Online persona vs. in-person events.

5 minutes

Friends,

I have learned that running a small business is never-ending. There is always something else to do. Like, talk to people. Face to face.

Who was the asshole that said this would be fun?

I remember the day that I wrote ‘The End’ to book 1. At least, I think I remember it. The past year and a half has been a little fuzzy. Has it only been a year and a half? Seems like it has been so much longer.

How am I not an instant success?

When I typed those magical words, I assumed success would fall into my lap.

I assumed that I would have an instant following. Magically. Within hours of it hitting the virtual bookshelves of Amazon.

What I didn’t imagine was the behind-the-scenes stress that would come. No one tells you about this crappy part. For today, I am steering away from the drama of social media creation. The endless cycle of new and innovative content that tickles the heartstrings of potential readers.

There is more to selling yourself

Nope- today I’m talking about the in-person promotions.

I am talking about hitting the pavement (or the keyboard) and reaching out to potential bookstores, libraries, and author events. I’m talking about researching other small businesses that are similar to yours, small specialty stores that might carry your book on commission.

You might have to visit them in person. They are usually too busy running their own small business to answer random cold calls via email or Facebook Messenger.

I know I come across as confident, funny, and mentally sane through the screen of your phone or computer. But in reality- I’m not. It’s a slippery slope that I have come to accept.

Online persona vs. in-person persona.

After 20-plus years in the military and still working for the federal government, it seems I can come across as ‘gruff,’ ‘unapproachable,’ and sometimes even a little ‘mean.’ I know- I’m just as shocked as you are.

Get them with a smile!

I have come to realize that simply creating content online is not enough. It is also essential to engage with potential readers in person. Which requires setting up tables, putting on a friendly smile, and captivating buyers with intriguing discussions. In-person. Oh, the horrors!

And don’t forget to offer extra ‘gifts’ along with your masterpiece. Wrapping your books in pretty tissue paper usually helps, too. Everyone loves opening a present.

In other words, you have to bribe people to take a chance on your art.

I’m not complaining. It makes sense. On paper.

Much harder to do than to write about. Now, in my defense, I’ve had some practice. I take my books to my husband’s reptile shows. Ironically, I usually sell out. Not everyone who goes to a reptile show is actually in the market for a reptile.

Who would have thought?

It’s going to cost.

Now, friends, what I’m about to tell you might come as a shocker. It did to me. There is going to be extra costs. You can’t just buy a crap load of your books and think your good to go. Nope.

You need a theme table, bookmarks, keychains, character art, and possibly even a costume to lure the unexpected shopper into the circle of trust.

Now, I would have thought this over the top. I would have argued that my books should sell themselves. But then I remembered all those times I visited local farmers’ markets, Christmas shows, and fall festivals. I always expected a well-defined booth, a great deal, and extra goodies.

And walked away thinking I actually supported the vendor.

I feel bad about that now. I didn’t know how much money they were losing because I demanded an extra 10% off the wholesale price of their art.

Prepping is stressful

My hubby has a show in two weeks that I’m prepping for. In a little over a month, I have an in-person ‘authors meet’ at the Bellingham Barnes and Noble. I am also working with a local indie bookstore to have an ‘author signing.’

All this requires a shit ton of my books, goodies, banners, flyers, table decorations, and an outfit that says ‘professional but whimsy.’

I’m stressed. Can it be done? Of course, it can. I have to do it. My readers are out there waiting for their next favorite author.

How to get ready

Take it from someone who has no idea what they’re doing when it comes to in-person events. Start prepping three months in advance. It will help with the painful part of swiping your credit card. If you spread the cost out over sixty days, it doesn’t seem so bad.

Preplan your table setup. Go online and find your favorite author. See how their tables are set up. You might not be able to afford the floor-to-ceiling banners that shimmer in the glow of fluorescent lights, but you can get some cool table ones for pretty cheap.

Have plenty of books on hand—at least 30. Bare minimum. If you don’t sell them all, that’s okay. It’s just stock for future events or for the non-existent TikTok and Website sales.

And have a bowl full of candy. Everyone loves a free bar of chocolate.

Conclusion

Make a checklist for in-person events. I learned these things are quite helpful. Think it through. Channel your best version of yourself and wear it as a mask of confidence and self-assurance.

And pray. A lot. To whatever god is listening.

You’re going to need all the help you can get.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. A historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman who must choose between accepting what is written in history books or seeking out the truth behind the tales. Limited edition copies are now available on my website

(Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

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https://a.co/d/flQhakX

Barnes and Noble: 

The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

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The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

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