Gathering In-Person Events as an Author
Knowing how to connect with people, groups, and organizations will get you far as an author
Gathering in-person author events can feel daunting because it involves coordination, finesse, and putting yourself out there.
It requires research. It requires making connections with people in your community. And it also requires creating a solid business pitch for yourself.
Where can authors have in-person author events?
Many author instinctually think of:
Book Stores
Book Signings
Writing Conferences
The issue with these options is that they are limited, and the space for them is highly competitive.
Instead of choosing the commonly sought out author opportunities, why not try:
Libraries
Schools
Daycares
Community centers
Festivals
Farmers markets
Small business events
Chambers of commerce
PTO organizations
Parks and recreation departments
Nonprofit organizations
Why should you consider these? As authors, we need to think outside the box in terms of how we gain recognition and the opportunities we create.
Often, the best places to have an author event are places where they aren’t traditionally occurring.
Why authors should be building relationships before they need them
Authors often cold-pitch event leaders or vendors without having built any relationship with them.
Instead, what authors should be doing is:
Attending Community Events like town board meetings, festivals, grand openings, and more.
Introducing themselves to others in the community when able. In addition to this, keeping business cards on hand is a wonderful way to ensure you are ready for any occasion.
Volunteering in your community or at your local library can surprisingly open doors for you as an author.
Joining local organizations that align with your values helps you link up with others.
Supporting local businesses and getting to know them is a great way to begin building relationships for the future.
When people already know who you are, they are more likely to invite you to events.
Create a program instead of just a book signing
Many organizations don’t know what to do with a book author.
Instead of saying, “I want to do a book signing at your establishment or event,” try offering:
A presentation
A workshop
A reading
A Q&A session
A children’s activity
An educational talk
For example, if you are a children’s author, you could offer a story time with an interactive craft or lesson. This could even be teaching kids how to draw your character or a book cover.
Or, if you are a fiction author, you could give a behind-the-scenes look at writing a novel. Perhaps a publishing presentation for new or aspiring authors. Or even help organize a local author panel or event.
But if you are a non-fiction author, you could put together a topic-specific presentation.
If you bring the organization a plan, you can show them the value you are presenting to their attendees.
Turn One Event Into Five
When we begin to gain momentum, we need to think of how we can turn one event into more opportunities for the future.
For example, maybe this is the process you follow after an event:
Attend a local event. (Be sure to be personable, professional, and prepared)
Meet organizers. (Be sure to ask questions about them, and avoid overselling yourself)
Take photos. (Taking photos to have for later posts on social media is helping to build your social media content)
Share on social media. (Be sure to talk about the highlights of the event, and if you can tag the organization or event page)
Thank the organization publicly. (This goes hand in hand with that social media aspect)
Ask for introductions to similar groups. (This is how keeping business cards on hand will help you)
The road to gathering in-person events can feel daunting and long, but it doesn’t have to.
The author needs to:
Foster connections within the online and local community early on
Showcase what they have to offer
Be prepared
If they can do this, they can open numerous doors for themselves.