Choosing the Right Books for Author Events & Craft Shows: Lessons from the Table
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It’s that time of year again—when local author fairs and craft shows fill up fast and it’s time to dust off your table banner and start booking! As I prep for another season of events, one of the trickiest parts remains the same:
Which books do I bring with me?
With over 60 titles in my catalog (and counting!), narrowing down what goes in the event bin can feel a little overwhelming. But after years of trial and error, here’s how I decide what makes the cut:
1️⃣ Books That Sell in Person
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook: I start with titles that have sold well at past events. For me, that tends to be everything but the “Bingo” books.
Why? Because people still assume they’re about the game—as in B-63—not the song! 😅 I'm tempted to go back and rename them all “A Bingo Song Book,” but that might be a project for another season...
Lesson learned: Watch for misunderstandings and make sure your signage and pitch are clear about what the book actually offers.
2️⃣ Books That Sell Online
Next, I check my Amazon KDP reports. There’s a handy ranking feature that shows which books are consistently selling. If something is a top seller online, I definitely want a few copies at my table. You never know who’s seen it already—or might recognize it from a social post!
3️⃣ Seasonal Relevance
Time of year plays a big role in what people are drawn to. For summer events, I always pack:
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Five Little Hot Dogs
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S-L-O-T-H
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Five Scrumptious Ice Cream Cones
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S-H-A-R-K
...and any others that feature nature, greenery, beaches, or outdoor play. People respond to the mood of the season, and books that visually “match” the time of year tend to draw more attention.
✅ The Final Step: Trust Your Gut
I just placed my latest book order and the boxes are on their way—fingers crossed I made the right picks! Every event is a chance to learn more about your readers, your audience, and your own instincts.
Whether you’re a fellow author gearing up for your first fair or a seasoned vendor looking to refine your display, I hope this behind-the-scenes peek helps you pack smart and sell with confidence.
Let’s make it a great season! ✨📦
