This is for all you published authors out there who still think that scoring a book signing at a Barnes & Noble is the epitome of literary success. My thought is that the time and effort you and your publisher put into planning and executing these marketing events is not worth the dozen or so friends and family who come to support you and buy your book!
Unless you are an uber bestselling author, or have a huge fan base in a particular city or town, these real life book signings are simply not worth the effort anymore. Especially when you can sell more books via online events and campaigns…all while in your pajamas if you wish.
Now, I am not saying that you should eschew real life events altogether. I simply want you to broaden your horizons when it comes to physical events that you can do to promote your book. Events outside bookstores and signings. Events that can, dare I say it, actually be FUN!
Here’s an example from two of my clients, Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine, who collaborate on a steampunk fantasy series called the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. Sure, they go to steampunk and fantasy conventions. They dress up in steampunk regalia. They have a strong steampunk following both online and IRL. But they are also always looking outside the norm to broaden their fan base and sell their books to new readers.
(Click image below to see entire poster)
In this case, our two intrepid Ministry agents approached a restaurant and tea room in a nearby state, and in conjunction with a bookstore are hosting a Steampunk Saturday that includes high tea. They teamed up with a fellow steampunk author and are encouraging local enthusiasts to come dressed in steampunk finery.
I am betting that they will get some local press coverage because of the visual element, and predict that the bookstore will sell out of their books. Plus this is the kind of event attendees will be talking about long after it’s done. When was the last time you felt that way following a book signing at a table in the bookstore where no one was in line after the first 10 minutes and browsers were peeking at you but wouldn’t come near? See the difference.
Other ideas I’ve heard of include literary themed scavenger hunts, book signings in conjunction with a community event or at an entertainment complex where there are already a ton of visitors. Pip Ballantine even gave a talk at the Library of Congress earlier this year.
What kinds of book marketing events have you attended or sponsored that have sold books and been a lot of fun? Please share in the comments section!
