Dear readers, it’s about time your local author started giving out a bit of author advice again.

With Dread Reckoning’s release (link below if you’re interested), I’ve been thinking about the things I’ve learned and still am learning. One of the factors of writing that I went in being rather blind about was writer events, and I’m not the only one.

This past month I went to an author event where multiple authors were doing an event for the first time, and I found myself telling them a few things I want to share with you.

But let’s start at the beginning. “As a new or growing author, how do I even get writer events?”
Simple: Ask.

That can sound oversimplified, but that really is the root of it. I’m lucky enough that I’m something of an extrovert. So, this isn’t as hard for me as it is for some of the more introverted writers out there, but I promise that it’s worth it.

For one thing, most bookstores and events want authors like you and me to come to them. They want us to be willing to show up and tell our stories. So, asking a store if you can do a book signing, event, or whether they have resources for local authors, has little to no downsides.

Every place has its own little rules, but just about every store is willing to host indie authors because it helps both you and them sell books!

Now, let’s talk event prep.

#1 Do not buy a billion books. I know we all believe in the stories we tell, but a story that sells like hotcakes from day one is a rare thing indeed. Even big authors usually have more people come up to them with books to sign rather than buy one at the table. So, be reasonable when ordering book amounts for your event. For a 2-3 hour signing or event, I’d recommend 10 books as the max you bring.
[As a side note: order your books early because Amazon can take a month+ to get them to you, and it can be embarrassing to show up to a book event without books.]

#2 Business cards. This can take the form of bookmarks too, but have something you can give to those maybes that swing by or to those people who are only window shopping. It might not turn into anything, but you’ll miss every shot you don’t take. There are lots of great tips for what works out there, but if you want me to make a post about it myself, leave a comment below.

#3 Presentation. When you buy something from a store you weren’t expecting to, what was it that drew your eye? Think about things that will attract people to your table: signage, book stands, a candy bowl, a wooden crate (this is something I actually use, and it doubles as a good way to carry my books). You can adjust this to your book and theme. The point is, try to make your table pop and come alive. Make people want to come see what it’s all about.

These are all things you can plan and set up before the event starts. The last few things you need to get ready for during your event are your tech and your pitch.

Tech is a big one. We live in the modern world, and there are many bookstores that will ask you to bring your own payment method. Squares and other readers are great. But if you show up on the day and the device isn’t charged, there isn’t a plug, or you don’t know how to use it, you’ll find yourself in a bind. Make sure you test out your tech and know how to use it. Show your audience what the “professional” in professional author means.

Last but certainly not least, think about what you want to say to those who come by your table. Once again, I know the introverts in the room will want to say, ‘This is my book. Let me know if you have any questions.’ Many people who come by will understand, but that won’t do you any favors as far as sales. Speak out, “How’s your day going? Find any good books yet?” to get their attention, then invite them into your story.

Before the event, I also recommend workshopping some different blurbs and summaries for your stories. I wouldn’t recommend a script because people can hear memorization. Instead, try to figure out what phrases and ideas sell your story and work them into whatever your conversations develop into.

I can’t promise grand success with all of this advice, because, honestly, events are hard. Most people who come by your table won’t have come to see you intentionally, which means you have to start from zero when it comes to making that sale. Still, these steps I’ve laid out are easy things you and I can both do to make this just a little bit easier.

So go. Ask for an event, plan it out, and get your story out there where all the world can appreciate what you’ve been given.

Even now, Event seeking,
C.R. Ware