Over the past five years, I have participated in several book festivals. I’ve had a multitude of experiences and I’ve met a lot
of authors who I keep in touch with today.
I have been intentional about finding people who I genuinely connect
with, to share information and work together in this literary game to get our stories
out into the world. At the end of the
day, if people don’t know you, they can’t buy your book. What is your next move?
o Smile
always
o Stand
occasionally (or at least when readers are at your table)
o Be
genuine
o Tell
the reader about your book in 30 seconds or less
o Engage
fellow authors - you just might find a business partner - this is a business.
o Engage
readers (e.g. What kind of books do you like to read? Are you familiar with my
work?)
o Introduce
other authors to readers
o Capture
email addresses of the readers – your most valuable asset
o Flood
social media sites with content about you, the event, authors, and quotes from
experts. (e.g. on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope, YouTube,
Pinterest) - If you’re not social, you’re not visible. Which site are your
readers on?
o Connect
with other authors on social media -- expand your network.
o Take
pictures with readers (book clubs) and ask for permission to post
the pictures
o Tag other authors
(with permission and if they are in the picture)
o In
addition to your hash tags, use the event's hashtag (e.g. #NBBF2015)
o Text
your friends /family and ask them to share your posts/status updates
o Do
a give-a-way for liking your Author page, for buying your book, for providing
an email address, signing up for your newsletter, etc
o Leave
comments about books you’ve read on social media sites, GoodReads, Amazon, Nook
o Create
an Author Page on Amazon, GoodReads, FaceBook and do a give-a-way
o Drink
plenty of water
o Maintain
fresh breath
o Remember,
readers come to the festival with a budget to buy books
o Keep
in touch
Have fun and enjoy the experience!
Choices Within, LLC
...unleash the power within you.
Choices Within, LLC
...unleash the power within you.
