So here's the scene. You've published your first book and you want to take it on the road. There's a book festival 30 miles away and you think to yourself, "Hey, let's go sell some books!" That's a great first instinct, but showing up to the event with books is not the end of the story. Here are some recommendations on how to make your first event a success.
Questions to ask yourself or the organizer before you arrive
- Are tables provided?
- Is it an indoor or outdoor event?
- What's the weather looking like? If the festival is outdoors and it's been raining, it's a guarantee the ground will be muddy.
These events are a fantastic opportunity to build your audience one sale at a time. You'll be in front of an audience that supports indie authors, so put your best foot forward with the suggestions below.
- Set up a Venmo account. Some customers prefer this form of payment over any other.
- Bring about $40 in fives and singles. Customers will show up with cash, and if your book doesn't sell for $20 (the most common bill you'll see), you need to be able to break it.
- Get a POS system. It should support tap to pay, which speeds up transactions. It should also integrate with your email list so you can build your newsletter. (Cabins Press has this built in and your phone probably has a built-in chip reader.)
- Bring more inventory than you think you'll need, but also be emotionally prepared to sell less than you expect.
- Bring props that enhance your book. A centerpiece tied to your novel is a great conversation starter.
- Bring water. You'll be talking A LOT. And snacks. You might not have any time to go get food.
- Work on your appearance. You are part of the display. People will look at you. But dress according to the weather, too.
- Bring giveaways for the kids. (Kids loooove stickers!) It's a great way to engage potential customers.
- Have a QR code available that directs people to your website or Venmo account.
- Work on expanding your email list and audience. This is critical to long-term success.
- Don't sit behind your display. Get out front so people can see your face.
- Avoid banal small talk. Have an elevator pitch about yourself and about each of your books, and practice it on a friend or family member.
- Bring a friend to help out. It's a small boost of confidence, and handling the books, the money, and the pitching can be a lot for one person. You'll also want someone to watch your display when you run to the bathroom.
- If you sell out, you should offer sell-to-ship option. Make a sale now, and ship your customer the book when you get home, given you have more inventory at home. Cabins Press has this options.
- Arrive at the beginning of the setup window, not the end. Early-bird shoppers are pretty typical, and you don't want the stress of rushing around.