Book Signing #3 and #4 - How I Get People Over to my Booth

Riverfest Book Signing #3
I woke up early, loaded the car, and set off to my first outdoor event.  I was very excited and nervous.  I was shocked at how much I was taking for the set up, but knew I would need it all. I am posting the items I took with me so I can help others prepare for their first outdoor event.  Here is a list of what I brought with me: canopy, hammer, chairs, cooler with lunch and drinks, paper towels, 3 tables and table cloths, books, book display holders, pens, cash drawer, money for change, craft items- envelopes, glue, crayons, markers, trash can & liners, table decorations, business cards, bookmarks, push cards, sign with the cost of the books, banner, craft sign, puppet for book reading, watermelon and candy.

My booth set up.



 I knew I would need something to help me get people to come over to my booth.  There would be lots of booths for the people to visit and I needed something unique.  I came across a photo while I was on my fb page.  It was a picture of a watermelon shark.  I googled it, and printed out the directions.  I decided that this would get my booth noticed.  I bought a watermelon and candy.  I carved it and was surprised how cute it turned out.  I surrounded it and filled it with candy to get people to walk over close to my tables.  It worked!!!  People stopped and pointed.  They would come touch it to see if it was real, and some even took pictures of it.  When kids stopped, my helpers would offer them a free bookmark and ask if they would like to make a free shark puppet.  Most of the time the kids said, yes.  The parents would come over with them and stand there.  That is when my helpers would hand them my book and talk about it with them.  The parents would be there waiting for the kids to color and finish the shark so this was a great opportunity to share how the book came to be.  It worked great.  Lots of the parents who did come up, would buy the book after getting a chance to look at it.  Those who didn't, left with a bookmark and business card with my email address and website on it.  I chose a shark watermelon and shark envelope puppet because one of my main characters in the book is a shark. You can see my characters on my official book website. 
http://judichesshir.tateauthor.com/

Watermelon Shark

We did pretty well. I sold enough to cover the cost of my booth, my canopy, my business cards, and still had a profit left over.  So I was happy! 

Market Day Book Signing #4.

I did my first farmers market signing.  I wasn't sure what to expect and I was only going with one helper this time.  I brought along the same items to set up and attract people to my booth. There was a lot less traffic than the festival.  I set a goal of how many book I wanted to sell. I had 6 hours to reach that goal. We did!  I made enough to cover the cost of the booth, the watermelon, candy & had a larger profit left over.  My cost was less since I already bought the materials from my previous book signing. I met some interesting people, passed out some bookmarks and busines cards.  I also had the local librarian stop by and invite me to hold a book signing at the library soon.  So that was a nice surprise.

 My advice to you would be to make sure to bring a helper or two to any event that is more than 3 hours.  You will find yourself needing to go to your car, the bathroom, eat lunch, and walk around for short periods of time to view some other booths.  I only would be gone for 5 minutes at time or less. I always tried to keep my booth in view.  My helper sat in my seat to answer any questions people had while I was gone.  All in all, I would say that both events were very successful!!

                                                   Shark Envelope Puppet





What to do While Waiting for Books

I am hoping my books do not take 3 weeks to come in.  I can't wait to get them.  It has only been 3 days since I ordered , so it will probably be awhile still.  In the meantime, I have been researching author social sites to join.  I want to learn from those who have been around for awhile.  I joined "AuthorsDen.com", "AutorNation.com"and "The Book Marketing Network."  I read lots of good ideas on the forum of AuthorsDen and their or many groups to join on The Book Marketing Network.  I recommend these sites for all authors. I also found this site that has a list of social networks to try out.  I plan to check out more of them.  http://www.bookmarket.com/socialnetworks.htm

I have also been working on getting author's fan page members up.  I have posted my goal of being in the 3 digits and asked for my friends and families help.  I told them that if I get my numbers up, then people who do not know me will be more likely to join and take a look at my book.  I went from 44 to 91 in one day.  I am almost at my goal.  Then I will make a new goal. Some who joined even "Shared" my page with their friends on facebook.  So that was an added benefit.  I do plan to ask my members to "Share" the page with their friends and family soon.  I just want to finish concentrating on getting new members quickly though for now. 

I have also been researching marketing ideas.  This link has many ideas. http://www.bookmarket.com/
It had links to awards, podcasting, book trailers, and lots more.  I found this link on how to make your own book trailer.  I may try that or get my creative son to make it for me.  My publisher does offer this service at a price.  I have seen their  work and know they would make a wonderful book trailer for me.  I would need to save up some money for it.  Right now, I would like to use any extra money to order more books.  So I am thinking of making my own for now using this link: http://hubpages.com/hub/Create-Your-Own-Book-Trailer-Free

Another idea I want to work on is to create a page with lesson plans on it for teachers to use after reading my book to their class.  I would pass this page out as they buy the book.  I plan to attach it to my soon to be website that the publisher is making for me.  I thought I could blog some lesson ideas or put them on my facebook status. 

I have lots to do before my vacation is over.  I guess I'd better get started!

Marketing Phone Call

I was able to talk to my marketing director today.  It was our first phone conversation.  He told me that my book would be released on Feb. 15th!!  I'm excited about that.  We talked about some marketing ideas.  I asked about having a book signing at "Chick Fil-A." He said the publishing company had a good relationship with them so he would set something up.  The reason I wanted to go to Chick Fil-A is that it as filled with so many kids and that is the audience my book is for.  I was glad to hear that others have done this in the past.  I felt like I was on the right track. We also talked about book signings at school and release party signings.

I  placed my first book order today too.  The publisher had a special going on, so I will be getting bookmarks, push cards, business cards, some t-shirts and on line radio advertising along with my order.  I can't wait to see what the bookmarks will look like. I ordered books to take with me on book signings and to have on hand for anyone who wants an autographed copy.

I asked if the audio part had to be finished before anyone could buy my book.  He told me that the audio takes a few months and that it would not hold up the release of the book.  People can order the book as soon as it is on line. 

So now I feel like my dream of being a published author is coming true.  Each step takes me closer and closer.  I can't wait to hear who receives my book first from the on-line orders on the publisher's website.