Last Saturday, I joined my writers group, the Southern Christian Writers Guild, at the book-selling tables along the sidewalk of the plaza of Louisiana’s state capital, Baton Rouge. It was a gorgeous day, with plenty of sunshine and a little breeze. I felt energetic and hopeful.
My friends around me had tables; I shared mine with author Pearline Wells. She sold her devotions and journals. I sold my Christian thriller sci-fi novels.
I had stacks of THE HOT MARBLE and THE CAVE CHAMBER. Freebies included color brochures, my business cards, and Pauline added some very popular mints. Plus my daughter had a large poster created for me.
Hundreds of people walked by: individuals of all ages, and lots of families with kids. Over the course of the 9 am to 4 pm Saturday festival, I sold three books and gave away one. I’m told that’s good. But I knew I could do better.
The author at the table next to mine was selling his thriller book like hotcakes. I noticed that he had three small posters with just the cover of his book and … QR codes so that people could pay INSTANTLY. Also, he engaged people easily in conversation. Plus he has a neat, succinct “hook” blurb to lead people into his novel’s story.
I can do that next time! Plus …
Another bookseller sold his children’s books fast and often. he engaged conversation with questions, handed out stickers to kids, and talked to parents while the man who helped him made balloon 🎈 dogs 🐕 or cats 🐈
I can do that, too, next time. Plus …
The Horned Edge is going to the publisher this TUESDAY, Nov. 7., and I’ll have three books to sell, not just two. For accounts of my writing adventures, subscribe to my forever free monthly newsletter here:
Meanwhile, if you are interested in my books THE HOT MARBLE and THE CAVE CHAMBER in the Christian sci-fi thriller series, A Soul’s Warfare, you can buy them at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Just search for my name, Rosemary Althoff or press the book covers below.
Rosemary Althoff, Author 