TAKE ME TO THE FAIR — Finding Your Reader 1
Find your reader at book fairs and art festivals, open-mic events and the farmer’s market
Many authors have found their reader (and sales success) while examining tomatos at the farmer’s market. You can also find support and comraderie going to local and regional book festivals and art fairs. You can go in on the table rental costs with other authors (joining forces to save on expenses), and display and sell your books.
There are many well-known book festivals all over the US and beyond. The American Library Association holds an annual convention and creates an opportunity for authors to get their books directly into the hands of librarians.
The Frankfort Book Festival in Germany offers a way for authors to get their books in front of foreign book markets.
Most states have state book festivals. We have the Kansas Book Festival in Topeka each fall.
Book fairs and festivals are not only a good way to connect with readers, they are great for networking with other authors, meeting publishers, editors and other movers and shakers in the industry. And they are usually a lot of fun!
Keep It Small and Local
There are a lot of other places for authors to connect with readers, too. Some authors seek out niche book stores, gift shops, and other small local places to do events.
Authors who have developed a social media following can put out the call to nearby friends to attend. If you write short pieces regularly on your chosen social media site or writing platform, you might turn out a crowd to buy your books at these small events.
Being able to turn out a crowd at a book store event is important. Many book stores expect the author to bring their own audience to readings. It is an uncomfortable feeling to stare out at empty chairs for the launch of your new book. Take the bull by the horns and drum up your own audience. It is somehow magnetic when there are even just a few people gathered together, they attract others to join them, maybe curious just to see what is going on!
Open Mic Events
You can go to local and regional open mics events and read your work. You can often bring print books or handmade chapbooks with you. You might gain readers and sell books.
An open mic event helps not only to network with other authors and find readers, it also benefits you, the writer, to read your writing out loud. When you read aloud you hear the cadence of your words, find the flaws in your tempo. You also see the faces of your audience.
Specialized Organizations
Some authors find a niche related to their book (historical societies, high school reunions, VFW, etc.) and attend events hosted by the organization and set up events or talks. Often, the author can advertise their book in the organization’s newsletter or on their website.
Influencers
Some authors find luck when an influencer shares their information. I’m not sure how to do that, but it might be worth the effort to find out!
Regardless, pick one thing to do and do it. Your book deserves to find the right reader!
And Keep Scratchin’
