I did double duty at this event on Saturday. As an author I bought a table to sell and promote my books and freelance business but as one of the organizers, I also set up, dealt with vendors and took down. It is an annual event hosted by my writing group, The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County – 
This was our eighth year and the biggest and best yet! With a host of authors, artisans, food trucks, children’s activities, author readings and musical performances, it was an excellent family day out.
Preparation for these sorts of events is always paramount as an author. You must decide on marketing materials, ensure you have enough copies of your books, and test out your table display to best show off your work. This year with three books (two children’s & one adult), I juggled the display so the children’s books were side by side with buttons, bookmarks, a blurb of each book and display objects to highlight the particular books content.
For Rumble’s First Scare, I had my plush Rumble toy, Rumble hats, t-shirts and buttons. With Ockleberries to the Rescue, there was the ‘wooden door’, book blurb, colour changing animal ornaments and china ornaments. For The Rython Kingdom, I made bookmarks with blue beads, displayed a blue glowing orb and a book blurb.
I also made up a price list, which enabled my wonderful helpers to man my table while I was running around organizing!
This was my display:
I found that the bright orange on the tablecloth did catch people’s eye and of course the glowing objects too. I am pleased to report I sold 7 books – 4 Rumble’s, 2 Rython and 1 Ocklerries – so as you may expect I am a happy author! And was more than pleased to sign those books too.
What preparations do you make for book selling events?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 