Yesterday I helped out at an event called Savor Strathcona, this incorporates local restaurants and artisans. There are numerous foods from across the globe to try and arts of all sorts, including pottery, painting, books and jewelry. The event also included live music and food demonstrations throughout the afternoon and evening, it was extremely popular, which seems to always be the case when food is offered.
I helped out at two tables – one with my publisher, Dream Write Publishing (where we also incorporated information on my writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County) and also with the Arts and Culture Council of Strathcona Council.
We saw friends, family and interested attendees and gave out postcards for our next big event Words in the Park – 1st October. Books were browsed and bought, connections made.
I feel that the more exposure to the public an organization or company gets the better. Many local people did not know about their local publisher, writing foundation or indeed their Arts and Culture Council.
My books are on the front edge of the table – Rumble’s First Scare, Ockleberries to the Rescue and The Rython Kingdom.
I am often asked why go to so many events, when they are not always a huge success in terms of book sales. My answer is that if I am not there, how will anyone know about me or the books I write? It is more about making connections and exploiting the event to showcase my work. On subsequent events people will approach me saying they met me before, bought a book before or they buy a book because last time they did not have a special occasion to buy it for. Being recognized helps as well as always being friendly and forthcoming and informative.
Do you attend events regularly?
What is your impression of them?
Is there a reason you limit or do not attend events?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 