Conventions

[W.S.]

I'm going to my first convention in March. There is a short (2 hours) book fair at the end of the first day. I need advice. How many books should I bring? What are the best ways to accept payment? Any other advice?

[Eric]

I've done a couple small conventions/sales events. A few pointers regarding stuff I've learned;

Have an "elevator pitch". This is a short, catchy two to three sentence summation of your book's plot, characters etc. designed to interest a potential buyer. Think a "pre-blurb blurb". The idea is to get people's attention.

Have swag. Something to give away, even if its as prosaic as a business card with your name and website on it, and if you have one a logo design. If you can arrange other free items (an author I work with does lip balms, key rings and pins) they work well to get people to walk up to your table.

Anyone who looks at you, greet them. If they aren't interested, they'll greet you back and walk away. Let 'em go. If they walk up to your table, strike up a conversation as quick as possible. The authors I've seen who do the best at conventions sales-wise are the ones who engage the most with potential customers. Don't be shy, jump right in. If this is hard for you, find a friend to practice with.

expect to lose money. I broke even once at a convention, and that was where through a combination of continual salesmanship and sheer dumb luck I sold more than any three other authors combined. Convention sales are to get your name out there and build a brand, not to make a profit.

They're also a great way to connect with other authors to find assistance like editors, cover designers etc, but be careful; indie publishing (especially indie romance for some reason) is full of scam artists.

As to number of books, for a two-hour fair I'd say 10-15 books per title. If you have a series, have more of your first than of your second, like 15 of your first and 10 of your second; nobody starts with the second book in a series.

Since I'm guessing the convention doesn't have a central cashier system (some do but a lot don't), it is possible to buy a card reader for your phone so you can take cards. I highly recommend one, although when setting the prices remember the sales tax! If your state has a sales tax, you might also be tasked with keeping track of your sales so you can declare your income, however miniscule it might be.

Also, with cash have some way to secure it (keeping it on your person is good, a cash box makes you look more professional) and a way to make change - like, $20-30 in ones and fives. The whole point is to make it as convenient as possible for someone to buy from you. If its any headache at all, impulse buyers will change their mind.

Final piece of advice; have someone with you to mind the table when you need to eat or use the restroom. Even two hours is a long time to sit in one place, and you don't want your table unattended should a customer walk up.

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck!

[W.S.]

Eric wrote: "I've done a couple small conventions/sales events. A few pointers regarding stuff I've learned;

Have an "elevator pitch". This is a short, catchy two to three sentence summation of your book's plo..."

Awesome info! Thanks so much. This is a huge help.