How to sell e-books at a book fair or convention
When I signed a contract with a small premium publisher to release my mystery novel, I knew the label was more focused on digital sales than print. The book was published in paperback and e-book format years before the Kindle revolution, making it difficult for me to market the digital version of the book, which was also the most affordable format. These days, however, more readers are asking about the availability of e-books from my books rather than the printed ones, and as I spend time promoting everything I write at the book fair and its cons, selling e-books always turned out to be a challenge. These days, I now have access to many useful tools, and so do you.
Whether you’re a first-time author or have recently transferred your holdings list to digital formats, you can sell e-books offline. Set up your author’s table as you normally would and inform readers with proper signage that they can purchase digital books on the spot and even start reading them right there.
Selling e-books at an event
You will need the following components to make your e-book sales business a success:
1) Laptop, tablet / mobile device and working internet / WiFi connection. If you don’t have a mobile subscription, be sure to check the WiFi connection in advance instead. If you have a MiFi device that you use for the internet while traveling, make sure it is fully charged on the day of the event and that you have access to an outlet for emergency recharging.
2) Cloud application to store files (mobile). If you have a laptop, you can store all your digital files in one folder and mail them as you sell. Mobile device users should have a cloud application that enables instant e-mailing of files. I use Dropbox for my e-books because it has private folders where I can keep my books and it is easy to use.
3) Online payment system. In the past, I only accepted cash for books, but thanks to apps like SquareUp and the new Paypal mobile system, I can accept credit cards through my tablet. With a card swipe device, customers can purchase instantly or I can enter their information in the appropriate application. You can even email receipts if requested.
Of course, while selling e-books at a live event is easier now, one might ask, “How do you get an e-book autographed?” I found that the authors have been creative in solving this problem. Signed bookplates for a reader’s Kindle or Nook, PDF files of the cover or signed cover, and autographed cover postcards are some ideas to consider.
With more readers interested in e-books, the opportunity to sell at trade shows, conventions, and other events increases. Feel free to connect your e-books together with your printed titles. You may find that sales dwarf paperbacks.