Curious about what goes on at local author fairs and how you might participate in one? BWW published authors Georgann Prochaska, Janet Souter, and Dorothy Winsor offer advice and insight after their recent participation at the Schaumburg Library Local Author Fair.

How does a local author get included in this type of fair?

Georgann: Research. Look up the library website and also type “author fair” after the library’s name. Look for author fairs a library may have had in the past. Call them to see if they will be having a future fair. Ask to be on their list if they do. Decide how far you want to travel. Check out libraries well in advance.

Janet: I’ve learned about fairs mostly by word of mouth. I found this website, but so far it only lists book fairs in the South through March 2022: https://www.bookreporter.com/book-festivals.

Dorothy: I search for author fairs online. Also, I ask BWW friends.

What made you decide to participate in the local authors fair at the Schaumburg Library?

Georgann: Selling books is great but getting your name out is also a good thing especially if your book is available on Kindle, or Barnes and Noble nook version.

Janet: We (I co-author with my husband) had a good experience with it in 2019. Now we are on their email list, so they contacted us.

Who attends these fairs and who do you hope to engage with while at the fair?

Georgann:  Authors need to do some publicity about the author fair. Family and friends are great to see at the event. The library will have regular patrons who are there for library research and books. Very often they are not aware of the fair until they walk into the building. Meeting these readers for the first time is great. They might be back the next year to see you as a friend.

Janet: Mostly, people who love books. We usually ask people if they like history and try to engage them from there. Even if they don’t buy any books, it does pass the time.

Dorothy: It depends on how the library arranges things. This library usually has the writers just inside the entrance so you get a lot of people coming to borrow books who stop to talk about what you’re doing.

Are libraries the best place to introduce local authors?

Georgann: Authors need a variety of places to make their work known. Libraries are great for meeting new people and for people to find a genre that they appreciate. Independent bookstores are also terrific. With a bookstore, an author may find they are the featured author.

Janet: Sometimes library events are good, sometimes not. We’ve been at many book fairs and author fests hosted by arts councils, etc., but it’s hard to tell ahead of time which ones will be successful. We’re always surprised. If an author writes nonfiction—or even, for example historical fiction—they can build a talk based on that, with Power Point visuals. It’s a lot of work, though. We give talks and get a fee, plus we often sell a few books. But we like doing it.

What was the funniest or most satisfying thing that someone said to you while at the fair?

Georgann: Some people are surprised that I’m funny.

Dorothy: The most satisfying thing was when a 10-year-old girl asked her mother for one of my books.

What did you learn while attending the fair?

Georgann: Not to be disappointed. Some people like mysteries, some don’t. While I’d love to sell tons of books, matching a book to a reader usually means they will be back to read more. I like sharing stories of my research so a reader can decide if this mystery is for them.

Janet: It’s a little early for book fairs at libraries. Some people are still hesitant to go into a public place where they have to wear a mask, especially with kids. We had better luck at the Printers Row Lit Fest in September which was outside.

Dorothy: Collapsible banners make a great display.

Did you sell any books?

Georgann: Yes, I did. But I also donated books to the library and told people who stopped to talk that a good way to get to know my books is to check one out of the library. I also reminded them that my mysteries are available as eBooks.

Janet: We sold three.

Dorothy: I sold two. I usually sell between 1 and 3 at these things.

As a writer, was the time spent at the fair worthwhile?

Georgann: Yes, because I met people and we shared stories.

Janet: Sadly, I don’t think it was worth it this year.

Dorothy: I like talking to other writers and readers face to face.

What advice would you give a writer who is thinking of participating in an author fair?

Georgann: Have an elevator speech ready. People are polite, and if they are not familiar with author fairs, they are reluctant to approach an author at a table. I saw one new author keep her head down during the author fair. Later she wondered why people didn’t take one of her bookmarks. I think she was not used to engaging people in chatting about books, learning what they like to read. I do think it’s important to have something to give a reader. A bookmark with author information including a website is helpful. Also remember what it’s like to be a scout selling cookies or popcorn. Not everyone likes Thin Mints. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t sell the most cookies.

Janet: Have things on your table to attract passers-by. It could be a laptop with a looped Power Point presentation or a video about your book, or books. Or a large poster. Mostly, make an effort to engage people; think of an opening comment to get their attention and then have a few brief sentences practiced and ready to describe the book. Get a Square app for your smart phone so you can take credit cards. A small percentage is deducted for each sale, but it’s better than no sale at all when a customer doesn’t have enough cash.

Dorothy: Take someone with you so you can go to the bathroom or walk around talking to other writers. Take non-messy food and a bottle of water.