Top 10 Ways to Sell Your Books at Events (and Beyond)

1. Whenever you are invited to a speaking event (e.g., a conference, church, organization, or private gathering), make sure that the organizer of the event is aware that you have published a book or books.
   
2. Confirm with the organizer of the event that you will come to the event with the understanding that your book(s) will be sold at the event. You may want to incorporate this into any contract or agreement you sign with them.
   
3. There are three ways that your book can find its way to the event:
   a. The organizer of the event can work with a local bookstore to have a book table, or they can order a set number of books from a local bookstore. If a local bookstore is the sponsor of the event there are additional incentives.
   b. The organizer of the event can order books directly from Zondervan.
   c. You or your agent/assistant can arrange for your books to be sold while you are at the event (much like music groups do) by ordering them from Zondervan Author Care on your author discount and sending them from your location or having Zondervan drop-ship them to the event. Contact Jackie Aldridge at 1-800-831-7755 x3426 or by email at jackie.aldridge@zondervan.com.
   
4. Let Zondervan Author Care, marketing, and public relations know about your speaking schedule, and if you think there are strategic opportunities to market your book at any specific event, let your marketing or public relations contact know.
   
5. While you are at a speaking event, make yourself available to any media opportunities or local bookstore signings in order to raise your profile and your book's profile.
   
6. If possible, offer to host a discussion group during one of the break times or over a meal. If those who come haven’t read the book, you can talk about the concepts. Be sure the discussion is promoted in advance (on the event/host website, newsletters, or print pieces) to encourage sales before the event.
   
7. Be kind to event organizers and volunteers, especially those working the book table or bookstore. They are the ones who handle your book, both during and after your event. Even if they don’t know anything about your book, a negative interaction with you can cause them to dissuade readers from buying your book.
   
8. When presenting a seminar or workshop at an event, include your name, book title, and website or blog on any handouts to make it easy for potential buyers to recommend your book to others.
   
9. Always bring a few of your books with you to your speaking events. Offer a free book when it makes sense. If someone from the media or any other influencer shows interest in your book, have some copies of your own to pass out. A good rule of thumb is that if giving one book can encourage ten sales, it’s a smart promotional move. Don’t be afraid to ask for follow-up. For example, you might tell a blogger, “Let me know when you post about my book. I’d love to be part of the conversation.” Contact your marketing director if you need additional promotional copies.
   
10. If feasible, collect names (including emails) at your speaking session or at the book table. Be sure to get permission to use peoples' email addresses when they sign up so that they're not surprised when you send them an email. Obtaining email addresses without permission and sending email to those addresses is called Spamming, which is considered a poor marketing practice (it usually hurts more than it helps) and can actually be illegal. Also, because of privacy law restrictions, Zondervan cannot accept or use lists you build for your marketing efforts.