Hello Book Sales!

Discover Book Festivals and Craft Fairs

No matter where you live … when the weather officially turns to sunshine, craft fairs multiple along with book festivals. From April through October, authors have choices. And then there are special holiday fairs bubbling up in November and December. Hello Book Sales!

Are you ready? Do you know that you can sell caseloads of books and build new fans? What’s an author to do if there is a Book Festival or Crafts circuit in the midst? To master the crowds and create sales?

Most likely, lots … start with where some might be (don’t forget to Google your own state in a search):

Now, start noodling … what will make your table, your set-up, and YOU shine at a gathering. Some are just a day—some a three-day weekend.

Here are 28 things for you to have in your booth:

1. Your Book(s) – This may sound obvious, but you need books to sell. If possible, find out how many people are expected to attend—I estimate one to three percent could be buyers at these events—the larger it is, the less the amount. Personally, I would have at least a few cases.

2. Signing Pens – What’s your color? Have plenty with you.  

3. Banners and Posters – These can draw the attention of potential buyers from across the room. Make sure you get 16×20 or larger, so they are easier to see from a distance. Consider creating a five or six-foot vertical banner. Use a vendor like Signworld US, Inc. 909-393-1333 or email signworld.usa@gmail.com. Staples and FedEx and create these quickly as well.

4. Prices – Make sure you create signs — including ones for the price of your book(s). These do not need to be large.

5. Credit Card Sign – Make sure you have somewhere visible on your table that you take credit cards and which ones.

6. Square or other Credit Card Process Gadget – You will need to process credit card payments—swipe via your smartphone or tablet.

7. Poster Frames – If you buy a decent frame, it should last you a while, and you can use it for multiple events. Make sure you bring Windex and paper towels to keep the glass clean.

8. Display Tripod – If you have posters, you’ll need a way to display them. Having tripods is a great idea because you can adjust the height and they come with awesome carrying cases. You can have one that is small and sits on the table (or have two—they are handy) or one that is like a flip chart stand.

9. Book Stands – A book stand is a great way to display your books and ensure that they don’t keep falling over. People like to touch, and rarely put the books back correctly. These are absolute musts—have several for display purposes.

10. Table Banner – Having a table banner can attract a lot of attention from a distance. Just make sure that your banner isn’t too big for your table or it will droop and look unprofessional. Your book cover or graphics designer can help create one—think about having the headline read: Meet Author ______ and something about your genre or expertise. Sometimes the image of your book adds color to it. 

11. Bookmarks – Think ongoing marketing—bookmarks are awesome and cheap free giveaways. They also help make your table look more full and they can be used over and over again. Don’t forget to include your website, email, and where to buy your book.

12. Request Book Reviews – Yes, do! Insert within each book a slip of paper requesting that the buyer posts a REVIEW on Amazon and Goodreads. Create a customized link to each page via Bit.ly or TinyUrl.com

13. Cart or Wagon – You are lugging books and “stuff”—you need wheels to help you and your back. I recently saw a lightweight, yet good size, wagon at Costco for under $100. Amazon is also an option. Don’t miss on this—it’s a big yes from me.

14. Tablet and/or Mobile – If you really want to draw the crowd’s attention, putting a slideshow on a tablet can be a great hook. Go ahead—run your trailer over and over. Plus, you can process credit cards here or on your mobile—hmm, maybe you need two tablets. And, on your “spare” you can add to your email list with names inserted.

15. Bags—you can use the plastic or paper ones. Why not add a little color? Being able to give a buyer his or her book in a clean bag is a nice perk to add. Trust me—they will be grateful. Tip—if you see someone with a bunch of books—offer one of your bags to help them out—gets them to stop at your table and you just might buy one of yours as well.

16. Power Source & Plug – Don’t expect easy access to electricity. You may need it. Having your own power source can be a game changer, especially if no one else has one—I’ve found that when I have a multi-plug back up, I have new friends—as “back-up” to watch my table if I need to find the ladies’ room. Ask what the Fair provides.

17. Business Cards – These are essential at pretty much any event. Business cards are a great way to let people know how to get in touch with you. Please make sure your website, email, contact info is included.

18. Flyers / Brochures – If you have upcoming events or just want to share excerpts from your books, flyers are a great way to do both. If your event is not ongoing, make sure you don’t order too many or you’ll be stuck with lots of unusable flyers. It’s also suggested that you do a small order at first to see how people respond. If they don’t like them, change them, and try again until you find a design that is more effective.

19. Awning or Tent if Outdoors – Make sure you know what’s provided or you need to bring your own—sometimes a colorful outdoor umbrella works well—makes you different; adds a little festive touch—but it’s hauling it—remember that you need wheels to carry some of your items to your locations.

20. Table Cloths – A must-have (at least two)—brand it with your colors—you may even want to have a sign made to display across the front so others can see what your book(s) are displayed with your name. Table covers are common on most marketing promotional websites. The plus: they hide stuff.

21. Tape – Bring a reel of clear shipping tape. It’s a godsend.

22. Comfy Chair – Another must is a comfortable chair or two. A plus is one that is not a regular level chair. The closer you can maintain eye-level contact with buyers, the better. If the event provides, they are using leftovers from somewhere—not sturdy.

23. Shower Curtain – It rains or may be windy. A transparent shower curtain could save your table and books as a quick cover.

24. Bungee Cords and a few Weights – If there is wind, these will come in handy. Plus, you may need to hold down your signs and awning. These are perfect for holding down your canopy and signs.

25. Trash Bags – bring several—they are handy.

26. Gather Names and emails – DO NOT skip out on this. Create a sheet of paper with your name, image, book image(s) on the top. Three columns – Name, eMail, Mobile #. Most will freely give their email. Now, follow up with a thank you post the event via email.

27. Ask for Reviews – Slip an ASK into each book that sells that THANKS them, and ASK to post a review to your Amazon.com page, BN.com, even Goodreads. I include an image of the book cover and a shortened link to whatever page I’m asking them to post to.

28. Don’t forget pets – Many attend with their four-legged friends. Why not have a water bowl at the side of your table. Maybe a few small dog biscuits—do ask the owner if you can give their pooch one.

Note: Make sure you keep your table cleaned up and spiffy looking. Don’t load it up with food you are eating.

I have a few clients who focus only on Crafts Fairs, Art Festivals, and Book Festivals. Concentrating on book sales during the Spring and Summer months—every weekend is out and about. Cookbooks do very well—one sold over 10,000 in three years offering samplings of appetizers within its pages–one bite and another book was sold! So do Children’s books. Books that attract women are always a hit.

P.S. And don’t forget … take pictures and post on your website and social media. Good Luck and HAVE FUN!

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and bestselling author of 49 books and calls Colorado home. When she’s not in the kitchen or in the garden, she’s working with clients as The Book Shepherd, a book and publishing consulting and project management firm that works with authors at all stages of their book to create and publish a book they never regret! She’s the founder of the first Authors’ Hall of Fame exclusively dedicated to ensuring the legacy of authors connected in some way with Colorado.

Judith’s books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! They have been featured in over 2,000 radio and TV shows including repeat appearances on CNN, CNBC, and Oprah. She has worked with over 1,500 authors and created 500 plus bestsellers. Print publications include Newsweek, People, Time, The Wall Street Journal and … The National Enquirer! Her popular podcast, AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing is dedicated to authors and writers and their success and is ranked in the top ten in four categories on GoodPods.

©2026 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved