I went to my first book festival last year and ended up buying a book out of the genre I normally read because the author took the time to speak to me for a few minutes. Since superfans are more valuable them a normal reader because they buy all of your books, sometimes in multiple formats, and selling them one book can lead them to buying other books, merch, monthly patreon access, and even consulting. You can also track your buyer/superfan from a book event if you give them a QR like Mark suggest that puts them in your digital marketing (email newsletter, Facebook group, etc.) I think the 80/20 approach to whatever your doing will bring the most success (80% of your customers come from one place that's highly effective in the short term (online marketing) and the other 20% can come from longer growth connections in person. Also, as Mark points out, making money doing something he loves is one goal while the other is to make connections with his readers as the other.
Thanks for sharing this from Mark. Glad to hear I am not the only one who's sold more books at physical events than online. I do all summer live events, including at Farmer's markets. The experience, the chance to chat with people about my books and other books is a reassurance that people are interested in the themes I write about.
@@thecreativepenn Yes, I've experienced that in previous years. They are booked from late summer. They are fun, but definitely hard work. I've noticed people don't have the same money to spend on impulse buys as they had seven or eight years ago. Hard to get sales.
AI tools don't work like that - the AI has no will of its own, at least not yet. I design my book cover images with the help of AI tools like Midjourney, so I may potentially use AI tools to help ME design something.
Awesome podcast!🤗💛🤗
Thanks for listening!
I'm an introvert but love doing in person events and talking to people who like my books. Next month is the WV book festival and i can't wait.
Have fun!
I went to my first book festival last year and ended up buying a book out of the genre I normally read because the author took the time to speak to me for a few minutes. Since superfans are more valuable them a normal reader because they buy all of your books, sometimes in multiple formats, and selling them one book can lead them to buying other books, merch, monthly patreon access, and even consulting. You can also track your buyer/superfan from a book event if you give them a QR like Mark suggest that puts them in your digital marketing (email newsletter, Facebook group, etc.) I think the 80/20 approach to whatever your doing will bring the most success (80% of your customers come from one place that's highly effective in the short term (online marketing) and the other 20% can come from longer growth connections in person. Also, as Mark points out, making money doing something he loves is one goal while the other is to make connections with his readers as the other.
Thanks for sharing this from Mark. Glad to hear I am not the only one who's sold more books at physical events than online. I do all summer live events, including at Farmer's markets. The experience, the chance to chat with people about my books and other books is a reassurance that people are interested in the themes I write about.
Glad that's working for you!
Great stuff as usual. Good luck.With the Xmas market, if you do it. Would it be inside or an outdoor one?
Indoors, but they are already booked up, so not sure if I will do it this year.
@@thecreativepenn Yes, I've experienced that in previous years. They are booked from late summer. They are fun, but definitely hard work. I've noticed people don't have the same money to spend on impulse buys as they had seven or eight years ago. Hard to get sales.
Hmm. Would you let generative AI design your gravestone?
AI tools don't work like that - the AI has no will of its own, at least not yet.
I design my book cover images with the help of AI tools like Midjourney, so I may potentially use AI tools to help ME design something.