Presentation Is Everything
By Debra Owsley

As the owner of Simply Said, I provide unique reading accessories for authors and readers. Attending a wide range of literary events satisfies my reading and professional needs.

The social aspect of the gatherings allows me to acquaint myself with the presenters and attendees. Foremost it allows me to look at things from two perspectives:

* Taking inventory of what products are being presented.
* Accessing what has been done and what should not have been done

Before you attend your next event ask yourself this question -- what’s going to make YOU stand out at a book event?

Here’s my two cents…

Atmosphere is everything – Decorate your space!!!

If you are a romance author, bring some romance with you and create an ambiance!

If I were an author I would have a suitcase filled with props and tools to make my signing table or booth EXTRAORDINARY.

Have a “Go” bag that is always ready with the tools you will need to make your space “POP”, and mind you, P.O.P. also stands for Point Of Purchase, which is what you are after.

* Use bright and attractive colors, they draw the eyes to you
* Tablecloths
* Posters
* Have a banner
* Have bookmarks and postcards***
* Stack your books attractively
* Use plate stands to stand them up
* Have CD’s and samplers of your book as giveaways
* Show your trailers or slide shows, add theme music, and add a pod cast on your laptop
or a portable DVD player
* Invest in gifts for those book clubs you want to woo and place them into pretty baskets
If you are shy, the props and setups will help draw people to you.

When I attend book events, I try to have a theme, or find out what the event theme is so that everything pulls together. The goal is to stand out, be remembered and have your information retained.

BUILD YOUR FAN BASE

*The object of the game is to draw people in -- MADE YOU LOOK!
Once you get their attention make your pitch

* PUT YOUR BOOK IN THEIR HANDS!!! AND Smile!!!!
I have seen many authors do this and they sell more than those who just point to them or hold

it themselves. Remember that you are marketing yourself as well as your book.

* DON'T JUST SIT BEHIND THE TABLE EXPECTING THEM TO COME TO YOU….

You must DRAW THEM TO YOU

* KEEP YOUR SALES PITCH TO THREE TO FOUR MINUTES
This is the length of most people’s attention span, especially if you are at a book festival

* DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY WITHOUT GETTING THEIR INFORMATION

Have them sign your guest book. This builds your mailing list. Send thank you notes thanking for coming and mentioning any upcoming events

AT THE IN-STORE SIGNING

You're still a little shy, and you want to get the discussion started, or they are a little up tight because they are a little nervous. Hmmmmm, what’s an author to do????

Play a game of Charades about your book or create some type of interactive game. These activities break the ice and allow your guest to win a prize. Something personalized with your contact information is a great giveaway.

YOUR PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL!!!!

When you visit my site: http://www.simply-said.net/ you can view the slide show ‘DON’T END UP HERE’. It will show you where most of your postcards and bookmarks end up.

This slide show represents the end of every book festival I have ever attended.

Now let me very clear, some venues are appropriate for the bookmarks that you spend $100.00 for 5000 bookmarks. They are appropriate for browsers stopping by to see what you have as a giveaway. BUT, my experience has been that they are bent and worn before I get home, if they get home.

When you meet that publisher, editor, or book club group that you really want to make an impression on, and for them to remember you, do you really want to give them a bookmark that will not be in the best shape when they get home? Do you want to hand them yet ANOTHER 5000 type bookmark that everyone else has?

You want to give something that will make them want to hold on to your information; that is a great representation of you investing in yourself, and that displays your uniqueness.

What about your more intimate venues where you also want to leave a thank you gift as well as a promo tool?

As I mentioned earlier you need to stand out, be remembered and most of all, you want to have your contact information retained. Pause and think! Be creative.

BRANDING YOURSELF

* What does your BRAND say about you?
* What do you want to be most remembered by?
* What is your signature?
* What’s going to make YOU stand out in a sea of other authors?
* What do you do different?

All of your promotional materials should have
* Your name
* Book cover
* ISBN
* Contact information
* A tag line or a phase

If space permits
* Current and up-coming releases
* Past works
* Tour schedule
* All of your books
* Your picture

As I close I want you to remember:

* What not to do to blend in
* What you need to create a buzz and a memory
* You do not want to disappear in a sea of fellow authors
* What to do in order to POP
* Not to expect the people to come to you, you must draw them to you
* You are marketing yourself as well as your book
* Your “GO” bag should always have the tools you need
* You want to be retained
* You want people to follow up
* You want your BRAND to be recognized
* You want your presentation to be unique
* You want to be EXTRAORDINARY


DEBRA OWSLEY is the owner of SIMPLY SAID™. The company offers handmade, personalized, bookmarks, book thongs, and love notes. I would love to personalize some of these items just for you. They are great gifts for fans, giveaways, book signings, promotional events, contests on your website and press kits.

Visit her on the web at: http://www.simply-said.net/
Call her at: 954 562-5709
Debra Owsley -- For Authors, Book Stores, Book lovers