Are you planning to have a booth at a book festival, flea market or other festival or marketplace this year? Do you have a plan? Even a gimmick? Or do you believe that your book is so good that people will buy it as soon as they see it? It could happen. I\u2019ve seen books attract the immediate attention of visitors and fly out of the booth. But that is a rare occasion. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been doing book festivals for nearly 20 years\u2014maybe 50 or 60 of them total all over California as well as St. Louis, Tucson, New York, Atlanta and Arlington, TX. And I\u2019ve seen all types of books and many different selling styles. Basically, those who sell books are personable, friendly and they know how to reach out and communicate with others without being pushy or obnoxious. These authors know how to connect with other people. They generally have books with a genuinely interesting story or premise and these books usually have a cover that is pleasing to the eye or, perhaps, intriguing. <\/p>\n
Authors who can interest visitors in their books know how to describe their books. They may even ask the visitor a few questions before giving their spiel, so they are addressing the particular potential customer\u2019s needs, desires in this topic or theme, for example.<\/p>\n
These authors note benefits rather than features when describing their books. And some of them use gimmicks to attract people and sell books.<\/p>\n
What are some of the gimmicks you can use? Here are a few:
\n\u2022\tGive something away with the book. I know a lot of authors who place a CD in a pocket in the back of the book. But there are numerous items you can offer to those who purchase your book.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAttract visitors to your booth by handing out candy, pencils, fans, tote bags, small water bottles, etc.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCome up with a community project. This might be a giant crossword puzzle, a paint by number project, a writing challenge or a contest\u2014how many pennies in the jar, book give-away activity\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAsk booth visitors to help you come up with a title for your next book or to choose which cover they like best. Show them the trailer for your upcoming book to give them an idea of the content.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHave a sign-up sheet so you can stay in touch with those who bought your book and those who did not. Email them periodically with news about your book, announcement of a new book, your appearances, etc.<\/p>\n
I know a couple of authors who set up a small table outside of farmers\u2019 markets and they sell a glass of lemonade for $10 each and give away a copy of their bathroom humor book with each glass. Others dress in costume to reflect the theme or their books.<\/p>\n
There are many ways to use your personality and your imagination to make a bigger impression when you reserve a booth at a book festival. You\u2019ll find additional ideas in my latest book, \u201cTalk UP Your Book, How to Sell Books Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More.\u201d Available at Amazon.com in print, Kindle and audio. Can also be purchased at my website and at many book festivals throughout California. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/TalkUpYourBook.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you planning to have a booth at a book festival, flea market or other festival or marketplace this year? Do you have a plan? Even a gimmick? Or do you believe that your book is so good that people will buy it as soon as they see it? It could happen. I\u2019ve seen books […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t