With my impeding attendance at Word on the Street, Lethbridge this month, I thought I could share some book fair table tips for in-person book fairs.

Once you have paid for your table, you will receive the number and location of your allocated table with a room plan showing where you will be situated at the event. Having a visual gives some idea on how to set up your table to the best advantage.

Words on the Street 2024 (half table with standalone banner)

Depending on the location and the through traffic, think about pre-planning how your table display will be organized. You want to stand out among the other exhibitors, as well as entice visitors. If you have a wall behind you then erect a standalone banner. If you are in the center of a table formation then hang a sign on the front of your table. As you can see from the photo above, I angled my books towards the opening of the tent to entice buyers.

If the event has a central theme, utilize this to your advantage by using the theme as your starting point in how your display will look.

Options include:

•             Seasonal – such as Christmas, summer vacations, Halloween, Easter etc.
•             Genre specific for example - romance, horror, crime, fantasy etc.
•             Cultural event
•             Publishers showcase
•             Local library book fair
  • Local area markets

I do a dry run, so to speak, before the event at home to arrange and rearrange my table display until I am happy with it and then I take a photo so I have a reference on the day. To enhance your table display, decide on a colour scheme that will be attractive, but not detract too much from the book covers. Many organized events will specific a tablecloth colour for draping purposes. This can then be overlaid and personalized with our own colour choice(s) to reflect your genre(s)

Words in the Park 2016 (table banner)

OTHER TIPS

It is important to arrive early for setting up so you have time to deal with any unforeseen problems. There might be an electrical panel, or pipe work encroaching on your space, or there isn’t an electrical outlet. I always pack a long extension cord for this purpose.

If the event is outdoors then make sure you dress in layers. As I know Lethbridge can be cool and windy, I take a blanket for my legs and an extra jacket.

As you will be at your table for a long time pack plenty of water for hydration and snacks to boost your energy levels.

Take your phone charger (or ensure it is fully charged) so you are able to post the event and pictures of you and your table on social media. If you have a Square or other device it is handy to have the ability to charge these as well.

Ask for the local WIFI connection name and password.

Make sure you have enough business cards to hand out. I have a little metal holder to put mine in to keep them from blowing away, or scattering across the table.

When launching a new book, this should be a focal point of the table display. I have used a gift basket for each new book I launched, so anyone purchasing the book is entered for the prize. I theme the basket contents to reflect the genre and storyline of the novel.

To my enhance book display, I invested in several ridge clear holders, so my books are not all flat on the table. This gives my table height and another dimension. It is also a handy way to hold more books.

If you have enough space (or more than one table) add any merchandise you have, such as hats and T-shirts, cards, bookmarks etc. that are themed to your genre, or book.

Whatever you can do to individualize your table from those around you will make your table a success. After all the more visitors we attract the more books we sell.

Do you have any tips for in person events?