This year has been busy with a new book release. I’ve been doing everything to promote and get my new book into people’s hands. Which of course, has turned into a lot of lessons on how to do book signings. In the first half of the year, I won an honorable mention in the children’s category at the 2013 San Francisco Book Festival. I did a book signing at a local book store called Book Smart in Morgan Hill, CA.

The second half of the year has been equally busy. I did a book signing at the Almaden Lake Art and Wine Festival, and I’ve planned a reading and book signing at an elementary school called Bertha Taylor Elementary in San Jose.

The Almaden Lake Art and Wine festival on Sept. 15 was a wonderful experience. I sold 33 books. This is a fabulous number for a signing. I utilized Intuit’s credit card reader, and bundled all three of my books at a special festival price of $25. This is pretty much making about $5 profit. But I found bundling all three books sold better. Usually people bought the first book or all three. Plus, it was a treat to meet all the kids. I found out how some school libraries have my book in the area, and even networked for future school evening events.

I think the Art and Wine was so successful since so many people bring their children. They are looking for activities for the kids to do, and meeting the author is exciting for parents, grandparents, and the kids. Plus, the local connections can give you future events. I now have a school event in November, and had other schools from PTAs talk to me about an event.

I am now planning a Reading Night book signing on Nov. 21 with a local school. They are tying it with their fundraising Scholastic Book store, and I’ll be reading my new book just like in other book signings. I think it’s a great event to meet more readers, and connect with the local community in my area. I’m finding that selling local is a great way to build a readership, and is a powerful way to start making connections with your readers.

**This post is part of the monthly
“Indie Life” posts linked on the Indelibles Blog.

***Tiffany Turner has released her third book, The Lost Secret of Dragonfire, in her Crystal Keeper series. She continues to teach fourth graders in California while writing fantasy adventure middle grade novels. She is working on other writing projects in her No Limits Writing practices. She actively plays the Gaelic Harp at Renaissance festivals throughout Northern California.