Event Selling

 

Go Local: Selling at Author Events, Farmers’ Markets, and Craft Fairs

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Feeling digital burnout? Meet readers in person—2026 is all about thriving in community spaces.

Why Local Events Work?

• No Algorithms: Direct interaction—just you and the reader.

• Instant Profit: Immediate payment, no royalty delays.

• Local Appeal: A “Local Author” sign is powerful marketing.

Advertise where you will be on Social Media Events and Posts

• Take advantage of FREE social media “press.”

Booth Tips

• Engage Actively: Stand up, start conversations.

• Give Value: Bookmarks or free short stories with QR codes.

• Visual Storytelling: Props that match your genre/story.

• Bundle Deals: “Event Day Only” specials like series discounts or tote bags.

Obtain Emails

Collect emails. Use sign-up sheets or QR codes with incentives.

The Power of In-Person Author Events

Beyond markets, author events attract “power readers.”

1. Indie Signing Events

• Collaboration: Share fans with other authors.

• Super-Fans: Signed books boost loyalty.

2. Micro-Launches

• Partner with local bookstores or libraries for readings/Q&A.

• Hand out coupons for your direct shop.

3. Stress-Free Setup

• Pre-packed “Go-Bag”: POS system, sign-up sheet, quality swag.

Here’s a practical Author Event Checklist based on your blog:

✅ Pre-Event Prep

• [ ] Pack your Go-Bag:

• Mobile POS (Square reader or QR code for Venmo/PayPal)
• Physical email sign-up sheet + pens
• Swag: high-quality bookmarks, stickers, or small giveaways

• [ ] Prepare genre-themed props (e.g., lantern for fantasy, “Top Secret” folder for thrillers)

• [ ] Print a “Local Author” sign

• [ ] Create event-specific discount codes (e.g., MARKET20)

✅ Booth Setup

• [ ] Stand up – either behind or if possible, in front of your table—don’t hide by sitting

• [ ] Display books attractively (stacked or fanned out)

• [ ] Add visual storytelling elements to make your booth a destination

• [ ] Offer bundle deals (e.g., “Buy 2, get a Free gift or a percentage off the purchase of a 3rd book.”)

✅ Engagement Strategy

• [ ] Greet visitors with a friendly question:

“What’s the last great book you read?”

• [ ] Hand out value-add giveaways (bookmark with QR code or a free short story)

• [ ] Promote your mailing list with an incentive (e.g., “Sign up for a chance to win an ebook”)

✅ Post-Event Follow-Up

• [ ] Add collected emails to your newsletter list

• [ ] Track sales using your payment software (such as Square)

• [ ] Share event photos on social media to keep momentum

To turn a casual passerby into a customer, your booth needs to act as a visual hook, and your greeting needs to be a low-pressure bridge.

Start a Conversation

Genre-Specific Table Props

Your table shouldn't just look like a "bookstore shelf"—it should look like a portal into your world

The Approach (The "No-Pressure" Hook)

The biggest mistake authors make is sitting behind the table or asking, "Would you like to buy a book?" This triggers a "sales defense" in people.

Try these 3 low-pressure opening lines instead:

 * The "Genre" Question: "Are you a fan of [Genre] stories, or are you just browsing for gifts today?" * Why it works: It helps you categorize them immediately without being pushy.

 * The "Vibe" Hook: "If you like [Famous Movie/Book], you might enjoy the world I've built here." * Why it works: It gives them a familiar mental anchor.

 * The "Prop" Icebreaker: If they look at your props (like a dragon egg), say: "That egg actually plays a pretty big part in Chapter 3."

   * Why it works: It’s a natural conversation starter about the story, not the sale.

The Elevator Pitch (The 10-Second Hook)

Once they stop, you need a one-sentence "hook" that explains the stakes of your book.

•  Formula: "My book is about [Protagonist] who has to [Action] before [Stakes/Bad Thing] happens."
• Example: "It’s a cozy mystery about a baker who has to solve a murder before her grand opening, or she’ll be the one ending up behind bars."

Closing the Direct Sale

If they seem interested but hesitant, offer them a "market-exclusive" reason to buy now:

 * "If you pick up a copy today, I can sign it for you and include this limited-edition bookmark."

 * "I'm actually doing a 'Market Bundle' today—if you grab the first two, I'll take $5 off."

Pro-Tip: If they still aren't ready to buy, don't let them walk away empty-handed. Give them a business card with a QR code for a free sample chapter. This gets them into your "Direct-to-Consumer" funnel later!

Happy Selling