by Maggie Wallem Rowe
Whether you are traditionally, hybrid, or self-published, what author doesn’t want to sell more books? It’s a financial boon to your publisher and certainly a blessing to you as the writer (not to mention your readers.)
I’ve had a national speaking and drama ministry for the past 35 years, but my first two books weren’t published until I was in my late 60’s. During those early decades, my merchandise table consisted solely of audio and videotapes of my presentations, followed by CDs and DVDs as technology evolved. The sale of these products was a welcome source of income for our ministry family.
In the last four years, my merch table has stocked my two book titles. I sell a modest amount of copies when teaching at writers’ conferences, but by far the biggest “back of the room” sales come during speaking opportunities at church outreach events, retreats, and inspirational conferences.
Here’s an annotated list of what I’ve learned to include on my table.
Black tablecloth
Black makes your book covers pop. Sometimes a venue will provide a table covering for you, but if not be sure to take your own. A 90” x 132” rectangular cloth covers the average 30” x 96” banquet table. (If too large, you can fold it over.)
Wire easels
Make sure to display copies of each of your titles vertically. You can set one atop a pile of others, or better yet purchase inexpensive black easels that fold flat for easy transport. These are available online or at office supply stores.
Clear acrylic holders for signage
I use 5 x 7 stands to display signs featuring each book cover and price, another to promote a special book bundle package for two or more (the most popular purchase), and still another with QR codes for payment options (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle.) Be sure to purchase holders with detachable bases so they lie flat for packing.
Retractable banner
Publishers use floor models of these at conventions, but for tabletop use I recommend one no larger than 11.5” x 18”. These are easy to design on Vistaprint or other outlets. Include your photo, contact information, social media handles and a QR code that links readers directly to your website.
Cash envelope
Back in the day, books were primarily purchased by cash or check, but there are many options today. I use a large leather zippered envelope stocked with five- and ten-dollar bills to make change, and a Square reader that plugs into my phone for credit card payments.
Business cards
Or promotional postcards with your ministry or website name, tagline, photo, and contact info.
Fine-point Sharpies
For signing. Avoid using gel pens for gift books with coated pages.
Sign-up sheet
For those wishing to subscribe to your mailing list.
Optional add-ons
For your table might include a dish of candy for browsers, battery-operated string lights, and “Autographed Copy” stickers.
How about you? What items have you found to be useful for your book table? Please add to the conversation in the Comment section below.
Maggie Wallem Rowe is a national speaker, dramatist, and author whose first book, This Life We Share, was a finalist for the 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award in the New Author category. Maggie has also been a TEDx presenter. Her second book, Life is Sweet, Y’all: Wit and Wisdom with A Side of Sass, released from Tyndale House Publishers in 2022. Maggie writes weekly from Peace Ridge, her home in the mountains of North Carolina. MaggieRowe.com.
The Conversation
Great tips. I usually have a bowl of soft mints, too. Also, I usually have a small lizard or dinosaur to give to the kids. Those small toys are a big hit when folks buy my books for children. 🙂
That’s a great idea, Melissa! Thanks for adding to the conversation here.
I don’t have a book ready for sale but at a recent book festival, one author of children’s stories had a child-size stuffed doll that was the character in her book. I think a themed toy, as Melissa mentioned, is a good give-away or even a smaller version of the main character if the expense is not prohibitive. But, there may be a no-no in the book contract (trad published) to prevent that? I’m not familiar with those ins and outs.
Wayno
I would add: Take a good photo of your book cover, and then have it made into a 16X20 backed in foam board– preferably Gatorfoam — then prop it up in the corner near your table at every book signing. Cost: about $40
Gatorboard, sorry. It’s like the white foam backing you used to see used for mounting signs and other projects, but which was thicker & had a tendency to “bow”. So they came up with Gatorboard, which is pressed together much more, and thinner, & doesn’t bow under heat changes, etc.
Finally, I would add, ask the person how to spell their name. Don’t guess. Have them spell it. There’s Kaitlins out there, and Catelins, And Kaytlinns and so on. There’s nothing worse than signing a book with a misspelled name, then having to CROSS IT OUT and start over!
Signed:
One who knows.
–Wayno