Making the Most of Book Events
Today we have a guest post from Priya Desai.
If you are an author who has self-published, developing relationships with books stores and organising regular book events is essential! You need to get yourself out there and be seen, promoting your book.
Booksellers are on the shop floor for the majority of the day and don’t have as much times as us, for e-mails/phone calls etc. So, bare this in mind when you are arranging an event, as it may take some time to set something up. It took me six months to arrange my first Waterstone’s book reading!! Just be patient and don’t get disheartened.
Now, when your event is booked, you will feel fantastic, confident that you are heading in the right direction. This is a great feeling – use it to propel you forward. And think positively, you never know who you might meet!
On the day of the event, come prepared and bring fliers, business cards, colouring for children if you have a children’s book etc. If you are not doing a reading and are just ‘in store’, there will be an area designated for you. Whatever you do, don’t sit and wait for customers to approach you! They will not know who you are unless YOU tell them. Find your inner strength, get up and talk to customers; let them know who YOU are. I know it may be nerve wracking but you must make the most of your opportunity! Your endeavours to engage customers will encourage shop staff to further support you and help you sell your book. They are not going to be inspired if you are a silent, passive author!
So, try not to be too shy, be brave and leap into the unknown. After all, your book is really a part of you and who best to advertise it than yourself?
I would love to hear your experience at local book events – either as the author or a reader. Leave your comments below.
Author Bio: Priya Desai is a speech and language therapist who has written and self-published two children’s books; Benjamin Writer-Messy a story about a boy who has messy handwriting and Jake Monkey-Tail, a colourful story about a monkey that cannot spell! Both stories are perfect for children aged between 4-8 years of age. For more information about Priya’s work, please visit her website www.priyadesai.co.uk. Priya will be publishing more children’s books later on this year. You can also follow Priya on Twitter @priyaauthor.