak about their writing and be available for book signings.
When: Civic Holiday Monday (Aug. 1) from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Chapters Book Store, 1037 Wellington Road, London, Ontario (519) 685-1008
Who:Six local authors whose storytelling and writing matches that of best selling authors. Featured authors will be:
Pat Brown, prolific author of gritty detective mysteries and historical fiction.
Elaine Cougler, award-winning author of an historical fiction trilogy based on the Loyalists.
Colin Forbes, writer of a thought-provoking autobiography about his work as a physician on four continents.
Rita Hartley, author of a compelling memoir about trekking back from loss to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
John Matsui, award-winning writer who’s won critical acclaim for his urban fantasies and thrillers.
Aldous Richards, author of acclaimed sci-fi literature
Why: Fans around the world know these talented writers. The London Writers Society wants to introduce their works to a wider local audience.
What reviewers are saying about:
KRONOS DUET by Aldous Richards- “it will leave you breathless.”
LATE BITE by John Matsui- “Kept me up all night.”
LONG CLIMB BACK by Rita Hartley- “Clever and witty and inspiring throughout.”
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART by Dr. Colin Forbes- “(Forbes is) deserving of the word – humanitarian.”
THE LOYALIST’S WIFE by Elaine Cougler- “Her storytelling ability is awesome.”
L.A. HEAT by Pat Brown- “Brutal, Thrilling, Romantic and HOT.”
So now you have all the info. Here’s the blatant promotion part: Please come and say hi to these six authors. We’ll be delighted to chat with you and tell you all our tricks. You can see how extraordinarily different we all are. You can even buy our books! 🙂
Here’s a book display I did early on in my new-author-selling-books career. It’s not bad but below is a list of things I’ve learned along the way and I hope some of them are useful to other authors.
20+ Ways to Make Your Book Table a Book SALES Table
Plan ahead. The morning of the event is too late.
The number of copies of books you have should correspond to the size of the event. Extra books can be stored under the table or in your car, just in case.
Make up a price sign and get a plastic display case to hold it upright on your table. This saves people the embarassment of having to ask.
Get your photo taken for marketing and display it on your cards or other handouts.
Do not put candies on your table. Too messy. Give out bookmarks and/or other items instead. (business cards)
Take a tablecloth that matches your covers well in case the venue has nothing on the tables.
Have a signup form for your list, either soliciting through a free draw or inviting those who buy your books. (MailChimp)
Maybe put a pick up sheet of Raving Readers’ Comments on your table.
Dress the part. Maybe a costume if you want and it’s applicable but definitely nicely.
Bring your smile. A friendly face will go a long way to getting people to stop at your table.
When they do, have a good opening question ready. I use several such as “Are you a reader?” “Do you like historical fiction?” “Enjoying the event?” Anything that shows you’re human and approachable. And don’t look desperate!
If people are reading the back of your book, let them. Especially if they seem not to want to talk.
Get there early to set up.
Remember not everyone is a reader or a reader of your genre. It’s okay.
Make people feel welcome whether they buy or not.
If they are rushing by, let them.
Know about the other vendors and their books so you can help them sell, especially if you’re talking to someone who loves science fiction and you sell children’s books. Direct them to your fellow author’s table.
Autograph books ahead of time, then add a personal note if they ask. Saves loads of time.
Your autograph is a selling feature. Emphasize that you have personally autographed books for sale.
Take your banners with you and use them if there is room. You can’t put them up if they’re at home.
There are many ways to have success at your table. Getting readers to sign up for your list, having readers notice you and your books, getting a query about speaking gigs, and, of course, making a book sale right then and there.
Take your Square gizmo so that you can accept credit cards. Lots of people don’t carry cash so be ready for them. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to turn away a sale becaue you’re not signed up for Square.
Good Luck! Of course you’ll make most of your own luck.
Today I’m giving my readers a second look at a post from a year and a half ago which gives suggestions on how to increase sales of our books. A few things have changed since then but the basic advice is still very timely. Click here to go directly to the post. Enjoy!
