10. Events  – What events can you attend to meet new readers and network.

I’ve found one of the best ways to meet new readers is by attending events. Live, online or both, if they have your readers, try to attend as many you can afford to attend.

Remember that budget I told you about?  Hopefully you added the cost of events because they can be costly. Select the ones that fit into your budget, has the readers of your genre, and will give you the most bang for your money.

I recommend you attend at least one event monthly or quarterly. Start local and then travel. I always recommend starting local first because it’s always best to build your readership in your community first before you branch out to other states.  The bonus with staying local is you save on travel and hotel.

Many local events are usually free so that saves your budget too.

If you don’t have a budget, free and virtual events are the way to go.  However please note a lot of events are going virtual and are asking for fees so you want to consider a budget for virtual events too.

Ways To Participate At An Event

There are many ways you can participate at a live or virtual event.  Find what makes you comfortable and have fun.

Be a vendor or sponsor – get in front of the readers at the event.

Be a guest speaker/presenter –Share your expertise.

Be on a panel – Showcase your expertise on a topic.

Volunteer at the event – A good way to meet many readers.

Participate in the discussions – Don’t be the quiet author at the event.

Host a meetup – For your readers who are at the event.

Ways To Participate At An Event If You Can’t Attend

There will be times when you can’t attend events but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate with them. I recommend you off a book or gift to represents you at the event. You can do this by offering:

Book donations – You can send a case of books for the attendees, or you offer 1 or two copies to be used as door prizes.

Host at a giveaway – For door prizes such as gift certificates, book baskets or boxes.

Be a sponsor – Donate money to support the event.  Some sponsorships offer ad space in the programs or event marketing material.

Remember there are many ways your book can be at an event without you physically being at the event.

Host Your Own Events

Offline

Readers Appreciate Event

Readers Retreat

Readers Breakfast

Virtual

Host an open house.

Host a one day reader’s event.

Host a book launch party.

Be the author who likes hanging out with your readers.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS

Your goals are helpful to making sure you get to your end results.

For example:

1. Introduce you and your books.

2. Meet new readers.

3. Be a presenter to show you as an expert.

4. Network with other authors.

5. Build your email list.

Five Strategies To ROCK Every Event.

1.  Meet the participating authors – networking with other authors is always a good thing.  They know what’s happening in the literary world and they can share with you.

2. Ask questions – write down your questions and bring them to the event.  Someone might have answers for you.

3. Participate in the contests – everyone loves to win a prize.

4. Check out the vendors – you might find a service you need now or can save for later.

5. Engage with the other readers – this is the perfect way for meeting new readers.  You can ask them questions.  You can listen to what they like or dislike.  Virtual events are great for research because your target audience is usually at the event ready to share. 

We’ve reached the last of the building blocks for your book promotion infrastructure.  I know it seems like a lot to do but it will be worth the effort because once you have them all in place you are ready to promote and start building your readership.

I want to thank you for subscribing this newsletter and reading each issue.  There are so many things to do when it comes to building your readership so look for a new issue each week to support you on your path to building your readership this year.

If you have any questions, feel to drop them in my DM.

Action Steps:

Find twelve events to attend this year that fit into your budget.

Register for them and add to your calendar.

Write down your goals for each event.

Inform your community about the events you will be attending and that you would love to meet them in person.

If you know someone who needs book promotion tips, share this newsletter with them.

Remember book promotion starts with YOU. Make sure to subscribe to get the next issue.

See Ya On The Net,

LaShaunda