Book events…
I love them. Being at them, participating in them. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? Like many authors, I’m an introverted and shy guy who sits down at his laptop a lot to pound the keys and do my storytelling. (I couldn’t finish all those novel-writing marathons any other way.) But I also enjoy discussing reading, writing, and the book business with readers who honor me by attending these events. Sometimes I’m alone; other times not, and then I can also have those same discussions with other authors in attendance. Beats socializing with doctors, that’s for sure!
Book events come in all flavors—not exactly 31, but enough to test an author’s creativity and insecurity. Much more so than an art show. While every painting tells a visible story and has its own story (my father exhibited his art work a lot), a book contains the quintessential story between its covers. Words on its pages are the modern equivalent of words uttered around an ancient campfire during human prehistory.
Book signings come to mind first. I like them least, although signings are often included in my other book events. Sitting behind a table stacked with a bunch of books, pen in hand, with readers lining up in front of the table, doesn’t appeal to me as much as other events…and too many celebs do them. And, contrary to book marketing gurus’ opinions, standing up behind the table doesn’t bring you any closer to your readers either, and I get tired too easily doing it.
I prefer events where I have a chance to chat with readers. The Q&A at the end of a lecture, a panel discussion, a book fair with its wonderful chaos of readers and writers mingling together—that’s all more appealing to me.
No matter the event, it’s not a book event if you don’t have some of your books there. You can buy your books at authors’ prices and make a wee bit off the margin on each copy you sell, but you should always offer attending readers a deal. Your initial outlay is contained in those author copies, and posters, bookmarks, and any ancilliary marketing literature you offer (book reviews, your bio, oeuvre list, and so forth). All up-front costs are worth it because more readers will know about your books.
Locales are optional. Libraries are obvious ones, and many have meet-and-greet events so readers can chat with local authors. Bookstores too. I prefer small bookstores for the intimacy, but that has to be balanced with space requirements. (That ubiquitous table takes up room!) Coffee shops are gooid too, especially if you have a themed panel discussion (“Today’s Thrillers” and “Dystopian Novels” are two examples). I have lots of ideas for these. Supermarkets? Sure. The majority of readers are women. (At the risk of sounding sexist, I don’t see many men at grocery stores.) Arts and crafts fairs? Certainly. Writing, if not an art, is certainly a craft.
I’ll be participating again in the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Show on November 3 and 4; it’ sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair. The last time I participated, I was one of only two book booths; the other was run by a representative of a children’s book publisher, so I was the only author. But it was a great festive pre-holiday setting and a lot of fun. By having a mostly captive audience as far as books go, I’m able to discuss reading, writing, and the publishing business with all who stop by. And, yes, I sell and sign my books as well.
Last year I gave a lecture at the Montclair Women’s Club (yes, Montclair has two), with Q&A and book sales and signing. Good thing I have a lot of smart, strong women as main characters in my novels. All these local women are indeed avid readers! (To be fair, there are always gents in the crowd too.)
Montclair has a lot of book events, and with good reason: the city is full of screenwriters, TV producers, editors, and writers due to its proximity to NYC. And local readers, knowing there are local authors in their midst, love to meet and chat with them.
Everyone at the book events I’ve attended, including my own, is interested in print books. It’s fun to see a reader hold a print edition in their hands and lovingly examine it. I always receive some questions about my ebooks, but print is always the emphasis. I might have to add some new print versions corresponding to already existing ebook versions. Projects and investments for another day? Or, I can just try to have print versions done as well as ebooks for my new novels (the small presses I work with certainly do that, but the extra cost adds up for my indie books).
I wish I could do more book events. They might be old-fashioned in this age of internet marketing and social media, but they’re a lot of fun. But preparation is often time-consuming, and the events often exhaust me. I think they’re worth it, though, if only to chat with readers.
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Comments are always welcome!
Local clubs and organizations interested in my participation in their book events can use my contact page to query me. (For additional information, please see the bottom of my “Join the Conversation” web page.)
At the Holly Berry Show, please look for me just to the right of the auditorium entrance. Books available this year will be the mystery/thriller novels Rembrandt’s Angel and The Midas Bomb, the sci-fi novel Rogue Planet, and two A. B. Carolan sci-fi mysteries for young adults, The Secret Lab and The Secret of the Urns, all at special show prices. See you there! Nov. 3 and 4, The Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair (Montclair, NJ). That’s tomorrow and Sunday, folks!
In libris libertas!
