Authors go through a lot to write and publish their books. With the advancements in technology and everyone is out to make a dollar, we all have to be smart and diligent in how we build our platforms and brands.
What I will say is book festivals go a long way when you’re an unknown author. When you don’t have the backing of a book publisher or a marketing agency, it’s crucial that you put yourself out there.
Book festivals give us the opportunity to meet people, talk about our books, learn about others, their experiences and what their interests are. Writing about social issues allows me to generate ideas from people that I meet or even people that are in my inner circle.
The opportunities are endless at a book festival and I will admit that the more options you have for books, the more people are inclined to buy something. If you’re an author, having 3-5 books published helps your cause.
Writing about social issues draws interest and some people want the intense stuff, some want the lighter stuff. It’s accommodating everyone which can be tough at times. You live and you learn.
Granted social media garners interest but to me, it doesn’t sell books consistently. Especially when people don’t know who you are and your story. Building a relationship and giving people leeway into who you are, they’re more inclined to want to read your book and story.
Unless your book is a bestseller or in a major book club, the chances of selling your book aren’t as high. People follow each other, they follow trends, they go off of the stamp of approval from others.
Which brings me to reviews, they matter on the platforms people buy from, that’s for sure. Just make sure you get legitimate reviews. Book festivals are an opportunity to showcase who you are.
I’m glad I’ve been able to work with the same organizer for three years and every book festival, I’ve met different walks of life and have sold a good amount of books.
To all authors, don’t sell yourself short of book festivals. It does take a good amount of your day and energy but at the end of the day, it’s fulfilling and it breaks you out of your comfort zone.
That’s my blog for today, thanks for reading as always, be good and go accomplish your goals!
Jamell Crouthers
Aquarianmind
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