Keep Up the Gab
When you’re selling live, conversation is your superpower. I know; many writers would rather wrestle a deadline than chat with strangers. But resist the siren song of the phone scroll. You are the attraction! Stand in front of your table, smile like you mean it, and open with: “What do you love to read?”
- If they name your genre: Boom! Deliver your cocktail pitch with confidence.
- If they don’t (yet): stay curious. Ask a couple of fun follow-ups and sprinkle in your tropes to catch their interest. This could be the moment a new fan is born.
- If interest clicks: gently place the book in their hands. Ownership effect: engaged. Once someone is holding a book, they’re much more likely to buy it.
- When they say “yes”: mention bundles—especially for series. “Want the duo for $____ and save?” is magic.
- If it’s a “not today”: invite them onto your email list so “not now” becomes “can’t wait” later.
Sales Bait: Your Reader Magnet
Use your front end reader magnet to turn curious humans into long-term readers—and to glide them onto your email list. A front end reader magnet is a free short story, novella, or even a full novel that introduces your characters, concept, and world.
Two easy ways to deploy it:
- Thank-you gift for buyers. “Grab your free prequel here!” reinforces delight post-purchase.
- Peace offering for non-buyers. “No worries—want a free story?” seeds the relationship today, plants sales for tomorrow.
Make sign-ups effortless: a big, friendly QR code at eye level and/or a tablet with a pre-loaded form. Every new subscriber is future rapport, reviews, and revenue.
Get Book Reviews
Reviews are rocket fuel for sales. Tuck a fun, on-brand bookmark into every book with a cheerful review request and big, scannable QR codes—one to your Amazon review page, one to Goodreads. Bonus points for a friendly nudge like, “Loved it? Two sentences and some stars make my day!”
ROI with a Heartbeat
Some shows ring like cash registers; others feel like master classes. Breaking even at a big event can still be a strategic win if you met librarians, teachers, influencers, and booksellers who’ll champion your books for years. Track more than units and dollars: count leads captured, follow-ups scheduled, doors opened. Both sales and experience keep your momentum rolling.
Follow-Up Turns Spark into Flame
Strike while the memory’s warm. Within 24–48 hours, send those “so great to meet you” emails. During the show, jot quick notes (“pink-shoes teacher loves time travel”) so your follow-ups feel wonderfully human. Post a short social recap and tag the event and your new friends; you’ll stay on their radar and boost your chances of being invited back.
Care & Feeding of a High-Energy Human (That’s You)
Events are marathons in cute shoes. Hydrate. Snack. Mint. If you can, bring a buddy so one person can be “on” while the other refuels. Your energy is part of the product—protect it—so the last attendee gets the same sparkle as the first.
Next Week: Selling Books at Live Events: Money Management
Learn More
How I prepare for Author Events and book signings - video
How to Market Books to Homeschool Families
How to Sell Books at Conventions - video
How to Sell Books from a Table
How to Set Up an Author Table that Will Attract More Readers – video
Selling Books at Comic Cons Things You Need to Know - video
Tips for Authors Selling Books at Comic Cons – video
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