Local author’s event at my library – small but decided success!

A self-published author found success at a local library event, which was small but effective. The author noted that breaking even at events can be challenging due to table fees and travel costs, leading many to focus on marketing and networking. The library event was free, local, and only four hours long, making it appealing. The author kept the display simple, using a homemade shelf and inexpensive stands. The event’s success was attributed to library patrons being pre-selected readers with a genuine interest in books. The library director and staff also purchased books for the library collections. The author observed that while stands caught attention, stacks of books encouraged more hands-on interaction.

Each book makes maybe a few bucks, and table fees are easily $100+.
I am not alone in considering events primarily as opportunities for marketing and networking (and fun) rather than sales.
Library patrons are pre-selected readers, which means our visitors were way more interested in books compared to general markets or cons where baubles and trinkets are quick to steal attention.

📚 BookAddict’s Take: If you’re an indie author, this is a great reminder that hyper-local events at libraries can be more effective than larger, more expensive cons.

Source: Reddit r/selfpublish |
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