Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Oologist – definition: someone who specializes and collects birds’ eggs.

I am going to flip this word completely on it’s head. We all know the old adage ‘putting all your eggs in one basket’ but as authors we are always striving to sell our books in multiple venues. Modern technology gives us a multitude of options to achieve sales.  From e-book format to print on demand to on line sites. There is of course the much more pleasing method of actually meeting your readers.

I attended the annual Words in the Park event in Sherwood Park (Alberta)  last Saturday. Forty seven authors attended, so there were certainly books available for every taste. My publisher, Dream Write Publishing,was in attendance too and assisted four of their authors to launch their books. As you can see from the display the range of books is extensive.

Linda at the Dream Write Publishing table.

If you want a closer look go to the link.

http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/

I worked hard on my display for several weeks before the event. You always need something to attract passers-by. Rumble sat beside his book – Rumble’s First Scare and bookmarks.  I made a blue illuminated globe as a prop for The Rython Kingdom (there is one in the story) and postcards with the e-book details. (It is now available in print as well.) Lastly, I displayed Ockleberries to the Rescue proof copies with little hedgehog & squirrel ornaments that changed color  and glittered. I received a pre-order for one Ockleberries book so I’d better get on that then!

My other responsibility during the day was to host the children’s author readings. As secretary of my writing group, The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, I and the rest of the group are responsible for the annual event in conjunction with the library. There were six authors reading and it was a delight to hear the different stories and meet these aspiring authors.

http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/rumbles-first-scare

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the%20rython%20kingdom&sprefix=the+r%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Athe%20rython%20kingdom

Two of my friends launched their first books at Words in the Park and I want to give them both a shameless plug – after all that’s what friends are for.

Sharon Baggs’ charming tales of her life are written in poetry with wonderful photos.

http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/musings-prairie-chicken-girl

 

Beth Rowe’s children’s story follows the adventures of a young man in a magical land.

http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/bird-barjag

The beautiful library display for Words in the Park. I can see Rumble – can you?

Do you prefer face to face events?

What venues do you attend?

I found this interesting link regarding finding venues – it’s a bit cheeky but if you can get away with it why not?

http://www.mrfire.com/article-archives/guest-articles/bootleg-bookselling.html