Book launch for Billy and the Sparkling Socks

So, on Saturday I had my book launch for Billy, along with my writing coachee, John Caritas (his pen name) who I had helped write and publish his first picture book. How did it go? Quite well, I believe. I got there early so I could set up my table. I put my book, my hand-made leaflets about Asperger's and poster about its price on the table. John had a smaller table. It started at 11am. A few people came in, had a look then went on to the arts stall at the back of the library. There was a group of ladies knitting there too. The lady behind the café bought copies of John's book, then asked me to hold 2 of mine for her because she didn't have the money. I said I would and took the names of the children they were for. Short while later another lady came up to us. She gave us the name of an organisation who deal with children's books about equality and diversity and thought that mine would be ideal for them. I took the details down in my notepad (I have just emailed them via their website). Later on another lady came along and was v interested in what I was doing about raising awareness of Asperger's with my book. She said that she had just started running an organisation at the library helping young people with special needs and felt that I would be ideal for giving a talk. She took both of my leaflets and a postcard and my details, I took hers, and she took John's. We shall wait and see if anything happens about that one. My friend, Samantha Yagis (Hi, Sam) came in at the start. She bought a copy of each of our books and stayed all the time I was there, chatting to us. In the afternoon, just as the knitting ladies were about to leave, I thought, let's see who has grandchildren. One of the ladies came up to my table. She had older grandchildren, so I gave her postcards promoting my other books. One of the other ladies was interested and she bought a book which I duly signed.

Oh yes, how could I forget. One of the male volunteers there mentioned that he was setting up an internet radio from the library again in the new year. We became interested in having an interview for it. So, another promo opportunity. I think next time I see John at the end of the month we might have our interviews recorded. Exciting times.

So, all in all, even though I only sold a few copies of Billy, I felt it was quite a success, making contacts and leads for raising awareness of Asperger's.

So, my motto is for you authors: make the most of your library.

The London Book Fair 2014 - What I learnt

So I went to the London Book Fair at Earl's Court on Tuesday. I managed to get there earlier than I expected so I had time to sort myself out then find the stand I wanted to go to for a talk. The first talk was called 'Book Discovery for Authors' and was a question session to the panel of Mark Coker (Smashwords), Andrew Rhumberg (Jelly Books) and Joanna Penn (author and member of ALLi). It was all about how to get your books discovered by readers. I took lots of notes, but will only do a summary of the main points I learnt.

The challenges that authors face is shelf-space. Now that more authors are publishing ebooks. Joanna said that they solutions are to write and publish more than one book, and grow your email list. (This is something I plan to do now, and next ebook I publish will have a message on the contacts page asking if they wish to join my newsletter). Joanna also said it is a good idea to join with other authors writing the same genre and create a box set. Andrew said to have a great cover, be consistent on social media and write interesting stuff not just buy my book. Readers will determine your success. Mark said that you need to take your readers to an emotional high and make them say wow.

Joanna, who also writes non-fiction, said that when you publish a non-fiction book, check out keywords on Google etc. Don't give the book a title that readers won't look for.

Mark mentioned the 'Pre-order' he has on Smashwords. This makes it easier for readers to find the books in estores. And, if you put your ebook for pre-order and you get readers buy then, when the ebook comes out, you get the sales on the first day. Budget for this in your launch.

How do you know what works? Joanna said that indie authors are more focussed on what works.

The single most important thing to do to get discovered more - grow email list. Mark said the book.

Put your contacts page at the back, as readers want to know what you write before they know you. Price your book good, lower is best. You want to eliminate friction from reader between giving them the sample and them purchasing the book.

Then book trailers were mentioned. Don't pay too much, it's for a special audience but if you enjoy doing it, then do it.

Later at the weekend I will talk about the rest of the day. See you then.