Selling Booksbook fairs | Selling Books http://www.sellingbooks.com Your Guide to Writing, Publishing and Marketing Books and Ebooks Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Ten Things an Author Should Remember When Having a Booth at a Festival or Fairhttp://www.sellingbooks.com/author-booth-at-a-festival-or-fair/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/author-booth-at-a-festival-or-fair/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:59 +0000 BetsyLampe http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=14840

Working an author booth at a local festival or fair can be a fun way to directly connect with the community. It can land you contacts that can lead to other appearances, and you can most times sell your product directly to the public. But, as with all things, it pays to be prepared.
1. If Outside, Prepare for Bad or Changing Weather. Prepare for temperature swings in the spring and fall (big festival times of year); prepare to pack up or cover up the booth quickly to protect product; protect yourself from the sun, which is actually closer to Earth in winter; and always be personally prepared for rain. Your booth may be a long distance from your vehicle.
2. Follow the Event’s Guidelines to the Letter. Review the guidelines before you go. Know what you can and can’t do.
3. Take a Small Cooler. Bring a cooler filled with ice and your favorite refreshments. Don’t forget medications that must be cooled.
4. Plan for Payment. If you will be selling your product to the public, plan ahead for how you will receive payment. Will you take credit cards? If so, how? Will you accept checks? Will you hold off on shipment until they clear? Will you accept cash? If so, plan to bring change and a receipt book.
5. Plan to Pay Taxes on Sales. Don’t plan on ignoring the fact that you should be collecting sales taxes (if applicable in your state) from customers and then paying the state (that’s cheating and your state needs the taxes you collect now more than ever); instead, read up on sales taxes before you go. For me, the State of Florida offers much assistance at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/sales_tax.html. Check with your state’s sales tax division to learn the specifics that apply to you.
6. Don’t Forget Your Business Cards. You never know who you’ll meet. Make it easy for them to connect with you after the event.
7. Bring Flyers on Your Products. Many people won’t buy at the show but will buy later from home on their computer or other digital device. Make sure your product’s flyer gives them the information they need to buy after the show. You may even want to offer a show (fair or festival) discount to encourage at-show sales.
8. Bring a Cover for the Table. Many festivals’ tables are in awful shape or just downright ugly, and you can cover them quickly and easily with a colorful, freshly laundered twin flat sheet or rectangular table cloth.
9. Bring a Stand for Your Product. Don’t put your book down flat on a table. Get it up on a book stand so it can be seen by passersby. You can get inexpensive, acrylic ones at an office supply store.
10. Print Signs at Home. Don’t make handwritten signs when you get to the festival; they look tacky and homespun. Decide what you want to say on your signs, print them in large, large type (that can be seen from across the aisle) and slip them in clear acrylic sign holders (again, available at office supply stores). “Register to Win!” and “Meet the Author” are always good sign choices, and freebies are always a good draw.

Copyright 2011 by Betsy Lampe

Betsy Lampe is the marketing manager for Rainbow Books, Inc., a 33-year-old publisher of self-help and how-to nonfiction, and mystery and historical fiction. rbibooks@aol.com
]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/author-booth-at-a-festival-or-fair/feed/ 1 Prospective Authors – Tactics For Trade Fairshttp://www.sellingbooks.com/prospective-authors-tactics-for-trade-fairs/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/prospective-authors-tactics-for-trade-fairs/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:32:39 +0000 Steve Jones http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=13026

There are numerous national and international book fairs and trade shows that happen throughout the year. The largest of these, the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs, have open days for the public where people can browse the publisher stalls, see copies of the latest publications and teasers for planned publications later in the year.

For prospective authors, there are a number of useful things to take from these events and a few things that many insist on doing that won’t, sadly, be of much use.

1. Know your market

The best way to get a proposal accepted is to write what publishers are looking for. Unless you have an eclectic library of manuscripts, or happen to have Arthur C. Clarke’s crystal ball to predict upcoming trends, it will be difficult to nail the precise requirements unless you are an incredibly fast writer. Having a thorough browse of the publisher’s catalogues will soon give you a clear idea of what direction they are intending on taking, and will also highlight any gaps in their publication schedule.

Do they have a popular author who is not writing the next book in a well-known series this year? This may be an opportunity to get a relevant proposal submitted so they can keep the market interested until their big gun rolls out their new draft.

Are certain types of genre vanishing from the forthcoming lists? Wonderful though your teen vampire novel may be, perhaps the sector has become a little over-saturated with this sort of material and it’s time to put that one in the crypt for a few more years.

Does no-one seem to have the type of manuscript you have written? It could well be that publishers have done some research on this market and don’t think it will sell, so take note and change tack if you have your heart set on being published by that particular house. On the other hand, this may be a fresh idea for them, and would possibly be worth a shot with some of the smaller or independent publishers to see if they bite.

2. Specialty markets
Although you will (of course) have thoroughly researched the publishing avenues in your chosen area, trade events can be an excellent opportunity to discover publishers you didn’t know about. Fairs often have stall zones arranged by subject, so you can easily locate anyone who could potentially be an avenue for your work and harvest their contact details by picking up a leaflet or brochure if they are not already in your contact database. Take some time to browse the list of titles they publish: there’s no better indicator as to what type of material they like to publish than the works they have already put into print. Ask staff what is popular, what their best sellers are and what they have high hopes for: most people tend to drift by stalls aimlessly plucking at the free pens . . . you never know what nuggets of information you can discover from a bored employee by engaging in a quick friendly chat.

3. Speaker Events
Trade shows provide an opportunity for the book trade to talk about emerging trends, problems and solutions. The e-book situation has been rumbling for years and still many of the large publishers are being forced into a reactive policy by the likes of Amazon Kindle. Knowing what pressures and opportunities there are for your prospective publishers can help give you valuable insight into making your pitches, as well as giving you a bit of background into what sort of publishing avenues to consider. If you happen to be a knowledgeable expert in an area of discussion, you’ll also know there is an avid market for your insight and submitting a proposal for a guide or analysis of these areas could also appeal to the non-fiction publishers.

4. Author Events
It’s fair to say that the larger trade fairs usually have these stage-managed to a precise degree, and any interviews or Q&A sessions are usually geared toward the mainstream press. They can still be illuminating however, and many smaller event organisers campaign hard to get well-known, respected and experienced authors visiting. These events usually encourage more submissions from the floor and authors tend to be more approachable after the session has finished, as opposed to being whisked away by their publisher’s hospitality staff. Bear in mind that authors are normally there to discuss their own latest work, being encouraged to discuss more general topics around writing is a definite plus; but don’t expect a personal critique of your latest draft or expect the author to be a conduit straight into the publishing proposals department.

5. Personal Networking
If you know people in the publishing business than these events can be a good time to pop round and say “hi”. Most people on the stalls will have a pretty crowded appointment schedule that probably starts before the official opening time and continues well into the evening over client dinners, so don’t expect to spend a great deal of time shooting the breeze. Even for the promotional staff, three to four days constantly on your feet is physically exhausting so if you can, stop by with something useful such as some handouts on a useful talk or event they’ve missed from being pinned down at the stand. Then they will be more inclined to keep talking and introduce you to other people there at the stall, or if you are very lucky or persuasive, to one of their invitation events.

6. Proposal Documents
For the larger trade events, carrying around your manuscript pitch is generally a waste of time. Commissioning editorial staff rarely attend the publishing stands unless they have specific appointments (such as discussing translation rights with distributors) and for the rest of the time they will be browsing the fair and speaker events just like you. Heaping reams of paper onto the receptionist and asking them to “get this to the right person in editorial” really doesn’t do much for your professional image, and frankly, most staff have enough to carry back with them that your draft is more likely to get shelved in the bin when the stand is dismantled at the end of the show.

Your mileage at smaller or more niche-specific events may vary, but it’s still a better idea to do your research beforehand and find the proper submission address and guidelines. Your draft is more likely to make it into the publisher than relying on the goodwill and tenacity of a publisher employee who has to deal with a mound of accumulated enquiries and backlog when they get back to their office.

Steve Jones worked for one of the world’s leading medical publishers for several years and is a veteran of the International Book Fairs. He now works for a web design company in Worthing.

Photo credit:

]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/prospective-authors-tactics-for-trade-fairs/feed/ 0 Top Book Fairs and Book Festivals Authors Should Attendhttp://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend-2/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend-2/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:16 +0000 Cathy B Stucker http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=12778

Authors who want to sell books need to do what anyone else with a product needs to do – find the place in the marketplace where your buyers can be found. And, in the case of authors, readers will be found in largest numbers at book fairs, festivals and conferences.

Book fairs and festivals are held every season around the world so it’s a fairly easy task to locate one to promote your book. As an internet book marketing specialist, I am the first to impress on authors the new and powerful marketing avenues open to all authors on the Internet – from book websites to book trailers to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. While these are fantastic tools when used properly, authors should never overlook opportunities to meet the reading public face-to-face.

Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, the author not only gains great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. But plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are arranged months in advance.

Book fairs are excellent places to interact with fellow authors, publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace. For more information about book marketing visit http://www.book-marketing-expert.com and for upcoming book events on C-SPAN2 visit: http://www.BookTV.org. For a great blog about book fairs by the LA Times go to http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/book-festivals/

Here’s a list of upcoming book fairs and events that are worthy of your attendance in 2011.

  1. Harlem Book Festival, July 23, 2011, West 135th Street, NYC www.qbr.com/
  1. The Atlanta Black Book Expo, August 6, 2011 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA. http://www.abbexpo.com
  1. Decatur Book Festival, Sept. 2-5, 2011, Decatur, GA,  largest independent book festival in the country. Since its launch, more than 600 authors and 190,000 attendees have attended this event in downtown Decatur. http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/Community/index.php
  1. Fall For the Book Festival, Sept. 18-23, 2011, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, Fairfax, VA., sponsored by George Mason University, Fairfax County Public Library and Barnes & Noble. Attended by more than 150 authors. http://www.fallforthebook.org
  1. Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 23-25, 2011, attracts more than 100 authors.  www.baltimorebookfestival.com/
  1. Sonoma County Book Festival, September 24, 2011, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA. attended by thousands of book lovers. http://www.socobookfest.org
  1. West Hollywood Book Fair, October 1, 2011, at West Hollywood Park, more than 180 exhibitors expected. http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org
  1. Frankfurt Book Fair, October 12-16, 2011 in Frankfort, Germany. Considered the biggest book show in the world. www.book-fair.com
  1. Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word October 14-16, 2011, War Memorial Plaza, Nashville, TN, attracts more than 200 authors from throughout the U.S. http://www.humanitiestennessee.org/festival/current.php
  1. Texas Book Fair, October 22-23, 2011, State Capitol Building, Austin, TX, established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, more than 45,000 attend. www.texasbookfestival.org/
  1. Kentucky Book Fair, Saturday, November 12, 2011, Frankfort Convention Center, attended by up to 5,000 people including 150 authors http://kybookfair.org/

The bottom line: Make it a priority to visit a book fair in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist

]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend-2/feed/ 0 Top Book Fairs and Book Festivals Authors Should Attendhttp://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:00:22 +0000 Scott Lorenz http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=10704

Book fairs are wonderful places to interact with fellow authors and publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace. Includes a list of book fairs and events that are worthy of your attendance.

Authors who want to sell books need to do what anyone else with a product needs to do – find the place in the marketplace where your buyers can be found. And, in the case of authors, readers will be found in largest numbers at book fairs, festivals and conferences.

Book fairs and festivals are held every season around the world so it’s a fairly easy task to locate one to promote your book. As an internet book marketing specialist, I am the first to impress on authors the new and powerful marketing avenues open to all authors on the Internet – from book websites to book trailers to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. While these are fantastic tools when used properly, authors should never overlook opportunities to meet the reading public face-to-face.

Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, the author not only gains great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. But plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are arranged months in advance.

Book fairs are excellent places to interact with fellow authors, publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace. For more information about book marketing visit http://www.book-marketing-expert.com and for upcoming book events on C-SPAN2 visit: http://www.BookTV.org. For a great blog about book fairs by the LA Times go to http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/book-festivals/

Here’s a list of upcoming book fairs and events that are worthy of your attendance in 2011.

1.       2011 Dayton Book Expo, Christian Writers Marketplace, April 30, 2011, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio A great opportunity for authors of books on Christian topics. www.Daytonbookexpo.com

2.       Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, April 30-May 5, 201. The festival attracts more than 150,000 readers. www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

3.       South Carolina Book Festival, May 14-15, 2011, Colombia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC, more than 6,000 book lovers attend www.scbookfestival.org/

4.       BookExpo America, May 23-26, 2011, Jacob Javits Center, NYC, the premier North American publishing event of the year www.bookexpoamerica.com

5.       Printers Row Lit Fest, June 4-5, 2011 Chicago, Illinois at Dearborn and Polk street. A large book fair attended by more than 100,000 book lovers http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/printersrowlitfest/

6.       American Library Association Annual Conference June 23-28, 2011, New Orleans, LA, some 2,000 seminars and events plus a huge trade show. http://www.alaannual.org/

7.       International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) July 10-13, 2011, Atlanta, GA  http://www.christianretailshow.com/ Considered the best show for Christian authors according to Sara Bolme author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace http://www.marketingchristianbooks.com

8.       Harlem Book Festival, July 23, 2011, West 135th Street, NYC www.qbr.com/

9.       The Atlanta Black Book Expo, August 6, 2011 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA. http://www.abbexpo.com

10.   Decatur Book Festival, Sept. 2-5, 2011, Decatur, GA,  largest independent book festival in the country. Since its launch, more than 600 authors and 190,000 attendees have attended this event in downtown Decatur. http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/Community/index.php

11.   Fall For the Book Festival, Sept. 18-23, 2011, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, Fairfax, VA., sponsored by George Mason University, Fairfax County Public Library and Barnes & Noble. Attended by more than 150 authors. http://www.fallforthebook.org

12.   Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 23-25, 2011, attracts more than 100 authors.  www.baltimorebookfestival.com/

13.   Sonoma County Book Festival, September 24, 2011, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA. attended by thousands of book lovers. http://www.socobookfest.org

14.   West Hollywood Book Fair, October 1, 2011, at West Hollywood Park, more than 180 exhibitors expected. http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org

15.   Frankfurt Book Fair, October 12-16, 2011 in Frankfort, Germany. Considered the biggest book show in the world. www.book-fair.com

16.   Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word October 14-16, 2011, War Memorial Plaza, Nashville, TN, attracts more than 200 authors from throughout the U.S. http://www.humanitiestennessee.org/festival/current.php

17.   Texas Book Fair, October 22-23, 2011, State Capitol Building, Austin, TX, established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, more than 45,000 attend. www.texasbookfestival.org/

18.   Kentucky Book Fair, Saturday, November 12, 2011, Frankfort Convention Center, attended by up to 5,000 people including 150 authors http://kybookfair.org/

The bottom line: Make it a priority to visit a book fair in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist

]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/top-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/feed/ 1 Winter/Spring 2011 Book Fairs and Book Festivals Authors & Book Lovers Should Attendhttp://www.sellingbooks.com/winter-spring-2011-book-fairs-and-book-festivals/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/winter-spring-2011-book-fairs-and-book-festivals/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:33:48 +0000 Scott Lorenz http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=8690

The winter and spring seasons are great times of the year for book fairs and festivals. Authors can combine a little travel with a little book marketing and book promotion. Book fairs are wonderful places to interact with fellow authors, publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate a book publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.

The major book conferences and conventions involve travel expenses such as airlines and hotel lodging, and a week’s investment of your time. But book fairs can be found close to home, easily accessed by car and are often only one or two days. A typical regional book fair will have 1,000 or more attendees and 100 or more exhibitors, providing a realistic exposure of 300 visitors a day. Why would an author not want to spend a Saturday and Sunday within 100 miles of home to meet 600 readers or a reporter, editor or book reviewer?

Book fairs are often attended by best-selling authors who will be willing to spend time with you sharing tips on writing, on how to be successful, and advice on where to find the help you need. For more information about book marketing visit http://www.book-marketing-expert.com and for upcoming book events on C-SPAN2 visit: http://www.BookTV.org

Here’s a list of Winter/Spring book fairs and book festivals worthy of your attendance:

1.       Book Island Festival, www.bookisland.org/, Feb. 18-19, 2011, Amelia Island, FL

2.       CAMEX/National Association of College Stores, www.nacs.org, Feb. 25-26, 2011, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX, attracts more than 7,000 people, including booksellers from more than 1,000 stores

3.       Spring Book Show, www.springbookshow.com/, March 25-27, Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA, more than 50,000 book titles offered by vendors

4.       London Book Fair, www.londonbookfair.co.uk, April 11-13, 2011 Earls Court, London, global marketplace for sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels

5.       Philadelphia Book Festival, http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/ April 11-16, 2011, Parkway Central, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, attended by 35,000 and more than 50 authors, performers

6.       2011 Dayton Book Expo, Christian Writers Marketplace, www.Daytonbookexpo.com, April 30, 2011, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio, a great opportunity for authors of books on Christian topics.

7.       Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/ a big festival attracting 150,000 readers, April 30-May 1, 2011

8.       South Carolina Book Festival, www.scbookfestival.org/, May 14-15, 2011, Colombia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC, more than 6000 attend

9.       BookExpo America,  www.bookexpoamerica.com, May 23-26, 2011, Jacob Javits Center, NYC, the premier North American publishing event of the year

The bottom line: Make it a priority to visit a book fair in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist

Photo credit:

]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/winter-spring-2011-book-fairs-and-book-festivals/feed/ 0 Summertime Book Fairs and Book Festivals Authors Should Attendhttp://www.sellingbooks.com/summertime-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/summertime-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:00:35 +0000 Scott Lorenz http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=3713

Summertime is the perfect time of year for book fairs and festivals. It’s a great way for authors to combine a little vacation in with a little book marketing and book promotion. Book fairs are wonderful places to interact with fellow authors, publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate a book publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.

The major book conferences and conventions involve travel expenses such as airlines and hotel lodging, and a week’s investment of your time. But book fairs can be found close to home, easily accessed by car and are often only one or two days. A typical regional book fair will have 1,000 or more attendees and 100 or more exhibitors, providing a realistic exposure of 300 visitors a day. Why would an author not want to spend a Saturday and Sunday within 100 miles of home to meet 600 readers or a reporter, editor or book reviewer?

Book fairs are often attended by best-selling authors who will be willing to spend time with you sharing tips on writing, on how to be successful, and advice on where to find the help you need. For more information about book marketing visit http://www.book-marketing-expert.com and for upcoming book events on C-SPAN2 visit: http://www.BookTV.org

Here’s a list of summertime book fairs and book festivals worthy of your attendance

  1. National Black Book Festival, June 10-12, 2010, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Houston, TX, www.nationalblackbookfestival.com, dozens of authors, thousands of readers
  2. Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair, June 12-13, 2010, Printers Row/South Loop Chicago, http://www.chicagotribune.com/about/events/printersrow/, a large book fair attended by more than 100,000 book lovers.
  3. American Library Association Annual Conference, June 24-29, 2010, Washington,
    D.C. http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/index.cfm, some 2,000 seminars and events plus a huge trade show
  4. Leimert Park Village Book Fair, June 26, 2010, Leimert Park, Los Angeles,  www.leimertparkbookfair.com, attended by more than 5,000 people, more than 200 author appearances.
  5. International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) June 27-30, 2010  http://www.christianretailshow.com/ Considered the best show for Christian authors according to Sara Bolme author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace http://www.marketingchristianbooks.com
  6. Ventura Book Festival, July 17, 2010 Ventura Beach, CA http://www.literaryarts-ca.org
  7. Harlem Book Fair, July 17-19, 2010, New York City,  http://www.qbr.com/page18993.asp
  8. Decatur Book Festival, Sept. 3-5, 2010, Decatur, GA, www.decaturbookfestival.com/Community/index.php largest independent book festival in the country. Since its launch, more than 600 authors and 190,000 attendees have attended this event in downtown Decatur.
  9. Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, Sept. 10-11, 2010, Burnsville, N.C.,  www.cmlitfest.org sponsored by North Carolina Arts Council, events held throughout the town of Burnsville.
  10. Fall For The Book Festival, Sept. 19-24, 2010, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, Fairfax, VA., sponsored by George Mason University, Fairfax County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble., www.fallforthebook.org attended by more than 150 authors.
  11. Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 24-26, 2010, Mount Vernon Place in Baltimore, www.baltimorebookfestival.com more than 100 celebrity and locally known authors to attend.
  12. National Book Festival, Sept. 25, 2010, on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets, Washington, D.C., www.loc.gov/bookfest/ charter sponsors are Target and the Washington Post, attended by hundreds of prominent authors.
  13. Queens Book Fair, September 25, 2010, York College, Jamaica, N.Y. www.queensbookfair.com sponsored by C&B Books Distribution.
  14. Sonoma County Book Festival, September 25, 2010, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA. www.socobookfest.org attended by thousands of book lovers.
  15. West Hollywood Book Fair, September 26, 2010, at West Hollywood Park, www.westhollywoodbookfair.org, more than 180 exhibitors expected.
  16. Wyoming Book Festival, September 29, 2010, Lions Park, and Community House, Cheyenne, WY, www.wyomingbookfestival.org.

The bottom line: Make it a priority to visit a summertime book fair in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!

Scott Lorenz – Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090.

Image credit: Danny Sullivan, used under terms of a CreativeCommons license.

]]> http://www.sellingbooks.com/summertime-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-authors-should-attend/feed/ 2 Book Fairs and Festivals – the Top 25 for Authors and Publishershttp://www.sellingbooks.com/book-fairs-and-festivals-the-top-25-for-authors-and-publishers/ http://www.sellingbooks.com/book-fairs-and-festivals-the-top-25-for-authors-and-publishers/#comments Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:46:37 +0000 Scott Lorenz http://www.sellingbooks.com/?p=2065

book-expo-americaAre book fairs an effective way to promote books? As a book publicist and book marketing specialist, I am the first to impress on authors the new and powerful marketing avenues open to all authors on the Internet – from book websites to book trailers to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. While these are fantastic tools when used properly, authors should never overlook opportunities to meet the reading public face-to-face where they can easily be found – at book fairs, book festivals, trade shows, book conferences and conventions.

Any book event, regardless of size and name recognition, is worth attending by an author who is serious about promoting their book. This requires personal effort and time by the author in person. People don’t want to meet the author’s assistant or friend; no they want to talk to the author.

Book fairs provide an excellent chance to learn more about the publishing industry, about booksellers, publishers, distributors and marketers. The attending author will also learn a great deal about what readers want and how to reach readers. And while acquiring a vast amount of knowledge about the book industry, the author can also take advantage of the chance to expose their book and name to a new audience – leaders in the book industry who are interested in meeting new authors. While you may not walk away with a book deal you’ll make yourself known to the movers and shakers and that has long-lasting benefits. Remember, word of mouth is one of the strongest promotional tools available and authors need to be where the mouths are – the mouths of book publishers, distributors, promoters, agents and readers – at book fairs, conventions and conferences.

Book fairs provide an excellent opportunity to encounter media reps in search of a story. Producers of TV and radio programs, editors of newspapers, magazines, book reviewers and online media outlets attend these events in search of stories that otherwise would be under their radar. Never, never pass up on the opportunity to meet the media. Keep an eye out for small I-phone sized video cameras too as they shoot broadcast quality footage in natural light. If you see somebody using one, invite them over and give them a pitch. They could be shooting for C-SPAN, CNN, a book review blog or the local cable show; you won’t know unless you ask.

The major book conferences and conventions involve travel expenses such as airlines and hotel lodging, and a week’s investment of your time. But book fairs can be found close to home, easily accessed by car and often are only one or two days. A typical regional book fair will have 1,000 or more attendees and 100 or more exhibitors, providing a realistic exposure of 300 visitors a day. Why would an author not want to spend a Saturday and a Sunday within 100 miles of home to meet 600 readers or a reporter, editor or book reviewer?

At a book fair, just as at a book signing event, the author will want to bring promotional literature to pass out. Passing out promotional bookmarks or book covers is a great way to generate future sales for months and months after the book fair ends. The give-away should contain the author’s contact information, the book’s name, the front cover artwork, author’s website address, and where the book can be purchased online.

I also remind my author clients that book fairs often need speakers. By volunteering to speak, the author not only gains great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. But plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are arranged months in advance.

Book fairs are often attended by best-selling authors who will be willing to spend time with you sharing tips on writing, on how to be successful, and advice on where to find the help you need.
In summary, book fairs are wonderful places to interact with fellow authors, publishers, network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace. For more information about upcoming book events on C-SPAN2 visit: http://www.BookTV.org

Here is a list of 25 book fairs and events that are worthy of your attendance (courtesy of Noel Griese, Editor of Southern Review of Books, http://www.anvilpub.net/southern_review_of_books.htm):

  1. Litquake, San Francisco’s Literary Festival, http://www.litquake.org
  2. Frankfurt Book Fair, http://www.book-fair.com, biggest book show in the world, October 6-10, 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany
  3. Louisiana Book Festival, Baton Rouge, http://lbf.state.lib.la.us/
  4. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks a big festival attracting 150,000 readers, April 24-25, 2010
  5. BookExpo America, http://www.bookexpoamerica.com, May 25-27, 2010, Jacob Javits Center, NYC, the premier North American publishing event of the year
  6. Ann Arbor Book Festival, http://www.aabookfestival.org/, Ann Arbor MI
  7. National Book Festival, http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/ sponsored by the Library of Congress on the Mall in Washington, DC
  8. Self-Publishing Book Expo, http://www.selfpubbookexpo.com
  9. Miami Book Fair International, http://www.miamibookfair.com, draws hundreds of thousands of people, conducted by the Congress of Writers
  10. Vegas Valley Book Festival, Las Vegas, http://www.vegasvalleybookfestival.org/
  11. London Book Fair, http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk, April 19-21, 2010, global marketplace for sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels
  12. American Library Association Annual Conference, http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/index.cfm June 24-29, 2010, Washington, DC, some 2,000 seminars and events plus a huge trade show
  13. Christian Book Expo, http://www.ChristianBookExpo.com, a great opportunity for authors of books on Christian topics, Dallas, TX.
  14. CAMEX/National Association of College Stores, http://www.nacs.org, attracts more than 7,000 people, including booksellers from more than 1,000 stores
  15. Philadelphia Book Festival, http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/, attended by 35,000 and more than 50 authors, performers. Third weekend in April 2010
  16. Printers Row Book Fair, http://www.chicagotribune.com/about/events/printersrow/, a large book fair attended by more than 100,000 book lovers in 2009
  17. Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word, http://tn-humanities.org/festival/index.php, Nashville, TN, attracts more than 200 authors from throughout the U.S. Second full weekend in October, 2010
  18. Kentucky Book Fair, http://www.kybookfair.com. Frankfort Convention Center, attended by up to 5,000 people including 150 authors
  19. Texas Book Fair, http://www.texasbookfestival.org/, established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, more than 45,000 attend
  20. Delaware Book Fair & Authors Day, http://heritage.delaware.gov/book_fair.shtml,
  21. Baltimore Book Festival, http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com/, attracts more than 100 authors, Sept. 24-26, 2010
  22. Book Island Festival, http://www.bookisland.org/, Feb. 12-13, 2010
  23. Harlem Book Festival, http://www.qbr.com/, May 6-9, 2010, Bermuda
  24. Spring Book Show, http://www.springbookshow.com/, more than 50,000 book titles offered by vendors, Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA, March 26-28, 2010
  25. South Carolina Book Festival, http://www.scbookfestival.org/, Feb. 26-28, 2010, Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC, more than 6000 attend 3-day festival

The bottom line: Make it a priority to visit a book fair in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC Nightly News, The New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Family Circle, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090.

Photo courtesy Book Expo America

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