It is said that every book you write is an extension of you. Part of your identity and every book that you release has it's own identity separate from all your other work. But there is something else. How do I sell myself, my book and why does my approach seem vastly different to anyone else I meet.
Growing up Farmers' Markets have always been part of my life. My mother use to sell chocolates at Alberta Beach Farmers' Market and many others starting back when I was 2-years-old. At10-years-old I had a part of my mom's table making 3 types of cookies. I recall a lot of moments that could be fitting for a QUICK STORY of it's own but the one I want to focus on is noticeability and being overlooked. I remember being behind my table and people standing in front of my table not for my baking but to purchase eggs from the vendor two tables down.
Due to my age not everyone took me seriously so I kept pushing my limit and skills and came up with a quick short facts to intrigue people to my table. In the days when my baking table was slower I would say something like, "I made these," as a way to intrigue people to buy my baking. I would expand that fact by claiming that Pascha would take care of the oven and my Grandmother would do the packaging. What really made me feel like I was serious vendor was after a year or two I ended up separating from Pascha's chocolate tables and had my own table followed by two tables the next week. It was not only in quality baking but the visual scale that really brought attention to my display.
Transitioning from Baking to Books was overall seamless as my first book was present in my final baking table but it was nothing short of rediscovery and relearning. Thinking back it's like learning how to walk again. Going from customers waiting three people deep looking for their favorite baking to selling two books in an entire day is a wake up call.
The biggest difference I found within my self between Baking and Books wasn't the drop off of sales as much as my own mentality. As a baker I viewed other bakers as competition. While I never said anything I fought to prove I was the best. I didn't just use this competitive aggression in my baking, but as a way to push my name, reputation, but also as a representation of homeschoolers. Nearly eight years I pushed this competitive spirit to the point I had my own saying after each farmers market.
"I pushed myself to impress other, if everything I did wasn't enough impressed them at least I impressed myself."
"I'm the author, she's the illustrator, these are our stories! pause All 20 of them."
I probably repeat this line nearly a hundred times within a typical book signing depending on how busy the event is. It's not only something I just say to passerby's as I also motion to Pascha and books in turn all way while the being in a upbeat positive tone. Anyone that's been a vendor beside me I'm sure has had those ten words infiltrate their dreams at some point. All with the goal to make someone more interested to take a closer look. I push myself to stand as long as possible and to keep my energy high to present myself with as much optimism and gusto as possible. I'm sure right off the bat with this picture I'm the equivalent of the energizer bunny on caffeine at book signings. For me there is a method to this madness I don't really see any other authors utilize.
The key difference between Baking and Books.
People step up to a bakers to search for quality but an author table is out of interest.
Having just book is a start but the stronger the identity the more interested passerby's will be with your display. Stylizing and being diverse really helps, add to it your approach to customers. For me it' been years of learning and growing into the presentation I have now.
When I look at early author tables it's hard to believe I barely had book stands and now we have stylized bleached table cloths, paintings, giveaway colouring pages, bookmarks and have hanging table posters for distance view, standing poster sign, sandwich board, for passing information and we have specific ideas on how to expand our visibility next year.
And not just with more titles and writing mediums.
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