Still, we managed to sell a few books, again hand-sold by myself to a few readers based on their stated preferences. I think if we d had a local author at the table they could have sold quite a few books, despite the disappointing attendance. Many self-published authors came to our table to find out about us, having heard the NPR interview, and were interested in our idea of providing authors a way to reach readers in their region through these fairs. Though it didn t sell books at the fair, it brought us to the attention of many people who wouldn t have stopped at the table otherwise. A GU presence at book fairs is a good thing, provided local authors show up to man the table.
Readers are really excited to meet authors, no two ways about it.
A minimum of two authors is needed for GU to dedicate funds to purchase space at a book fair and send books and materials. I know from experience that staying behind a table for eight hours without a break is very tiring, and the writers will want to take a little time to visit the other tables and see readings and mingle. Libraries do indeed seem interested in accepting our books into their systems, which means that as an author you have nothing to lose by signing up your books for the fairs. At this point, we will need the assistance of authors to determine which book fairs we attend. Please contact us with information on any book fairs you are interested in attending as an author.