For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
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Permalink Reply by Sunny Frazier on 
Permalink Reply by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom on 
Permalink Reply by Beryl Reichenberg on Hi Sunny, I was at the San Luis Obispo book festival the last two years selling my children's books. I'm one of Oak Tree Press authors, "Ants on a Log". I found that although there were not a lot of sales, I enjoyed talking to children and parents and grandparents about my books and meeting the public. I was able to see which covers, stories and books were a hit. So I found my time there was well spent.
Permalink Reply by Shawn Lamb on Yes, I do events all the time. In fact, I attend 5 to 7 festivals and conventions a year. I wrote several blogs about them last August, giving advice and tips.
Event planning tips: http://allonbooks-thekingdomofallon.blogspot.com/2011/08/event-plan...
Engaging at events: http://allonbooks-thekingdomofallon.blogspot.com/2011/08/engaging-a...
Permalink Reply by Luan Louis on Do you need to get a vendor's license for every state you sell books in?
Permalink Reply by Shawn Lamb on No, not every state requires a license, but all do require tax payments on money collected. Ohio is one state that does require a license - even temporary and it's called a transient vendor. Neither Georgia or Tennessee require licenses. These are the states I deal with frequently.
That said, each event organizer should tell the exhibitors/vendors what is required, but it's up to the vendor to obtain any license needed. A tax form is usually included in the vendor packet for the event.
Permalink Reply by Beryl Reichenberg on I agree, Shawn. For me, book festivals are more about interacting with the public rather than pushing book sales. Although sales are important, this is an opportunity to get to know your audience and interacting with them.
Permalink Reply by Shawn Lamb on Thanks, Beryl. I sell more books at events than online and I strongly believe it is due to the personal interaction. It is flattering, humbling and exciting when a young teen says she waited all year for the next festival to buy the book from me rather than purchase it online. This is why I don't place much stock in Amazon ratings, rankings and reviews. Such interact trumps impersonal statistics any day!
Permalink Reply by Beryl Reichenberg on It is the interaction with my readers that keeps me going, wanting to write more stories. Working with children and encourage them to read books or even write their own stories, is a reward all it's own.
Permalink Reply by Shawn Lamb on Indeed! I whole heartily agree, Beryl. Events can be exhausting, standing on my feet for up to 13 hours, driving for hours, lugging boxes, but every smile and discussion makes the effort worth it. I look forward to the different ones I do, as each has a uniqueness all its own.
Permalink Reply by Patricia Gligor on I've never been to a book festival but, after reading everyone's comments, I'm intrigued. I don't know of any near Cincinnati but I plan to investigate! If anyone has any information on festivals in my area, I'd very much appreciate it.
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