On November 25th, I was invited to Joseph Beth Book Sellers for Small Business Saturday. Ten authors participated. We were set up in a semi-circle near the back of the store.
Most of the authors kept to themselves and sat quietly behind their tables. After the event, I was shocked to learn that most of the writers only sold one or two books.
I sold a good number of books. Here's what I did that helped make the difference.
1. Emailed
invitations to friends.
2. Sent Facebook
invitations to local acquaintances.
3. Created an
eye-catching display.
4. Stood in front
of the table the entire time. Yep, achy
feet were worth it.
5. Gave away stuffed
animals when three books were
bought.
6. Handed out bookmarks
to passersby.
7. Talked to people
about the local connection (a rescue
dog named
Charlie) and showed them his gorgeous
picture
in the back of the book.
8. Thanked people
for coming.
9. Ordered a
"Budsies" doll of Maggie for the display
table.
10. Tied into the dog theme
by using water bowls filled
with candy.
I'm not a salesperson, but I do know you have to plan ahead. You have to get creative. Selling books is hard work, but if you put forth some effort, you will find success.
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