![]() This was my first time at L.A. Book Festival and to say I was intimidated initially is an understatement. The festival attracts close to 150,000 people over the weekend. My publisher, Move Books, LLC, was booked for another event in New England but I was curious so I offered to "staff" their booth at the California event. I thought it would be a great way to meet and greet readers. I figured it would be an easy weekend. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. But after this weekend I'm already looking forward to doing it again next year. Here's some tips for those who are curious: It's not necessary to be a speaker on a panel to draw a crowd: I was not speaking on panels and as a result was not on the "author" list online. That was odd because the publisher had confirmations from them that I was signing at the booth both days. Probably a glitch. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't draw an audience or would be at a disadvantage. But at book festivals I discovered most of the attendees are fans of reading. Many people are coming to buy books and discover new authors. They aren't all coming to sit in an audience. There's just too many booths to explore. So there was constant traffic at the Move Books booth and I was asked to autograph books all day both days. Going to a panel might have actually reduced sales. ![]() Wear comfortable shoes and bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. Be prepared to not have time for lunch, exploring, or bathroom breaks. You'll be on your feet a lot. Although not every reader was a "buyer", everyone who stopped by the booth was interested in hearing about the books we had, took bookmarks, asked if my book was available online, or at the library. This is marketing. Be kind and enthusiastic, even to the adults. Many want to "talk.". Ask questions and engage the readers. The next time a reader sees your name or your book, you won't be "just another face in the crowd." People who express interest and walk away often come back. Not all readers are converted to buyers on the first meeting. I was surprised at how many readers showing interest in my series came back the next day to make a purchase. Most explore the full festival before deciding what to take home (plus carting books around all day gets heavy). Be nice. And if you write other things, let them know. I made a lot of connections with educators. And was surprised at how many people recognized my books published at Scholastic. Now they can put my face with the other books they'd been reading all along. Plan on coming back the next year. One buyer came by the booth asking if I knew the location of another author's work. I didn't. The woman didn't know the name of the publisher, just the name of the book. She'd seen the book two consecutive years and didn't buy it. This year she came back specifically to get THAT book and get an autograph. We found the title on Amazon then looked to see if the booth was listed at the festival. It wasn't. So be warned. Sometimes "sales don't happen" on the first impression. But it doesn't mean a reader isn't thinking about you. While at our tent she asked about my series and later in the weekend came back to buy a set of books. ![]() That is why I was glad to not be limited to a two-hour block of time for autographs. People could find me anytime they dropped by. At conferences I post a sign when I'm on panels to say when I'll return, but for the most part, at a festival, large crowds (including interested adults) swarm the area all day long making it hard for me to even get to the booths next door and across from us to get autographs from authors I admired. What if my publisher isn't going to be there (or isn't sponsoring me?) Make note of which bookstores have tents. We were next to two which were handling sales for large publishers like Scholastic, MacMillan and HarperCollins. If your publisher isn't going to have a booth, contact one of the bookstores to see if they'd allow you to have a signing block. Some festivals (such as Tuscon Book Festival) actually have a sign-up process and the festival will handle the book sales. If they say yes, then promote yourself and let people know you're signing in advance. Bookstores are in the business of selling books. Do your part and let your followers know where to find you. BUT - drumroll - Most festivals will allow you to share a tent. So band together with friends. I partnered with Elm Books (run by Leila Monaghan who also hosts the Kids of Color Childrens Book page on Facebook. We shared a tent at Tuscon book festival because my own publisher didn't have a booth there. I still sold most of the books I carried with me. So don't have publisher support? Find colleagues and ask if they want to share a booth. ![]() Bring marketing materials even if your publisher doesn't provide them. A lot of teachers and students come as a field trip on Saturday. I brought business cards, bookmarks and had a teacher sign-up sheet for those wanting information about my series or school visits. My publisher (can I tell you how much I love them?!?) sent two cases of backpacks with my book logo on them instead of their own. I was thrilled! Don't Be An Island All around you are other authors who are just as passionate about their own books. If you're not promoting books, then go to their panels and signings. Show them some love. Take photos and put them on social media. We're a village and helping to promote your colleagues will help promote you too. Most of all, have a blast. You'll be exhausted at the end of the two days but it will be worth it. I promise. ![]() Christine Taylor-Butler is the author of more than 70 books for children. Her current passion is her contemporary sci-fi/fantasy The Lost Tribes about five children who learn they play a role in saving the world. When not writing, she is a freelance editor, and community volunteer. She's also a closet ballroom dancer, artist and personal servant of a cat and tank of fish. You can find her on Twitter: @ChristineTB Instagram: @christinetaylorbutler Facebook: ChristineTaylorButler.ChildrensAuthor, Website: www.ChristineTaylorButler.com The Lost Tribes Series: www.TheLostTribesSeries.com
14 Comments
2/13/2023 12:17:56 am
When attending an outdoor book fair or event, it may be useful to make note of which bookstores have tents for several reasons. First, bookstores with tents may be easier to locate and navigate, as they are often set up in a designated area. Second, having a tent can provide shelter from the elements, such as rain or sun, making it more comfortable to browse and purchase books. Third, tents may also offer a better browsing experience, as they provide more space to display and organize books compared to bookstores that only have tables or booths. Overall, keeping track of which bookstores have tents can help to optimize one's experience at an outdoor book fair or event.
Reply
4/8/2023 04:51:35 am
Hello
Reply
5/2/2023 03:54:33 am
Overall, real estate can be a valuable and rewarding investment opportunity for those willing to put in the time, effort, and resources required to succeed. Whether you're looking to build a diversified investment portfolio, generate rental income, or achieve long-term appreciation, real estate offers a range of options and strategies for investors of all types.
Reply
7/5/2023 02:17:08 am
For commercial settings or public spaces, step treads may need to comply with specific accessibility standards to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In such cases, treads must meet requirements for surface texture, dimensions, and visibility, enabling safe and easy passage for all users.
Reply
7/13/2023 02:04:21 am
Picture frames also have a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. They offer protection and preservation for delicate artworks and photographs, shielding them from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Additionally, frames with glass or acrylic covers can safeguard the contents from fading or discoloration caused by harmful UV rays, ensuring that the cherished memories remain vibrant and intact for years to come.
Reply
7/13/2023 11:57:39 pm
In terms of materials, picture frames can be crafted from a wide range of substances, including wood, metal, plastic, and even unconventional materials like seashells or reclaimed materials. Each material brings its unique texture, color, and durability to the frame, adding to its overall visual appeal. Wood frames, for example, exude a warm and natural charm, while metal frames can convey a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Reply
Angelina
7/19/2023 01:27:47 am
The city's furniture markets are renowned for their quality craftsmanship and competitive prices, making it a haven for furniture enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. <a href="https://3dinterior.biz/">best furniture shop in lahore</a>.
Reply
7/20/2023 09:29:55 am
Fascinating! Your expressive writing is impressive. As a skilled blogger, I'm looking forward to more of your wonderful posts.
Reply
7/26/2023 09:38:21 am
LYB Locksmith Tennessee offers these services to people who live in or around Tennessee. They can help you when you need to get into a locked place, make new keys for your locks, or fix broken locks.
Reply
8/10/2023 10:57:04 am
Woodworkers and carpenters rejoice in the rotary tool's aptitude for sculpting, carving, and smoothing surfaces. Its ability to access tight nooks and crannies, where traditional tools struggle to reach, opens up a world of possibilities for intricate woodworking projects. Yet, its prowess isn't limited to woodworking; it effortlessly transitions to the domain of metalwork, grinding, polishing, and deburring metal surfaces to a mirror-like finish.
Reply
jack wick
8/15/2023 11:40:54 am
Mombasa, Kenya – a captivating blend of vibrant culture, stunning coastal beauty, and rich history. <a href="https://www.exclusivetravel.co/destinations/africa/kenya/mombasa/mombasa_gallery/mombasa-pics-index5.html">Mombasa Kenya</a>
Reply
8/16/2023 08:15:04 am
Car rental agencies operate in airports, city centers, and popular tourist destinations, making it convenient for travelers to pick up and drop off vehicles according to their itineraries. This accessibility has contributed to the rise of road trips and self-guided tours, as tourists can easily rent a car at one destination and return it at another, exploring diverse routes in between.
Reply
9/8/2023 03:22:53 am
Moreover, the versatility of 3D posture analysis is evident in its applications within virtual reality and gaming. VR developers leverage this technology to create immersive experiences where a user's body movements are accurately tracked and integrated into the virtual world. This not only enhances the realism of VR experiences but also opens up new avenues for interactive and physically engaging gaming.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with awesome Aussie debut author and former student Amanda Lieber who will be focusing on Aussie kidlit. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info. 4th Mondays will be a mystery for right now. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
September 2023
|