Book Fairs: What should Authors Do?

Authors, when marketing their books, need to have an effective strategy when it comes to attending or participating in book fairs, expos, festivals, and trade shows. So, what should they do. 

 

First, search for a list of upcoming local, regional, national, and international book-focused events. Some may be open to the public and last a day, while others may be more geared towards members of the book industry and last several days. Determine which events — where and when — that you want to explore getting involved with.

 

Do google searches for things like:

 

* Chicago Book Fairs

* Illinois Book Festivals

* US Book Trade Shows

* International Book Fairs

 

Consult this as well: https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2023/09/book-fairs-literary-festivals-bible-for.html   

Second, look to see what you can do at each event. For instance, are these available to you:

 

* Speak in front or a subset group or the entire one

* Rent a booth to peddle your wares

* Do an autograph signing and book giveaway
* Share free promotional items and swag
* A way to sell books
* Advertise in the event’s publication or on their site

* Attend seminars to learn

* Networking sessions

* Talk to those who exhibit

* Meet literary agents/publishers

* Push a story onto attending media members

 

If not attending, will you pay for an ad or to have your book displayed at the event?

 

Third, set some goals for each event by knowing what types of people will attend. Assess your potential ROI. How many days/hours will you delegate to the prep, travel, attendance, and post-event follow-up?

 

Fourth, set a budget of money and time for your participation at an event. Will there be;

 

* Entrance fees

* Costs for specific activities

* Travel or lodging costs

* Ad costs

* Shipping costs

* Creating banners/fliers/giveaways

 

Fifth, look at the program of scheduled events. Learn what activities are available for your participation. Gage how many people might attend and best understand why they will be there. Who will attend: Customers? Publishers?

Literary Agents? News Media? Social Influencers? Celebrities?  Writers? Librarians? Bookstore Owners? 

 

Sixth, conduct pre-event research.  Leverage any event-centric social media pages or apps

Dress appropriately but stick out.  Be assertive. Create opportunities. Talk to people running the show ahead of time.

If you are just attending an event…

 

·         Get a print or online directory of attendees and exhibitors

·         Pickup any event publications or fliers

·         See what others  are doing at the event

·         Network and talk to people

·         Listen to speakers

·         Network with others

·         Handout fliers

 

If you can be a speaker and/or participate in a book-signing event, even better.

 

If actively participating, do the above, and get a booth, and… 

 

— offer a book sale deal there

— hand out fliers

— give promotional items away

— sponsor happy hour or give food/drink away

— blow up poster or have a stand that displays a giant book cover image

— display your books

— dress in costume or a hot outfit

— make noise/play music

— get people’s cards/email by raffling something off

— do a photo booth at your booth

 

There is a whole world of book-centric events to attend and participate in. Where are you going next — and what will you do there?

 

 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

Best-Selling Romance Author Sophie Lark & Bloom Books Kill Free Speech

”Popular novelist Sophie Lark's upcoming book, Sparrow and Vine, has been pulled after lines from it circulated on social media and were accused by some of praising billionaire Elon Musk or being racially insensitive,” reported Newsweek recently. 

It is hard to weigh in on a controversy when I lack original source material, namely an advance review copy of the book, but it really does not matter when it comes to these types of cancellation and self-censorship cases.  

First, it is a novel, so start with that. This is make-believe stuff. Novels throughout history have said awful things, depicted acts of horrific violence, spewed ignorance and hate, and have given oxygen to outrageous ideas opposed by the masses. If something offends you, don’t buy or read it. Give it bad reviews. Protest, if you wish. But publishers and authors should not backtrack on a planned book’s publication simply because a few loudmouths complain. 

Second, embrace free speech and stop caving the minute some people say they don’t like what you wrote. Have some conviction about your craft. 

Third, from what I have read about this shitstorm, the objected-to lines really amount to nothing. You can remove half of the books out there based on this measurement of something being “offensive.” 

Good for the author here, to originally ignore the sensitivity teams employed by wussy woke publishers, but she gets booed now for either actually voluntarily pulling the book or for making it seem like you want your book pulled so the publisher doesn’t take heat for actually canceling it. But do us a favor, don’t re-issue the book after you scrub it of soul, and sanitize it for those who won’t buy it anyway. 

The New York Times said this:

“Criticism of the book began to build on social media in recent days as readers who had gotten advanced copies posted lines from the novel and blasted it with negative reviews. In one excerpt that outraged readers, a character makes insensitive remarks about undocumented laborers, saying, “Shouldn’t there be a crew of people with questionable work visas picking these grapes for us?”

“In another bit of dialogue that readers took issue with, a character notes, “I was inspired by Elon Musk. I use his five step design process.” Musk, the billionaire leader of SpaceX, Tesla and X, has become an increasingly polarizing figure after throwing his weight behind President Trump and leading an initiative to downsize the federal work force.

 

“In some one-star reviews of the book on Goodreads, readers slammed the admiring reference to Musk as insensitive in the current political environment. Others questioned why Lark would leave the characters’ comments unchallenged by others, and said they were skeptical that the author didn’t realize the lines were offensive.“ 

Folks, we need to understand what it means to have the creative arts. Writers put out all kinds of ideas and content and the masses react by adopting and embracing some things while rejecting or ignoring others. That is fine. In an economy of ideas, may the best win out. But when a few self-anointed jurors kill a book just as it is about to be released, not because of the merits of the story, but because a few readers politicize a few lines in a romance novel, something is wrong in America.  

Bloom Books, the publisher, chose not to exercise its editing authority in advance of the book’s release and deferred to the artist’s wishes on the content. Was the publisher being irresponsible or was it commendable to support its author? Either way, only the publisher has the authority to pull the book, not the author, and this weak publisher has turned in its First Amendment card. 

All of this is just a reminder of what a hostile environment our writers and publishers operate under, where anyone can shut anyone down, sometimes with little cause. But it also shows the publishers and writers are willing to capitulate and have no backbone. Free speech is dying from the inside. 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

Interview With Health Author Dr. Manuela M. Kogon

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?  

Cancer patients and their family and caregivers are an underserved population when it comes to stress management. Cancer itself is devastating, but the stress that is associated with it adds a second layer that not just affects well-being but decision-making during a time when you need to be at your best. I felt a desire to bring what I do with clients to a larger population. I could sense that my work touches a nerve with cancer patients because it uses a relatable approach, giving people practical tools to manage their illness better. I wanted more people to benefit.   

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?  

Distress is a serious and consequential aspect of cancer, spanning the period from diagnosis to treatment to how to live after cancer, or having to live with cancer. Cancer distress is often not properly addressed, confused with a psychiatric diagnosis, and deeply affects decision-making and well-being. This book is for everybody who has been touched by cancer, including family and caregivers of cancer patients.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?  

I hope that the book provides a combination of knowledge and experience through exercises that result in improved well-being and effectiveness dealing with cancer. I want readers to be able to manage themselves, their illness, and their surroundings in the best possible way during an exceptionally stressful time.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?  

The title When Cancer Visits is supposed to instill the hope, possibility, and knowledge that like an unwelcome houseguest cancer can leave. The design is an excerpt of one of my brother’s paintings. I wanted to honor him and his cancer journey.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?  

Diligence, persistence, and patience. Enjoy the process of writing, rather than endure it as a chore. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  

The trend is towards digitalization and dilution of information with an information flood that makes it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. For me, there’s nothing better than holding an actual book in your hand while drinking a cup of coffee. It feels as if you’re meeting up with a good friend.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  

Surviving medical school, two residences, and a fellowship requires grit. Writing is not for the lighthearted.   

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

The writing is a blend of popular science, mixed with creative nonfiction, and self-help book. Writers or books that come to mind, who use similar styles, are Dan Harris (10% Happier), James Nestor (Breath), and Jill Smolowe (Four Funerals and a Wedding) 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? 

I had no formal background in writing. While I can express myself verbally, I had no clue how to do that in writing and convey complex concepts in relatable language.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

The book is relatable, transformative, enjoyable, and educational, all in one.

About The Author: Dr. Kogon is an Integrative Medicine Internist in private practice and a clinical professor and director of Integrative Psycho-Oncology at a large academic institution. She brings 30 years of experience and expertise in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Integrative and Consciousness Medicine to guiding patients approach their illness and health in the most holistic and integrative way possible. Dr. Kogon is enthusiastic about helping the mind and body help heal each other. Please see: www.mdkogon.com

 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

An Interview With Author L. L. McCall

  

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

It came to me in a dream that I found interesting to build on. 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

It is about two identical twin brothers who were very close growing up.  As they grew older and took different paths, one had great success and the other became very envious. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I hope readers can get out of it how relationships can easily change and how circumstances can make people do crazy things.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

The decision to name it, "Amiss," was because it felt like there was always something amiss in their lives.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

My advice for other writers would be to not back down if they truly believe in their writing.  It might take some time but never let the nay-sayers get to you.  Write, write, re-write, edit, and publish!  

6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 

Some of my personal experiences that I used in the book were from the many relationships I had with people who I grew up with, especially my brother, Alan.  

7. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My writing style can be described as somewhat different.  Descriptive, yet sometimes blunt and to the point, as I try to weave images while relating the reader. To formulate ideas together to keep the reader engaged and enticed to want more.  Two-Parter question:  I've been told my style might be similar to Margaret Atwood, but I like to lean more towards Nicholas Sparks.  

8. How do you feel your book compares to others in your genre?

I feel my book compares to others as another romantic thriller only set in a different tone in a complicated family dynamic setting.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

The challenge I had was to be able to find the time to write. I’ve been writing since I'm 13 but put many stories aside Only to re-ignite my passion when I became an empty-nestor after four children.  And then there was the money aspect of it all to lay out the money to self-publish to make my dreams come true.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If people were to pick one book to read this week, (or this month), it should be "Amiss," ...and then onto "Amiss2,"  then "Amiss3" (out soon)!  I'm told by several readers they loved it as a great page-turner and they couldn't put it down. Unraveling all of the human emotions with all the many twists and turns. 

About The Author: L. L. McCall Has lived on the north shore of beautiful Long Island all her life, and this is a first, published novel.  She has written and published many poems, short stories, and children's books before, and hopes to add "novels" to her list. She began to write in her early teens, and always had a way with words and a wild imagination. Her biggest challenge is finding the time to write. When she does, she's happy to share her tales with the hopes that people enjoy them as much as she enjoyed writing them. Connect with her at: https://www.instagram.com/l.l.mccall/?igsh=ZnU5OXVkZ3I4MGt1&utm_source=qr#

 

 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum