Do’s
- Engage: Stand up when greeting readers (if able); it’s more welcoming and personable. Make eye contact, smile, and be ready to start a friendly conversation.
- Capture Reader Information: Bring a sign-up sheet or a tablet to capture reader emails. Building a contact list of interested readers is just as valuable as selling a book on the spot. Consider offering a small incentive, like a free chapter or a future discount, for those who sign up.
- Bring Swag and Extras: Bring bookmarks, postcards, or small giveaways related to your book. These little mementos are a great way for readers to remember you, even if they don’t buy your book immediately.
- Display Your Books and Branding Well: Bring a 2’ x 6’ table cover, a stand to showcase your books, and an eye-catching banner or sign. A tidy, visually appealing table invites browsers to stop and explore.
- Have a Simple Pitch Ready: Prepare a short, compelling pitch for your book that you can share in under a minute. It should give readers an idea of your story, its appeal, and why they’d love it. Pro-tip courtesy of Ben Wolf: Place a physical book in the reader's hands—psychology says they're more likely to buy!
- Encourage Photos and Social Media Shoutouts: Invite readers to take photos with you or your book and share them on social media. This can increase your visibility and is also a fun way to connect with fans online. Have your social handles visible for easy tagging.
- Have a Helper, If Possible: If you can, bring a friend or assistant to help manage the table, take photos, or hand out materials. This allows you to focus on interacting with readers and signing books without feeling rushed. Authors can bring assistants at no extra cost by using the form here: **https://form.smartsuite.com/so8pqexh/CFOkZQq1tA**
- Follow Up with Email Subscribers: After the event, send a warm follow-up email to everyone who signed up, thanking them for coming and offering any promised materials or follow-up content.
Don’ts
- Don’t Check Your Phone Excessively: Avoid checking your phone too often. It can give the impression of disinterest. If you need to check something, keep it brief and step away if possible.
- Don’t Be Discouraged by Slow Moments: Some parts of the event might be quieter than others. Use these times to tidy your table, restock, or chat with other authors. Stay positive and be ready to engage when new readers approach.
- Don’t Take It Personally if Someone Isn’t Interested: Not everyone who passes by will be interested in your genre or ready to buy. Don’t be discouraged—thank them for stopping and encourage them to tell friends who might enjoy your work.
- Avoid Overselling: A hard sell can turn readers off. Share what makes your book unique, but let the reader feel in control of the decision (e.g., give them options: ‘This one’s great for fans of X, while this one leans more toward Y.’). A relaxed approach can often be more effective in building genuine interest.
- Don’t Make Negative Comments About Other Genres: Respect all readers' preferences, even if they aren’t into your genre. Keep comments positive and inclusive. This builds goodwill and makes you approachable to a wider audience.
- Don’t Let the Conversation Only Be About Your Book: Avoid monologuing about your book. Instead, keep a back-and-forth conversation going. Ask readers about their favorite genres, recent reads, or why they love books. Showing genuine interest in their preferences makes a memorable impression and can build rapport quickly.
- Don’t Forget to Take Breaks: Standing all day can be exhausting! Take quick breaks and hydrate as needed. If you need someone to watch your table during a break, just flag down one of our volunteers. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water—it's a lifesaver in the Vegas dry heat!
- Don’t Let Negative Feedback Shake You: Occasionally, someone might share a critique or preference that doesn’t align with your work. Smile, thank them for their feedback, and move forward. Remember, everyone has unique tastes!