The Bridgewater BookFest is a festival all about independently published books held in Beaver County, PA (about 40 miles outside of Pittsburgh). Forty authors get to display and sell their books to hundreds of people who specifically come to the quaint, well-organized festival to learn about new books and authors.
If you’re a new author, with a new book, and are relatively unknown, you must be willing to travel to as many Bridgewater-esque book fairs and festivals that you can. Stick to the ones that are within a few hours drive from home. But do them. Get out there. Display your books. Interact with folks. Sell copies. Yes, it’s a lot of work. After a day of being on your feet, you’ll be tired. If you’re lucky you’ll sell 15-20 books. But, that is 15-20 books to people who really took the opportunity to meet you and who have interest in your book. Hopefully, they’ll love your book and recommend it to others. Every book needs this type of spark. If you this type of event is beneath you, it’s not.
I participated in the Bridgewater BookFest both as an author selling my book and as a speaker in 2008 and 2009. My book sells pretty well. Still, I do these events. Why? Because, I understand that selling books isn’t easy. It’s often hand-to-hand sales that help spread your message.
If you live around Pittsburgh, PA and you want to check out this great event, it’s Friday and Saturday, September 14-15, 2012. The spots for authors are already gone, but attend anyway. You’ll get some great marketing ideas from other authors. Also, buy a few books. Support some fellow indies.
