Last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in a library author event for picture book and teen local authors. It went seamlessly because I like preparing for a library event. Want to know my secrets? Keep reading.
In person author events are wonderful. I enjoy meeting parents, teachers, children and other authors. I love sharing my books with children and listening to what children have to say about my books and books that they like to read.
These events also provide the opportunity to connect with other authors and learn about their books and other author opportunities. I often learn a great deal from other authors. My experience has been a positive one when it comes to picture book authors. They are friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help fellow authors by sharing their knowledge and experience.
Preparation
As many of you know, I am big on being prepared. I think it is my Girl Scout training. Preparing for an in person author event is not difficult. Each venue is a little different and a few questions will help you know exactly what you need to pack.
- Is the venue providing a table and chair?
- Is the venue providing a tablecloth? It is important to know the size of the table if you are bringing a tablecloth.
- Does the venue have free wifi access available for authors? This is key if you are selling books.
- Where should you park? Arrival time to set up?
- How many will be attending? This will help you decide how many books to bring.
- Is there a website or flyer they would like you to use for sharing the news on social media.
What do you need to bring
- Books
- Pens/ Sharpies – for signing books
- Bookmarks
- Tablecloth
- Water and snack
- Candy or treats for children
- Poster Board with your photo and photos of the book. It adds to the professional look of your table.
- Newsletter sign up sheet – great for building your email list
- A way to collect money – Paypal, Venmo or Square and a cash box with change.
There are a number of items not listed above, but I think this checklist does a great job of filling in the gaps. I did not think about some of the items mentioned on the checklist so it was very helpful for me.
Event day
- Arrive early and give yourself time to set up your table
- Greet parents and children as they arrive at your table
- Hand out business cards or bookmarks with your website and links to your books
- Make genuine, friendly conversation with attendees. Be approachable as many parent have never met an author and they may be a little intimidated at first.
- Be sure to connect and share contacts with other authors.
- Share coloring pages and other materials that children can take home.
Life happens and no one may come to the event. It happens to us all. It helps to prepare yourself for the possibility to avoid disappointment. Use the time to mingle with other authors. Don’t sit there and pout or just look at your phone. Take time to visit other tables and ask them about their books. They all have interesting stories to share with you.
After the event
- Thank you’s are always appropriate for the host.
- Follow up with customers and touch base with the other authors
- Be sure to add your new subscribers to your email list.
- Evaluate what worked well and what you will change next time.
What worked well
This library event was one of the best I have attended. We had plenty of time to set up and to meet other authors. It was great to meet other children’s authors.
The coloring sheets and lollipops were a big hit with the children. I gave away a number of bookmarks for both my books. My bookmarks have my webpage and links to the books. This has brought more traffic to my website after other events. People often order the books after the event.
I enjoyed talking to children. Two children mentioned that they owned the book or read it in school. They told me what their favorite parts of the book were and what they liked and didn’t like about the characters. It is always great to get a child’s perspective.
Talking with other authors I found that there are a few more of these author events in the coming months and other opportunities to share and sell books.
I can’t wait!
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
I am now booking author visits for the fall, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After school Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. There are so many great spring events and books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!
Call to Action …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.
