Never give up, Never surrender is a line from the film Galaxy Quest, That is how I look at how to behave at an author event.
The truth is being an author is hard. Anyone who tells you different is lying or selling you a book about how to be a best-selling author.
For myself, events are a great way to make contacts and sales. If you have any chance to sell your book at a event– no matter how small– you need to have a “never give up” attitude.
If you want to make sales, you can’t give up. You can’t complain. Too often, I see people editing, playing on their phones, reading or a variety of other activities. When at an author event, your job is to inform people about your book and network. Hopefully, with a maniacal smile plastered on your face.
I was at an event recently that a good number of folks gave up, you could tell, they didn’t get up on their feet. They were focused on their laptops and phones–not the customers. They read within their booth. The reason that doesn’t work is the moment one gives up, bitterness creeps in. They start slouching, frowning. They seem unapproachable.
Here is my advice:
1) Act excited. Remember what I said about smiling above? Do that. . Some people say, just be yourself, be genuine. However, many authors are introverts. Many authors get nervous with public speaking. Even if you don’t feel it, even if you are scared, you should act friendly. Eventually it will feel more natural.
Here is me dressed as an elf at ECCC 2010 (debut of Faminelands #2) Our booth babe, Matt, is in the background.
1.a) If like me you get a nervous tummy, know where the bathroom is, in regards to your booth/table. Never wait. Just put a sign up on your table and go.
1.b) Drink lots of water and eat fruit or what will ever make you have a happy tummy.
2) Don’t be late and don’t leave early. Empty tables look bad.
3) Be kind to all. Not becauce they bought your book. I don’t care if they buy my books or not. Be kind to children. Be kind to their parents. Thank the sponsors/organizers of the event.
4) If your budget allows, purchase a few books that interest you. Remember, it’s a hard world out there.
4a) Don’t go over budget for any event, no matter how much you want to be supportive to your new friends. You will see them again.
4b) Never assume that just because you bought someone’s book that they have the budget for your book–even if they are making sales. You don’t know what they are going through. Sometimes, my budget is focused on purchasing Christmas or Birthday Presents, sometimes I’m scrapping money together for my next run of comics and need every dollar. If I am interested in your book, I will buy your book. As I said, I will see you again.
5) Set Goals, make it a game. Challenge yourself.
Good Luck, my friends!
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