One of the best ways to get the word out about your book is to do a book signing event or attend a book festival. Here in Boise, for example, in the past I attended the Boise Book Fest—where admittedly, I stand out like a sore thumb as an editor among writers!
Having experienced the feel and climate of a book fest, I felt inspired to share my experiences and teach up-and-coming authors what you should bring to book fests to ensure it’s a success. I’ve been to two or three of these types of events, and people generally all have the same six things on or around their table.
So, let’s get right to the point. What should authors bring to book signing events to ensure it’s a success?
1. Books.
Obviously. Most book fests and other similar events will require you to sign a waiver for tax information if you plan to sell your books. Above all, put your best book forward and don’t show up to the book fest unprepared: be sure to get your book edited by a pro before publishing!
2. Bookmarks.
Consider bookmarks, which are very common at book fests and author signings, and are something to have on your table to draw the theme together. The most successful and put-together independent authors have matching bookmarks for readers to pick up (for free) when they purchase their book.
3. A banner.
Many authors at book signing events and book festivals have banners (usually vertical, which stands up beside or behind the author’s booth/table) that showcase the author’s books. If authors have published several books, they might have a banner that shows their most recent book, or all of their books so far.
4. Business cards.
A less important item to bring, but professional nonetheless. Authors might have business cards on their table to pass out to potential readers to encourage readers to follow them on social media.
5. Table décor.
Have fun with this! The most successful authors tie their entire presentation together with a theme, usually one that incorporates their book’s cover design. People usually have small pieces of decoration ranging from little knickknacks (beads, glitter, etc.) to things as big as a vase of flowers. Above all, tie everything in to the theme of your book cover using similar colors and styles.
6. A sign-up sheet.
Some authors also include a sign-up list for if people want to leave their e-mails to be the first to know about upcoming books. An email newsletter is a great idea to connect to your readers and ensure you are always on their radar.
Book editor Kristen Hamilton is the owner and sole employee of Kristen Corrects, Inc., where she provides manuscript editing services for traditionally and self-publishing authors. Several authors whose books she has edited have won awards and have topped Amazon’s best sellers lists.
Reading is Kristen’s passion, so when the workday is over, she can usually be found curled up with a good book alongside her four cats. She loves watching cat videos and scary movies, eating pizza, teaching herself French, and traveling, and she is likely planning her next vacation. She lives outside of Boise, ID.