Monday, June 6, 2016

Getting ready for a #sci fi #Conference @SciFiValleyCon !

Since I'm getting ready for this fun event, I thought I'd share my checklist with you. This is what I bring to an event:

  • Display - I get lots of compliments on my table, but sometimes I wonder if it's too much - the point is to sell books, not just look pretty... but it does catch their attention. For purely book events I bring less, but for this sci fi con, I'm going all out!
    • Banner(s) - and for this event I'm bringing my photo props!
    • Black Tablecloth
    • Book stands or rack, depends on how much room I have.
    • Candy dish, Card holder, Jewelry stands
    • Figures - dragon, mermaid, etc, depending on room
    • Newsletter signup clipboard
    • Raffle bag - depends on the crowd
  • Swag - Free stuff with my name & books on it. Hopefully they'll look at it one more time before they toss it... (so don't spend much money on this stuff unless it's useful!)
    • Bookmarks - a staple, and I put one series on each side to save on cost
    • Postcards - I use postcards to advertise future books or anthologies, and I don't print a ton, it doesn't hurt!
    • Author cards - a must, connections are imperative!
    • Candy - I attach stickers with my name/books when possible. Candy brings traffic to the table
    • Pens - useful, have my name on them, not too expensive
    • Magnets - new for this event, they were reasonable and they're useful!
    • Bracelets, notepads - these are not free! But I display them to get attention and give them away with the books, helps seal the deal sometimes!
    • Gift Bags - I put labels on gift bags for people to carry their purchases from me and I also offer bags if someone is heavy laden - free advertising!
  • Me and My Books!
    • What to wear - I'm always comfortable, but I do like to add a little flair...
      • For bookfairs, I dress business casual, plus add a little glitter in the hair or extra eye makeup
      • For Cons like this one, I'll be going dragon - with bigger eye makeup, wings, and possibly a tail if I get around to finishing it!
    • the BOOKS!
      • I inventory my supply early in case I have to order more
      • I bring a box and a half of books, not too many but enough. I've never sold out, but I do sell more every time I go somewhere, so that's positive. This is a bigger event, but most folks are coming for the art, comics, and celebrities. I keep it reasonable and light.
Well, that gives you an idea of how I get ready for a book event. If you have any suggestions or questions - I'm all ears! I'd love to hear about an event you've done or are planning for.


I'm only bringing one extra box of books, not all of them!
Wish me luck!

11 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wow, you have a lot of cool stuff! Be sure someone gets a picture of you dressed as a dragon.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tara - have fun and good luck - looks like you're organised and rarin' to go .. enjoy the dragoning around ... cheers Hilary

H. R. Sinclair said...

I love that you'll be a dragon! It looks like you've got this all under control.

Kelly Steel said...

Oh, my! Sounds so interesting and fun!

Christine Rains said...

Oh wow! You've got so much awesome stuff. Love that you're dressing up as a dragon too. :)

Sarah Foster said...

So much awesome stuff! I love that you'll be wearing wings!

The Silver Fox said...

Good luck. You're going with tones of cool items.

The Silver Fox said...

TONS. Not tones. :)

Juneta key said...

Wow, that looks like fun. I agree, get a picture of you as a dragon. I hope get a lot of sales and new readers. Have loads of fun.

Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

PS I sent you an email on the 3rd to your gmail email about StoryTime Blog Hop. If you need me to send again or to another email let me know. my email thejadedkat at gmail dot com

Elizabeth Seckman said...

You do always have the best table! You're like the queen of organization and great ideas!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

You are a cornucopia of swag! I am so taking notes right now. My cover reveal for my MG is coming up soon and I can't wait to design and order some bookmarks, postcards, and fun trinkets! Loved this.

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