This week, I skimmed an article and this line glared at me: "Writers don't compete with other writers." I can't remember where I read that, so I can't share the source, but I agree with the author. Many times, I've attended book sales events and sold few if any books. This is a frustrating yet normal experience. What's IMPORTANT is to make the most of any "author event." Here are a few ways you can do that:
- Events force you to prepare to market your work. You must order supplies, like card readers, bookmarks, sell sheets, BOOKS, and so on. When you do the first event, create a to-do list and file/box of items that will help you every single time. When the event ends, reflect and refine your process and promotional items.
- Events offer incredible social media posting opportunities. If the event is slow, take pictures, write content, and POST. I always say that events sell books even when no books are sold at events.
- Events give you changes to learn. If you are at a solo gig, watch readers, retailers, organizers, and passersby. Study their behavior and adjust yours to suit the occasion. See how they react to you. Again, reflect and revise. If you are in a group setting, watch the successful authors, and study their practices to, yep, reflect and revise yours.
- MY FAVORITE: Events offer time to network with and encourage fellow writers. Do your spouse's eyes glaze over when you talk about writing habits? Do your friends yawn when you tell them your latest story idea? An author event is THE place to unload your ideas, get feedback, and learn new methods. Before you go, find out who else will be at the event. Write up a list of questions, frustrations, and problems. Get answers, new tools, and solutions from colleagues.
In my experience, writers LOVE to talk about writing, and they are not competitive. So, even if you drive hours for an event and sell not a single book, you are NOT wasting your time unless you let the time go to waste.
SPEAKING OF GREAT OPPORTUNITIES to talk to writers and to sell books, my friend Patty Ireland is looking for authors and artisans for a wonderful event.
The Young Creative Writer's Workshop is Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Strawberry Plains campus of Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Appalachia-themed event lasts all day and includes workshops, lunch, music, speakers, sharing, and more. Also, the college will be celebrating the grand opening of the new library and the Appalachian Heritage Project. You may be interested in joining the "Writer's Room," where attendees browse and buy books and meet authors in a variety of genres. The school also aims to grow their "Appalachian Arts Space," so they need craftspeople/artisans, historical costumed interpreters, musicians, etc. The keynote speaker will be Charles Dodd White, an Appalachian fiction writer. Entertainment will be provided by the Robyn James Ensemble.
If you would like to participate in the Writer's Room or Appalachian Arts Space, contact Patty directly at paireland@pstcc.edu. Be sure to tell her that I sent you:)
If you know a young writer in the East Tennessee community who may enjoy attending this FREE event, share this link (where you can also read all about the event details): https://www.pstcc.edu/ycww/.
HAPPY WRITING AND LEARNING!
xoxoxo
Jody
