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Tips for setting up an author table that draws a crowd


Setting up a successful author table at a craft fair or community event doesn’t have to break the bank—it just needs to reflect your personality and invite people in. Here’s how I created a cheerful, eye-catching display that got attention, sparked conversations, and helped me connect with readers of all ages.

🌼 Let Your Personality Shine (But Don’t Blind People)

My table theme leans a little funky—think flower power meets early literacy! I used a stretchy purple table cover as a base and layered a bright 1970s-style floral tapestry over it for a pop of color. Balance is key: bold and fun without making your books or signage hard to see.

If you don’t already have a theme, think about your brand: Are you whimsical? Minimalist? Rustic? Pick a few colors or visual motifs and use them consistently on your table, signs, and swag.

🛍 Affordable Displays & Signage That Work

I’m not ready to invest hundreds in fancy booth materials—and you don’t have to either! Everything I’ve used was designed by me and printed using:

  • Canva Pro – for bookmarks, flyers, signs, and business cards

  • Walgreens Photo & Vistaprint – for quick and affordable printing

  • Sticky Brand – for my custom stickers and QR code decals

Most of my display materials came from Goodwill and Dollar Tree:

  • Book holders (originally meant for plates!)

  • Clear bookmark holders

  • Small baskets for stickers

  • Fancy frames for signs and pricing

Don’t overlook secondhand shops—they’re full of treasures!

📲 Make It Easy to Buy from You

Many shoppers don’t carry cash anymore, so offer multiple payment options to keep the sales flowing. I accept:

  • Venmo

  • PayPal

  • Cash App

  • Credit cards via Square

  • Apple Pay

Be sure to test each method in advance—especially Apple Pay, which I forgot to double-check at my last event. Lesson learned!

I also printed my QR code on flyers and business cards, which let people scan and follow me online—even if they didn’t buy a book that day. Several did, and I was so glad I made that extra effort!

💬 Connection Matters More Than Sales

Honestly, the best part of the day wasn’t making sales—it was seeing kids light up when they saw my books. Some danced, some sang along, some pointed and laughed at silly pictures. That’s the moment I’m doing this for.

For those who didn’t purchase a book, many still scanned the QR code, took a bookmark, or grabbed a free sticker or button. Those little touches matter and help build a connection for next time.

📝 Notes for Next Time (Don’t Forget!)

Here are a few things I want to remember for my next event:

  • ✅ Stand in front of the table to greet visitors—not behind it like a checkout clerk

  • ✅ Double-check Apple Pay setup

  • ✅ Make more animal-themed bookmarks (they were a hit!)

  • ✅ Track which titles sell best

  • ✅ Bring a cooler for drinks and snacks—long days get hot!

  • ✅ Keep the flower power tablecloth—it drew people in

  • ✅ Come up with a fun line for book signings

  • ✅ Have plenty of pens ready for autographs

Yes—kids LOVED getting their books signed! If you’re an author, definitely make that part of your table experience. A quick personalized note makes the book even more special.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Creating a table that reflects who you are and invites people to linger is a huge part of indie book selling success. You don’t need to spend a fortune—just show up with joy, be ready to connect, and offer a little something for everyone.

Have tips of your own or favorite budget-friendly finds? Drop them in the comments or share them with me online—I’d love to see your table setups too!

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