One of these tools is to engage the reading public. Now, I've done my share in doing so on social media: i.e. Facebook and Twitter; although, I admit, I haven't been tweeting much lately. But, it hasn't done much for my non-existent sales. Some of these authors do so at signing events. Unfortunately, these events are like a start-up business, and requires a reasonable amount of capital: table rentals, inventory, swag to hand out, etc. It can prove to be a costly venture. But, as an adage of business goes, "It takes money to make money." So, after a fortunate break, and noticing how decent my last pay cheque was, I've decided to throw caution to the wind, and sign up for my first ever author signing event.
Yes, I know this poster will be shocking to most of my normal blog readers and family, but if you have read my two romance novels, The Prairie Fire Within, and Fiery Freedom: The Complete Saga (Both available in paperback, and for your Kindle units and apps off of Amazon.), you know that I have dipped my toe into the genre. So, what in the world has possessed me to join 44 other romance novelists (All women, I might add) for this big event? In a few words, timing and opportunity.
As most of you know, I am hoping to move to Florida later this year to be with my future wife, and after attending "Word on the Street" here in Toronto a few years ago, the allure of having a table at a book fair was a personal goal of mine. It would afford me the chance to interact with my existing readers (Well, which few I have.), and meet new ones; thus, growing my reader base. I was looking into doing WOTS this year, but when I saw how much they wanted for a table rental, I balked at the idea. I would have to sell a cornucopia of books just to break even.
Things looked bleak until I came home from work one night last week, and saw a Facebook post by one of my author friends, Christa Simpson, who shared a notice of the above event, stating a few spots had opened up for it. After doing some research, and noticing the table rental was 1/3 the cost for WOTS, I cautiously threw my hat into the ring. I have to admit, I am a little uneasy at the notion that save for cover models and personal assistants for the other authors in attendance, I'm the only male listed on the program. However, I'm going to put my best foot forward, and try to grow my audience. At the same time, it might drive me to complete some of the Works-In-Progress that I have sitting on my USB Flash Drive, gathering digital dust. (Including, the long awaited sequel to TPFW, whose first draft is still half-finished, and hasn't been worked on in over a year, but three jobs, and two other personas will take one away from that.)
As part of the promotional tour for this upcoming event, I will be participating in an author takeover on the event's Facebook page (Found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/933642903330017/ ) this coming Sunday, May 24th at 8 pm, Toronto time. I plan on talking a bit about my books, and holding a few fun games where participants could win a signed paperback copy of The Prairie Fire Within and Fiery Freedom: The Complete Saga. The only requirement to win the paperbacks is that you have to attend the signing event in Toronto on June 13th to claim your prize. But, for those who can't make it to "T-Dot" for the event, I'll hold an eBook giveaway or two, so you won't feel left out.
I hope to see you at my Author Takeover event this Sunday, and if you're going to be in the Toronto area on Saturday, June 13th, come on down to the Sheraton Centre, and meet me and 44 other wild authors. It should be a blast; although, I have promised my fiancee that I will behave. (But, where is the fun in that?)
Great post Doug! See you at the event :) Tweeted your blog post :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to meet you !
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