By So, this weekend was the Bay Area Book Fair, and I had one of the individual author’s tables. My agoraphobia was racing, my nerves were dancing. I gave serious thought to not going. But in the end, my determination beat my agoraphobia again and I set off with a big bag of books, got on BART and headed to Berkeley.
I got there fairly early, and found my spot, got set up, and then watched as the various vendors and authors came in and did the same. Couldn’t have asked for nicer weather, except maybe a little less wind.
I wish the same could be said of sales. I sold a few books, but didn’t even break even to cover the cost of the table and umbrella rental. I did, however, meet some very interesting people, from fellow authors to publicists, parents of students wanting to write, book lovers, etc.
Part of the issue felt a little like isolation. The bulk of the festival is held in the park, while we were off on a side street with a good amount of distance between us and the first booth in the park. None of the authors in my immediate vicinity sold much, though the author to my right with his epic fantasy novel sold at least twice as many books as I did.
I’ll admit, I’m thinking about contacting the publicist I met and see what their services run price wise. It’s that part of this business that I suck so badly at.
But, now that is over and it’s back to the day job. I hope all of you have a great week!
Natalie J Case 