Here is my booth at our Watermelon Festival last Sat. Do you see the display right under my left hip? Here's a close up of the book:
I bought a copy of this book, just to form my own opinion (I've read enough excerpts to know how badly it's written, so please, no comments about it!). And when I woke up Saturday morning, I had the thought to use it as a promo tool. So I took it along and made a sign: "If you've read this and liked it, you'll enjoy Kenzie's work!"
I also had a copy of Brynn Paulin's Brotherly Bonds with me, and the majority of the people who stopped by my booth told me they've either read 50 Shades, or have at least heard of it. I wrote Brynn's info down on a lot of my cards, so I hope she sees a spike in sales, lol!
I gave away my entire stack of business cards, except for three. Some had BC's info; Brynn's; or Jamie Carie's on them. Others only wanted mine. So I'll find out in three months if my efforts paid off! I'll do this at my next five events, since I'm branching out and doing three festivals I've not done before, and two others I've not been to in several years. I'll keep you updated on my progress:)
Here's the large watermelon used to promote the festival:)
I love this St. Bernard in the Large Pet contest! He came by my booth and let me love on him; he didn't win, but I loved the watermelon in place of the whiskey barrel!
And this little guy was precious! Again, he didn't win, but he should have!
It was very hot that day; here is BC Brown, trying to stay cool.
Update On Mom:
She's home now, but the doctors were unable to schedule a cardio-conversion until next week. And now my dad's having blood pressure issues. So at this time, I'm not sure if I'm going home for the weekend, or staying with my parents until after the procedure.
On the Writing Front...
I've reached the halfway point in the self-edits on book #6. Today I'm not doing as much; I needed to do some laundry and upload my pictures. I filled out my contract for book #5, but my parents' printer isn't working. I'll have to download it to my flash and print it out at Staples while I'm in town.
Currently Reading:
I never did hear from Tielle St. Clair, concerning her book Through Shattered Light (if you'll remember several months back, it disappeared from my e-library, and I emailed her to see if she'd mind sending me another copy. I'd even provided enough details about the plot, so she'd know I wasn't just trying to get a free book, lol!), so I bought another copy. I haven't had a great deal of time to read, but I have made it well into chapter one. Maybe that's what I'll do today; take a 'personal day' and just read!
I'm also reading the Tails of Love antho by Lori Foster, Marcia James, et al. So far my favorite has been Norah's Ark, which involves a pygmy goat named (aptly) Houdini:) Definite Recommended Read!
10 comments:
I can't wait to hear if it works for you! :o)
If you'd like business cards and a print book give me a shout. I'm more than happy to send some your way. lol
I'm ALWAYS willing to put out other authors' cards:) Do you have a print book with a PG cover, Amber? I have to be careful about covers, since all ages come to these festivals and I don't want to be 'escorted out' or asked to take down my display.
Hi, Molly. I'd love to send you some cards and print books, too. I've never had a booth at a festival (I don't even like book-signings). Do they seem to be successful. I liked your idea with 50 SHADES, BTW. I haven't read it so can't discuss anyway. :-)
Hi Molly-glad to hear good news about your mother--hope Dad is fine too. I LOVE the watermelon pic--is it real? Curious--why put out a book that's badly written to lure people to read your much better book? It seems counterintuitive but if it works--hey! Keep us posted. I'm with Liz--I'm way too shy to do booths & signings, but I'd love to send cards (I have foldable brochures with all my covers but the art is all PG or G & folded INSIDE). M. S.
@Liz: I love getting out and hand-selling my books; it's amazing how many people come up to me to pick my brain about getting published, or what to do with those stories they have under their beds:)
@MS: Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but there are people out there who don't REALIZE it's badly written. In the past month, I've met so many people who confess they're reading 50 Shades, so I thought 'why not use it as a conversation piece'? And it worked at our local festival, so we'll see how it's received at others.
And as for the watermelon, no. I think it's paper mache':) I'll ask our Chamber prez about it.
Molly,
Good for you for using a conversation piece like 50 Shades to jumpstart your conversations with potential readers!
And for being willing to perspire for your craft, lol.
best wishes with sales,
Cathryn
When I was selling wedding accoutrements I entered every craft fair I could find. I never thought about promoing my books that way. What a great idea.
Are you serious about handing out other's promo material? I'd really appreciate it.
I'm known as an erotic romance author, but have a cute PG13 book I think people would be interested in reading. (My daughters approved it for our grandkids to read - so I know it's at least PG13)
Have fun at the craft shows. It's a lot of hot work, but sometimes its worth it. Cherie :-)
@Cathryn: Yes, I've perspired in 100 degree weather; frozen in 60 degree weather; and even rescued my materials from rain and wind:) Sometimes my display looks more like organized chaos, lol! This picture was taken while there was little wind; later in the day, I was using books and anything else heavy enough to keep my cover flats from blowing around. I joked to the soap lady next to me it was 'cross promotion'!
@Cherie: Yes, I display pens, business cards, postcards....whatever will fit on my table. Anyone want me to display any swag, email me at storimom2@aol.com
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