How to... pick your Book Event
How to... pick your Book Event
This summer I am sharing some of my tips for attending book events, to hopefully aid new authors, and those stepping out to events for the first time.
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Today I am going to be sharing my insight into the events that I have attended, and what has worked for me.
Please keep in mind that I am a Fantasy author, so other genres might have a different result.
1. TYPE OF EVENTS & RESULTS
Book/Literary Events
Let's start with the most obvious one.
Clearly, Book and Literary Events are going to be solely focussed on books.
I think they're a great place to start, and excellent for meeting and networking with other authors. I always try to go to at least one Lit Event a year, as they are a lot of fun, and they help you to create connections with authors, and libraries (or wherever they are held).
A lot of these events are educational, as you often have talks on a variety of subjects - how to write; how to market; how the publishing world is changing, etc.
The downside - depending on your genre, don't expect a ton of sales.
Unless the event is genre-specific, there will be a mix of books available.
As a Fantasy author at generic book events, I have never sold more than 10 books.
You also have to consider the audience that attends these events. I find a lot of them are interested in getting into writing, and are looking for advice and inspiration.
I absolutely love talking to these people, and sharing what I've learnt. I was completely clueless when I first published, so if I can help some other writers avoid that, I consider it a win!
But... I find this audience is more hungry for information, than physical books. If they buy, it will often be just one book.
Comic-Cons
Photo courtesy of Liverpool Comic Con.
You have to try and find your target audience.
I've seen many fantastical books do well at comic-cons. So, that's Fantasy, Sci-fi, Paranormal, and Horror.
I love going to Comic-Cons, and tend to do one a month. I was blown away with how much fun my first one was. There's a great atmosphere, as attendees are there to meet famous people, take part in Cosplays, and yes, treat themselves to some goodies.
Maybe it's because there's a variety of stalls, and only a few authors; or maybe it's because people are of a spending mind-set; but I've always had excellent sales at a comic-con.
I tend to sell on average 20 books at the local 1 day events, and series work very well!
The first time someone bought a whole series, without ever having seen or read my work, I nearly panicked and wanted to tell the customer that she didn't have to!
I've yet to attend the larger multi-day comic cons, so can't provide any feedback from them at this time. I am hoping to get signed up for some next year.
Specialist Events - Steampunk Fairs; Horror Cons; Sci-Fi Events; Christmas Fairs etc...
Photo courtesy of Asylum Steampunk Festival in London.
There are so many different types of Specialist Events - I even saw one author friend recently went to a Faerie event (of which I'm very jealous)!
Which means there are so many ways of reaching your target audience.
I've only been to a few of the smaller, local ones, but even they out-sold every Lit Event I went to.
They were a lot of fun, and I enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion!
I'm hoping to expand into some more of these next year. I definitely want to go to the big Gothic Festival at Whitby one year, and make my little goth heart extremely happy!
2. HOW TO FIND & BOOK EVENTS
The "FIND" Bit
Facebook. Social Media. Google. Word of mouth.
I rely a lot on Facebook to find events that I'm interested in. Either by searching on there, or by joining some of the groups, like the Convention Traders UK, which is great group that shares their thoughts on various UK events.
Local writers' groups can help you to find new literary events in your area, and some even organise their own, like Promoting Yorkshire Authors, of which I am a member.
In the end, you've just got to take a gamble. Once you've tried a few events, you can see what works for you, which organisers you like, etc.
Once you've pegged some good organisers, I'd recommend joining their Facebook pages (sometimes they have special Trader Facebook pages, too). This way, you get ready information about upcoming events, and you're the first to know when they are taking bookings (some events book up very fast).
Some of the UK organisers I highly recommend are:
The "BOOK" Bit
This is fairly straight-forward. You contact the organisers via their website or email, and request more details, or book in.
You should get familiar with the organisers' booking dates for tradestands. Some are months ahead; others are much closer to the event - sometimes you even see posts promoting tickets available, before the traders have booked in!
Your table options should be fairly standard, and you usually don't get a choice of where you are going to be located.
If you do get the option - the main floor generally tends to be more profitable than side rooms/balconies etc. As attendees don't always explore the full expanse of the event.
Note - not all events have 'main rooms'. I have been to many that are made up of seperate rooms/floors, and I haven't noticed any benefit to being in a particular spot.
You will sometimes be asked if you want to pay extra for a backing table, but you don't want one. Backing tables are for traders who use the area behind them to display their wares.
3. WHAT TO DO NEXT
See my "Getting Ready" post for more practical tips.
In the meantime, there are little bits you can do to digitally.
Most of the events will advertise to their followers that you will be one of the attending authors - make sure you do the same!
Share their posts, and in the run-up to the big day, make your own posts on social media to say that you will be attending. We can all do our little thing to increase foot-traffic on the day, to make the event a success; and it's good to let your followers know where and when they can buy signed books from you!
On top of social media, I also include my upcoming events in my newsletter. I know that I only have so many followers based in the UK, but it's always nice to include - I think (hope) it makes me look more professional!
I'd love to hear information on your favourite events as an author!Post below to share where you are based, and your insight!
Today's rambling has been brought you by muggins, a.k.a. the author, K.S. Marsden.
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