We’ve talked before about the importance of being prepared to speak on the subject of your book. Well, it’s a good thing I follow my own advice because I found out Friday evening (quite by accident) that I am speaking in San Luis Obispo, California today at noon.
I applied for a speaking slot when I signed up for my booth at the Central Coast Book and Author Festival several months ago, and was told that they would let me know if I was chosen to speak. Last week, I received a notice from the organizer saying that they were still organizing the speaker schedule and they would notify me if I was selected. Friday night, I decided to download the event program to check directions, etc. And there, I found my name as a speaker—my presentation scheduled for noon today. (Still, no one has notified me.)
So yesterday, I outlined a fresh talk within the parameters the organizers have set and prepared a bunch of handouts. Wish me luck.
If you’re in the vicinity, drive on up (or down) and visit my booth today. The Central Coast Book and Author Festival is small and quaint with a charming hometown flavor. I always enjoy this casual event. It’s from 10 to 4 and it’s all FREE. There will be 64 authors and others representing their books, reading and literacy. If you’ve never been to a book festival, it’s a great place to pick up really wonderful and unique books—books you will likely see no place else. You’ll get to meet the authors and ask them about their publishing experiences.
If you’re not along the southern or central California coast and can’t make it to this festival, make it a point to attend those near you in Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Maine, Oregon, Pennsylvania or…
If you do attend a book festival, be sensitive to the author’s time and space. Don’t interfere with potential sales. Never slap your backpack or bulky purse on top of a display of books. Don’t set your big gulp slurpy on the table while you’re searching for a business card. This is common courtesy etiquette, I know, but there are folks who need reminding.
If you are interested in or you are actually planning to participate in a book festival, you may want to read my article, “How to Work a Book Festival So it Works for You.”
http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/promo_bookfestival.htm
For more articles on writing, publishing and book promotion, visit http://www.matilijapress.com and click on “articles.”
To learn more about my services and to sign up for a free ebook, The Successful Author’s Handbook, visit http://www.patriciafry.com