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Our local library system in Bucks County, PA, is holding a fair. Here's the announcement...

Calling All Authors! Join Our Local Author Fairs This November

We are hosting three local author fairs this November and are looking for authors who would like to participate. The fairs will take place during the first three Saturdays in November:

November 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
Bensalem Library, 3700 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem
November 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
Doylestown Library, 150 South Pine Street, Doylestown
November 18, 1 to 4 p.m.
Quakertown Library, 401 West Mill Street, Quakertown

All published and self-published authors (fiction, nonfiction, local history, and children’s books) from the area are eligible to apply, with priority given to Bucks County residents. Authors can promote their published work(s), meet with members of the local community, interact with other writers, and sign and sell copies of their books during the events.

We will provide each author with a table and two chairs. Authors are responsible for creating their own display and making change for book purchases.

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I'm debating about participating. On the one hand I see this as a significant opportunity to get my books in front of the public (and to chat with readers, as well). On the other hand, it would require a significant (!!!) investment to stock even ten copies each of the three books in my children's book series "on the come," so to speak, with no guarantee of sales (especially given I'm not set up to do credit card sales and will not accept personal checks (burned once, and all that)).

Does anyone have any experience, advice, whatever, regarding participation in these events?

I'd take part! My library won't even carry my books nor have they suggested I donate. They had one event for self published local authors but I didn't hear about it till after.

Justin wrote: "I'd take part! My library won't even carry my books nor have they suggested I donate. They had one event for self published local authors but I didn't hear about it till after."

Thanks, Justin. My wife has suggested that at the very least, we attend to get the lay of the land...see who is attending, what kind of books are being featured (mystery? romance? children? sci fi? all of the above? as might be expected), how transactions are being handled, the types of displays used, etc., etc. We have reserved the 11th to do that, given the proximity of the Doylestown library to our home.

I have had a lot of luck with library fairs when there are multiple authors in attendance! My kids books have been a big hit. Make sure to have something at your table as a free giveaway to draw the kids over. While they are picking out what they want, you have a chance to engage the parents. Stickers, suckers and little party bubble containers have been my biggest hits. At my last one, I was the only children's book author and it played to my advantage. It was my best sales event yet! I would say do it. :)

Erica wrote: "I have had a lot of luck with library fairs when there are multiple authors in attendance! My kids books have been a big hit. Make sure to have something at your table as a free giveaway to draw th..."

Great idea. How many books did you bring with you? Did you accept personal checks or just cash?

I only accepted cash. I take about 10-15 books each. I include tax with mine and Mark them at a price that is easy ($10 or $15). I then offer a discount of $5 if someone buys 3. I find a lot of people that will buy 2 will buy a 3rd if there is a discount. I tried discounts before if someone bought 4 books without a good response. I tend to sell more books at a $10 price than $15. At $15, people typically buy 1 book. At $10 they are more likely to buy 2. Hope this helps! :)

Erica wrote: "I only accepted cash. I take about 10-15 books each. I include tax with mine and Mark them at a price that is easy ($10 or $15). I then offer a discount of $5 if someone buys 3. I find a lot of peo..."

My children's books sell for $11.99 on Amazon, plus shipping. I sell them for $10 (tax included), in person. I don't discount for multiple sales. It's not been a problem in the past. I'm beginning to think I'll focus on the anti-bullying (penguin) book, perhaps taking 25 copies plus a lot of anti-bulling literature, pledge cards, etc. Will set the display off from the crowd, for sure. As well, am thinking about selling small, stuffed penguins (5 inches high...have a wholesale source). Things are beginning to gel in my mind. Thanks so much for your help.

I think the stuffed penguins are a great idea! I have been looking into doing something similar with mine. Be sure to let us know what works for you and doesn't. :) Wishing you the best of luck!

Erica wrote: "I think the stuffed penguins are a great idea! I have been looking into doing something similar with mine. Be sure to let us know what works for you and doesn't. :) Wishing you the best of luck!"

Thanks. It won't be until mid-November, so there's plenty of time to pull this together. But will keep you apprised.