Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

In the "reaching our audience" thread, I shared my thoughts on what does and doesn't work at expos. I decided it was a little off topic for that thread and am moving it here. I'd love to hear about other middle grade authors' experiences at expos and festivals. I would also love to hear from non-authors: what draws you to a booth at an expo or festival? What turns you away?

From my experience, we have to make sure we are pulling people into our booths. Reality is, very few people are going to make the effort to come talk to us if we're just sitting there hoping for it to happen. If we're reading a different book or otherwise distracted, we might as well have stayed home and saved our money. When I'm at an expo, I offer a bookmark to everyone who walks by coupled with a question that relates to my books, giving them a chance to stop and think before just rejecting the bookmark (but graciously accept the no if that's still their answer). I've seen Cheryl Carpinello at work and she does a great job with this. Using her books as an example, she could ask, "Do you know anyone who'd like to know more about King Tut?" It's not offensive and gives the person something to think about.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

I've only done a couple of stands at craft fairs and the like with my books. Cheryl does have a wonderful way in with King Tut, and I wish I could think of something similar. I suppose it's my fault for writing a fantasy series about guinea pigs living in a feudal world and inventing advance technology (and that's the best phrase I've used for it!).

I think bookmarks are a great way in to a conversation, even if you print them and trim them yourself, if you do as many as events as I do. I invested in a roller banner for my non-fiction book (cost £50, so about $75, but I've seen them advertised cheaper), and it looks very professional, but if you're writing series that's more difficult. It does make it clear what's going on from a distance, though.

But I also have experience at exhibitions for work back in the 1990s and yes - you have to stand in the stream and engage people. Sitting behind the desk is a good way of feeling isolated, as well as looking it.

I think one question I tried was 'have you got any readers in your family?' which sometimes gets people into conversation, but as always, the best thing that attracts people is other people crowding round, so if you can afford to rent-a-crowd, do!

PS, if you have an all-day event to stand at - take two pairs of shoes with different height heels, even dead flat to slightly raised. It helps the feet a lot!

I am taking my book to horse shows. I ask girls about their ponies and they tell me about their favorite horse books. I try to let them engage about the book at their own initiative.
Maybe I will get brave and pass out postcards (I have some on the table) but for now I stand, smile, comment and admire their horses or fancy hats or carriages or whatever catches my fancy.
It is easy to see why I'm there because I have a laminated picture of the book (which I had done at office depot) on a table easel with the price display attached.
I need to vet the shows more. Each one I have gone to this year has only had about 50 horses or ponies. Translation 8 -12 books.
The Christmas craft show I went to only had a trickle of shoppers.

I've only done one festival, the Tucson Festival of Books, and one thing I learned there--be the first to select your spot! I showed up at the appointed time, and the spaces facing the main thoroughfare had already been claimed by wiser people. They had also brought a crowd, and had lots of give-aways. I had bookmarks and candy, but poor visibility and sad sales.

Wonder if I could get a table at a PTA convention...there's the audience for my kids' books and my mysteries alike!

Rebecca wrote: "I've only done one festival, the Tucson Festival of Books, and one thing I learned there--be the first to select your spot! I showed up at the appointed time, and the spaces facing the main thoroug..."

Was the book festival expensive? I checked into a Homeschool Convention once and was glad I was sitting down when the price quote came. It was over $500. For a one horse show, that was beyond me.

TFOB was cheap. The Festival itself is free, and the table was $35, IIRC. But that was for only 2 hours, and I didn't sell enough to make that back. It was mostly worth it for me because I was visiting a friend there anyway, and was able to connect with some folk I only knew on line--and I really loved the festival for itself.

I just came back from a Homeschool Convention where I had a booth next to an author with 9 or ten different books on Character Development. I had my one novel for middle grade kids. This author was great! She sold a bunch of books, which was good for her, but by the time she told her funny stories and kept them for 20 minutes, the homeschooling moms didn't want to talk to anyone else for the rest of the afternoon. They just rushed right by me. I didn't make enough to pay for my booth, but it was a good learning experience for me. I probably will not do that again until I have many more books published. Author fairs for me have been terrible. Each person is trying to get the few patrons that come in to look at their book. If you happen to be at the end of the line, it is very hard to sell anything. My very best sales are made when I get to talk to a big group of people like a women's group. Thanks for asking this question because we all want to know what is the best way to spend our time and efforts.

TFOB sounds like a good one to have on my list if I'm in the area. Cost is such a huge deciding factor in choosing a festival. My best return on investment was the Dicken's Christmas Festival in St. George, Utah. It cost over $500 but ran for four days with lots of traffic.

I like the idea of a roller banner. I've seen other authors use them and they look so convenient!

And Jemima, thanks for the advice on the different shoes. I'll be using that in the future!

What other expos or festivals have been good to attend? Someday I hope to expand my reach outside of Utah.

Mary wrote: "I just came back from a Homeschool Convention where I had a booth next to an author with 9 or ten different books on Character Development. I had my one novel for middle grade kids. This author was..."

You are me. Or I am you. I just have one book right now.
Is there a better way to reach the Homeschoolers?

Wow. It sounds like a festival or convention isn't worth it unless you get the perfect spot and really do some arm flapping. But even selling one book must be thrilling. And that new reader could tell someone else about the book ....

Susan wrote: "Wow. It sounds like a festival or convention isn't worth it unless you get the perfect spot and really do some arm flapping. But even selling one book must be thrilling. And that new reader could t..."

Oh no. I'm sorry to give you that impression. I had a wonderful time talking to people. At the last show, I put my book into the hands of 12 little girls who would not otherwise have seen it. Did I make money - No, I'm in the red. But, If I had gone to one nearby and hadn't needed to overnight I would have paid for my books.

I agree. I love connecting with people at festivals and even the few I haven't made money at were great for getting our name out.

I think you've hit the nail on the head (or something). Getting out and meeting readers is something that is probably worth the cost of the table.

Well, since I'm mentioned in the first two comments, I figured I'd better add something to the conversation.

I've done craft fairs, rodeo fairs, book fairs, boutiques, Xmas markets, and who knows what else. These events are a ton of work, many times they pay off, and always allows me to connect with readers I wouldn't otherwise. I've ventured across state lines and even across the Atlantic to get exposure and hopefully sell some books. I always hand out book marks; I rarely sit; I always ask how people are doing or wish them good morning/afternoon. THEN, I ask if they have readers in their family, followed closely by the fact I wrote all of the books they see on my table, and I explain that I'm a retired high school teacher and I write in my retirement to get young people to read more. Next I explain that my Arthurian Legend is for ages 9-14 and my Egyptian is for YA and above. Believe me when I say that I really do all that for people passing by my booth!

You would be surprised by the number of people who look at me and stop once they learn that I'm the author of these books. Be sure to mention that. Most visitors think you are just a book seller!

I enjoy doing these events and have learned to be a seller. I watch the newspaper and troll the internet looking for events close to me. Rarely will I ever pay more that $75 for a booth unless the event runs more than one day. By the way, J.S., I sold 2 books in Utah that year! Then in Sept. 2014, I sold 4 at Manorbier Castle in Wales. At events I've sold anyway from 2 to 35 books, depending on the crowds and what people are looking for.

All that said, I will continue to do these events if for no other reason than to connect with potential readers and buyers. More often than not, my buyers are grandparents, friends, and kids in roughly that order.

I recommend them and wish you luck! Feel free to ask me any questions.

Welcome to the conversation, Cheryl! Yes, I agree it's not all about book sales. I'd love to know which expos and festivals you do that are $75 or less.

Just quickly, I do a lot at schools especially around Xmas. Many of the schools hold holiday markets as a fund raiser for the music department, library, etc. We also have several craft fairs throughout the year, many of which are put on by churches, again as a fund raiser. Community centers are another one If you google craft fairs in Utah 2016, you get a lot of responses. I also look at festival.net which shows up there. If you find one close to you, then google that. I just googles that and there are a bunch of listings.

Thank you for that resource! Did you mean festivalnet.com instead? I've checked it out and will definitely be using it.

Probably so. I know it's not correct, but I don't join festivalnet.com because I can find more information without doing that. Good luck!

Great info, Cheryl - thanks :)

Yes, thanks for all that info, Cheryl. You addressed one of my issues, which is finding festivals and events to attend. I wouldn't have thought of going to a craft fair. Are people surprised to see booksellers there, or is that common?

Rebecca, people love seeing authors there, not booksellers. That is why you have to identify yourself as the writer of the books. For years, I have been the only author at many of these events. Having shared with other writers about this, I do find 1 or 2 other authors at some events.

An important distinction, Cheryl. I think I was wondering about if people are open to buying books at a craft fair. I will look into it!

My sales can be good or not so good. It is impossible to figure out. Howeve, out of all the events I've done in the past 7 years, there have only been a handful where I haven't at least made my booth fee back.

Rebecca wrote: "An important distinction, Cheryl. I think I was wondering about if people are open to buying books at a craft fair. I will look into it!"

My local do last autumn was a Christmas craft fair... and I sold some books. I still hope that the girl who got a full set of the Princelings books from her aunt for Christmas didn't put them straight into the recycling!

I was taken aback by the question - "are you the author". I thought it should be obvious... why else would I be sitting for hours at a book table? But, apparently not as I get asked the question at least once at every show. Should I wear a hat that says author? :)

I've created a simple badge that states, "Local author, ask me about my book." As I branch out further from home, I'll be tweaking it to state the I'm the author. It definitely makes a difference.

Are any of the non-authors willing to share what works or doesn't work for you when you see booths? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

I have a red t-shirt that says I'm a Writer in addition to a few other words. Works for the most part, but I still get that surprised look when I say I wrote these books.

By the way, at Saturday's event, I sold 13 books!

I've started something new this past month. I'm actually bundling my Arthurian Legend books (read that as tied with a ribbon) for $2 less than if bought separate. Same with my 2 Egyptian books. Also, have bundled all four of my books (again, read that as tied with a ribbon:)) for $4 less than if bought separate. Surprisingly, I sold 2 - 4bk bundles, 1 - 2bk bundle, and 3 single books. Bundles seem to be a selling item. If you haven't tried this, do so, and let me know.

I like these ideas, and congrats on a successful event, Cheryl. I am now starting to look for events where I can sell. I do have a couple of t-shirts from launch events for my books, but they don't say "author!" on them in big letters :) Maybe "ask me about my books" would be a good one to have :)

I do informally bundle books--if someone wants 3 or more I give a discount. I will try literal bundles next time.

I've just signed up for one craft & gift fair with a firm that does several each month in different locations - the furthest is about 3 hours drive, but there are eight locations within about an hour. We're talking small cities, large towns and tourist hotspots here, and they recommend bringing your wares appropriate to the season - even though people are Christmas shopping already!

I'll see how the one in September goes, but I'll probably do more, partly because if people see you again, they know you're not a fly-by-night. I'm waitlisted for a spot on the nearest Christmas fair, too (sold out already).

The organisers set out the stalls 'to give everyone a chance' they say.
And I'll do more because they want Third Party Liability insurance, so I might as well get some value for money from that.

The big question is how many paperback copies of each title to take...

I probably need a new tee, as well. Maybe my current headshot and 'Jemima Pett - I write books' What do you think?

What about giving out chocolate bars with the books and having something striking sitting there on the stall reading one of your books- such as a large doll or a scarecrow. Have only ever sold paintings on stalls, not books, but always found it quite exhausting so a supply of goodies to munch would probably not come amiss.

Jemima wrote: "I've just signed up for one craft & gift fair with a firm that does several each month in different locations - the furthest is about 3 hours drive, but there are eight locations within about an ho..."

Figuring out how many to take is, I think, the hardest part. I tend to go way overboard but have at least learned to take a reasonable amount in and leave the rest in my car so I'm not hauling them in and out. :D

I've heard for smaller shows that 20 of each book is a good goal.

And it is good to have something to identify you as the author. I've worn a badge that says "Local Author" or "Ask me about my book." You could also have something that says "Autographed by the Author."

Good luck with the shows! I love the idea of doing one each month!

Carol wrote: "What about giving out chocolate bars with the books and having something striking sitting there on the stall reading one of your books- such as a large doll or a scarecrow. Have only ever sold pain..."

Giving away chocolate?? I could never do that, for multiple reasons lol
I think the size of the tables might preclude a big display figure. And I have a lot of books - twenty titles now - so I'm currently looking at display shelves/units that other people use. The picture guy has a neat card holder which might work.

I have two banners for my non-fiction and for the Princelings, and am currently working on one for the scifi series (last cover needs to be finalised). They go behind the table at most of their venues, I think.
Hm, if I did one for the flash fiction collection I could put them back to back if I'm in the middle of a hall... I think the banners now cost much less than they did when I started.

J.S. wrote: "Figuring out how many to take is, I think, the hardest part. I tend to go way overboard ..."

I sorted out how many of each I've got yesterday. I'm planning on 20 of the first Princelings, and I have over 20 of the non-fiction book from a previous show which was a bit of a wash-out. Then I'm thinking more like 4-5 of the sequels, and 10 each of the flash fiction books.
The good thing about going back to a show a few months later, is I can tell anyone I can hold one for them, or get it and send it. I'm hoping it'll also mean someone will say 'oh, there's that book woman again, must go and buy that one...'
Parking is not close to the venue, unfortunately - not far, but not right outside.
My printer usually gets books to me in a week, so I can stock up again pretty quick.

What do people do about taking credit cards these days?

I'm just preparing an end-of-year evaluation of my first year doing these craft & gift shows.

I'll add the link to the post on my blog, but in a nutshell I've:
- sold more books at most shows than I would in most weeks of the year from all online outlets
- spoken to readers!
- got out of the house, met other stall holders (most are regulars), and I think it's done my head good.
- even made a profit at some locations
- worked out which books sell best, and stocked up accordingly.
- stopped being apologetic about price rises
- booked up for 20 more craft fairs next year!

So, yes, if you have craft fairs in your area - especially an organised round of them (easier in small countries or more suburban areas) - do try them!

PS. In answer to my own question above, I use a Zettle in conjunction with my iPad or phone, others use SumUp. They seem to be the best value gadgets for smaller sales.

Thanks for updating us, Jemima. This is a very useful thread for new authors wanting to explore this option. I’m googling ‘Zettle’ now!

Yes, thank you, Jemima. I especially need to remember the part about not apologizing for raising prices. I’m starting to do shows again and I need to not sale us short.

Goodreads banned external links for a while, so I never did add the link: https://jemimapett.com/blog/2022/09/0...
They seem to be okay with 'open links' but maybe not embedded ones.