Indie Author's Guidebook: Going to a Book Fair
- Mindy Killgrove
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Indie Authors who are packing up and getting ready to participate in book fairs should start by gathering books, special displays, and unique sweets, prizes, or baskets that will draw the attention of consumers and readers.
It used to be that “Book Fairs” were just-for-kids. Every year, sometimes twice a year, elementary school children could bring a couple of dollars to the book fair and select a new book for their at-home library. But, in the past few years, adult book fairs have become wildly popular. They are sometimes called Book Bashes or Book Festivals, but what all these events have in common is that they are designed to bring a large number of authors and readers together.
So—how, as an indie author, do you prepare for a book fair? The best course of action is to figure out how you, and your work, will stand out in a crowd.
You’ve got your books, with their lovely and eye-catching book covers, but to sell loads of books during a fair, your table must look amazing.
Quick Tip: Read the rules and guidelines that were given to you by the book fair host. You need to know what they’re going to provide. In most instances, the organizer will give each participant a table, chair, and will drape the whole thing in a black tablecloth. While you’re reading those notes from the host, pay special attention to the size of your space. Did you purchase a full or half table? How big is your area? Do you have just three feet or will you get a full eight feet? Knowing your space ahead of time is crucial to making the most of what you’ve got.
Now, let’s get that table set.
Custom Retractable Banner: I’ve been to a few events that do not allow extra signs or banners, but almost every Book Fair will encourage signing authors to bring one vertical and retractable banner. Because this might be the only advertisement that you get at the event, it’s best to bring something that showcases you or your books and is appealing to the eye. I created my own banner on Canva, using a book cover, and had it printed right there as well. Many other authors opt for services offered by VistaPrint or Amazon.
Table Runner: Your table runner might draw more attention than your banner. I know that sounds odd, but because most book fairs have plain black tablecloths, what the author drops on the table, like a runner, can make a big difference. My current table runner is hot pink and made of vinyl. What I like about it is the way I never have to worry about ripped or frayed edges. The colors are robust and have not faded—even after a considerable amount of time and exposure to the elements. Other authors choose to use fabric table runners and I like the way these look too. When I check out their displays, I appreciate the way the fabric lays flat and does not bend or crinkle the way mine does occasionally.
Sweets: Plenty of people will skip the sweets, but there are just as many others who will stop by to grab a mint or piece of chocolate off the table. I always have a small candy dish (in the shape of a baseball) at my table during book fairs because I figure if even one person swings by to grab a treat, then that’s one more person I might be able to connect with and encourage them to give my books a try. I generally buy Lifesaver mints, but at a book fair I attended recently the sweet romance author next to me offered Hershey’s Kisses and those went over exceptionally well.
Prizes or Baskets: One thing that sets the Book Fair apart from other bookish events is that the readers who stop by tend to be serious about supporting local authors. They actively want to add to their TBR Towers and are looking to be dazzled by the next great author. So, one way I entice readers to stop by my table is by giving away prizes and raffle baskets.
The prizes can vary from customized items, like emery boards or lip balms, to stickers and keychains.
As for the raffle baskets, I like to pair items in mine that somehow reflect the books or my characters. At a recent event, I gave away a book series and paired signature scents of the female characters with the other bits and bobs in the basket. (Quick explanation: In one of my novels, Majestically Married, the main female character uses products that always make her smell like strawberries; therefore, in my book basket, I snuggled a strawberry-scented shower gel right next to the novel to create an immersive experience for the person who won the raffle.)
I always think I can get away with bringing less items to a book fair, but that’s never the case. Book Fairs offer a great way for readers and writers to mingle and are designed to let authors highlight their special skills and unique traits. So, when rallying yourself to participate in a book fair, don’t forget to pack these essentials.
Books
Price List
Water Bottle
Custom Retractable Banner
Download the printable PDF so you can check these items off your own list before packing up and heading to the book fair.
p.s. Did I forget to mention business cards? Sometimes, it can be argued that stickers and bookmarks have replaced the necessity for business cards in the bookseller and author world, but at book fairs, having a few business cards on hand is an excellent idea. I get mine from VistaPrint, but there are endless places, including plenty of local shops, that will be able to create beautiful business cards for you in an instant.
***If you're going to a "Boozy Book Fair", no worries. Remember to pay attention to the allotted space you've been given and bring aesthetically pleasing books, swag, and gifts that will draw readers to your table.
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