Actually, if you are in central Alberta on Sunday 16th June, you will find me at the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library. They are holding a Local Author Fair from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm. I, along with several other authors, will be tabling our books for sale and giving author readings and talks throughout the day, including some perfect for children and families. The event and parking are FREE. Address: 10005 102 St, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5
I will have all my books available and will be reading from Ockleberries to the Rescue at 2:00 pm in the Program room. Come and listen to the tale of two magical sprites helping their forest animal friends.
Hope to see you there and I’m happy to sign every book.
As authors we want to attract attention to our books, and ultimately sell them. While we all hustle on social media platforms, there is also in person events, where we come face to face with potential readers. One way to attract people to our table is to have promotional items available. Depending on our personal finances these can be inexpensive, or an investment, but preferably a mixture of both. We can take advantage of online sites to create these items, and, of course, for the more creative amongst us, simply create our own.
Here is a list of ideas; some are easily achieved, while others require some creative time and investment.
Bookmarks.
Coasters.
Business cards.
Mouse Pad.
Postcards.
Flyers.
Summary of the book(s).
Door Hanger.
Rack cards.
Mugs.
Tote bag.
Note books.
Posters and banners.
Pens.
Cover art images.
Candy.
T-shirts.
Hats.
Magnets.
The more individual and book related our items are the better. It will be not only a reminder of the book, and their meeting with you, but also something they may pass to another reader. Some items can also be used as give-aways on social media or blog contests. If your local bookstore allows you to, leave some business cards, postcards or door hangers on their sales counter. Ask if you can put promotional leaflets on community boards, in your library, or at a local business.
Another great promotional item is a gift basket themed to your specific book, or genre. You can collect entries at an in-person event, or via an online contest. Just remember you will need to get the prize to the winner! So limit the contest to your locality, or you will be paying a lot for postage.
Personally, I have used a local crafter to create toques, online sources for T-shirts, bookmarks, business cards and a plushy of one kid’s character. I have also made my own bookmarks in the past. There is no limit to your imagination, so create a unique display to get those sales.
Several followers have asked me about my furry companion, Sammie. So here goes… I happened to be browsing the rescue sites four years ago, telling myself I didn’t really need a dog. Well, as you can see that didn’t go to plan! The first photo of Sammie I saw just gripped my heart (the one below) and I knew I was in love.
I called the rescue phone number and asked to see her, all the while telling myself, I’m just looking. We arrived at the foster carer’s home early evening (it was an hour’s drive from home) and Sammie was on the front lawn surveying the world. Walking into the rear yard, the foster gave me all the information about Sammie. She was handed in as her previous owner went into a care home, she was around ten years old and possibly a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer = a Snoodle. How cute is that? Well, as we are talking Sammie is snuggling up and looking at me with those big brown eyes. Oh my heart.
The foster left us for a while and when she came back said “So you’re taking her?” I was shocked I thought this was just a visit. But, how could I say No? So with the fee paid, obviously, her few things gathered and then it was homeward bound. She sat on my lap the whole way, shivering poor thing. It was a bonding experience right there and then. With no dog supplies at home, we made a detour to a pet store to buy bowls, more food, a leash and a bed.
Sammie surveyed the house and I began a regime of walk and food times to give her a sense of routine and safety. Now she rules the roost – as if that wasn’t going to happen eh? She loves our road trips and having me all to herself day in, day out. We have several different walks a day and she has four beds positioned about the house and a chair (it was my reading chair prior to Sammie) where she sleeps at night.
We are best buddies and I am so happy those big brown eyes looked up at me from the computer screen.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 