Sept 16, 2024
Many of us are frustrated by publicity. It’s our least favorite part of writing.
But what’s your favorite part?
Sit back and grab your favorite brew. I’m about to treat you to one of my infamous “stretching the meaning of the question” answers.
Most authors will tell you how much we hate doing publicity. It’s hard. Pick your poison. Blogs, Facebook and other social media posts. Paid ads in all shapes and sizes. Many times it feels as if it’s nothing but sheer luck whether a certain campaign works. As you can tell, none of those are my favorite.
Then what is?
This is where I stretch the meaning of publicity.
My favorite form is the festivals and other events where I sell my books. I’ve done five events this summer, lasting anywhere from 5 hours to 3 days. Overall, I sold fifty books. I have three more events scheduled before Christmas and am debating a fourth. I’m about peopled out!
This is a sample of my outdoor setup. It doesn’t change much from event to event. With any luck, I don’t have to use the few light tarps I bought in case of rain.
But back to the topic. Why is this my favorite form of publicity? Because of the people I get to meet. I love to watch their faces as they read the blurb on the back of a book. Even if they don’t buy one, it’s good to know they were interested enough to spend a few minutes checking it out. The instant feedback is gratifying.
This year was interesting because it was the second year at several events. Although there were many new faces, it was great to run into returning customers. I had one lady send her son to track me down at one event to buy the book she hadn’t bought previously!
Now, here’s some “hard” publicity.
The second and third rounds of critiques on my work-in-progress are almost finished. (They were happening simultaneously.) Then the manuscript is off to my editor and I’ve got a release date in mind. This story has been a decade in the making, and I’m excited to finally present it to the world. I’m fine-tuning the title, but right now it’s The Edwards Investigations, The Rimer File. To get the first announcement of the release date, and an excerpt, sign up for my newsletter. Check out the right-hand column.)
How about the other authors on this hop? What’s their favorite part of publicity? Check out the links below to find out.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
I used to do a lot of events, but since COVID, the requirements from organisers have become more onerous. They require ever larger liability insurance and steeper entry fees mean you have to sell a lot to just break even. It’s becoming unviable.
So far, I haven’t been asked to pay for liability insurance for any event. And the smaller venues ask for smaller table fees. As long as I earn enough to pay the table fee, I consider it a win.
One recently wanted me to prove I had £5 MILLION in liability Insurance. I ONLY have £1 MIllion covered, so did not attend. The extra premium would require an extra 50 book sales on the day.
Holy heck!
I’ve done a couple of these events, but the venue wasn’t right and there weren’t many people passing by. It’s also rather expensive to do these.
There are events I have passed by because the fees are so high.
That’s great that you enjoy festivals. I know another author who finds a ton of them to attend in Michigan.
This summer, I did 3 weekends in a row with different festivals. I was tired after that!
I’m with you–I also like the in person events. It feels more genuine and it’s definitely more personal. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
And I sell more! (Well, at most of them.)
It really is the worst. As an introvert, I struggle a lot. But I love the benefits it has!
The introvert and the extrovert sides of me fight a constant battle.
Would love to sell books, maybe in another country, in disguise, with no chance of meeting anyone I know. Hopeless introvert, almost off the scale. Safer than being a notice box !
People have started to recognize me when I’m out and about. So far, the only ones who approach me have compliments. I dread the day someone nasty demands my attention.