This week we’re discussing book conventions. I have never been to one, not even a small one. I have done a reading/signing at the local Salvation Army where I sold and signed about 10 books. I have looked for local events but have yet to find any within a days drive of me.
For the past few years I have been watching all the posts from friends who go to different events all over the country. It looks like a lot of fun. So I have decided that it is time I go to one.
I had narrowed it down to two different ones. One in Nashville in the middle of summer and the other in St. Louis in September. Since my kids and I haven’t gone on a trip in a long time I decided that I want to take them with me. We can enjoy the journey and maybe take an extra day or two to explore. With that in mind I decided the event in September would be perfect since my youngest would be home. However, we’re not going this year.
So in September of 2018 I’ll be heading to Penned Con. I have heard a lot of friends that I have never metofferide of Facebook will be there. My kids are excited to get to meet Kelly Martin and Wendy Knight. Since we’re going in 2018 my oldest child is going to meet us there, she’ll be away at college, to spend the weekend with us.
Since I’ve never been to an event I’m nervous. I have no idea how many books to bring. What sort of things should I give away? Where do I design and order a table banner? Should I offer anything that isn’t book related? I have seen authors hand out candy. Is it a good idea? I guess I have a year to figure out the answers.
If you could attend any book event which would you go to?
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
Jeff Salter
Joselyn
Tonette Joyce
Four Foxes, One Hound 
Big step. Congratulations.
Which one is Penned Com? Nashville?
I’ll have much more to say about my own experiences on Hound Day tomorrow, but as for suggestions, let me offer:
make 8 X 10 blowups of your covers and mount them on board or foam. Place these where they can be seen by people passing by. A huge percentage of the attendees will be in the main traffic lane and won’t get close enough to your table to be drawn visually to your book covers.
Bring mints or candies or something to offer as freebies. It’s a lot easier to say, “You look like you need a snack,” than it is to say, “hey, come over here and look at my books.”
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Penned Con is in St. Louis. Ever since I told the kids we were going they have been randomly singing “Meet me in St. Louis”
Thanks for the tips. I’ll be sure to do both those things.
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Check with the event coordinator about the table banners and size of the displays you will be allowed to use before you spend any time or money on them.
Treats are always good! It brings people over and makes them linger longer…and throws some guilt their way so that they think they should pay you back by buying your work! I would avoid anything crumbly or sticky. A variety is better. If it is a BIG convention, even snack crackers are an idea, if people and/or their kids get a bit hungry. Small water bottles might be good.Again, though, check with the coordinators to see what is allowed.
Book goodies are always good because they keep your name and your works in people’s minds! Seeing a name makes it good and familiar, which is why campaign posters, buttons and bumper stickers work.
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I’d love to get some buttons made up. My boys collect them and I think that would be fun to have some for my books.
Thanks for all the tips.
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I just bought a table banner that’s going to drape over the table. The part with my name on it will hang down in front of the table, so it’s not going to take up any extra room. I usually have giveaways that I make, like little tissue holders, coasters, sticky note holders, and bookmarks that I put my name on (I get labels printed with my name and website), as well as treats (lots of people have candy, but for my next book signing I’ve ordered sugar cookies with a purple butterfly (from my logo) on them. Lots of people have pens, note pads, key chains, nail files, and other little things with their names on them. Usually people try to find things that relate to their books – one author who wrote about a clumsy character had band-aids.
Have fun at Penned Con!
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A writer of cozy teahouse mysteries sent her book to me, along with a bookmark and tea. The individually wrapped bags had the book cover printed on their little paper ‘envelopes’. That is the cutest promo I have seen yet.
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