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Welcome to the December edition of Author's Corner. It's the holiday season already and books make handy gifts, especially for youngsters. So, whether you select one of mine or another author's book, you can't go wrong encouraging someone to read.
I recently completed a book proposal for "Space Frontiers: The Eye of Icarus" and submitted it to an interested publisher. This particular publisher has a relatively short response time so I may have information in next month's edition on who the publisher will be and when we can expect to see my new novel hit the stores.
There are a number of science fiction festivals I'm looking at for the new year. My publicist is currently contacting them regarding my interest and availability to participate in their programs. At the top of my list is ChattaCon in Chattanooga, TN on January 21-23. I hope to hear something from them before Thanksgiving.
March 17-20, I expect to be in Charlottesville for the Virginia Festival of the Book. As usual, I'll have a table at their dealer's hall in the Omni Hotel on Saturday, March 19. Last year, I had quite a large number of guests throughout the day, particularly some of the University of Va. students. I really enjoy sharing information and experiences with future writers and curious readers.
May 27-31 is BaltiCon and I'm waiting for a response from them.
July 1-4 is WesterCon in Calgary, Alberta. Each year the festival rotates to a different city on the west coast. Even years are in the south and odd years are in the north. Since I was invited this year, there's a good chance, I'll be attending again.
DragonCon, the king of the festivals in my opinion, is Labor Day weekend on September 2-6 and I hope to be invited back there again, as well.
Other festivals we're just beginning to contact are ConCarolinas (June 3-5) in North Carolina, Tri-NocCon (July 8-10) also in North Carolina, AlbaCon (Oct 7-10) in Rochester NY, and a few others.
This month's Writers' Tip is about book sales. The most productive events for book sales that I have had so far were Christmas Bazaars and Literary Festivals. This is a great way to meet people and gain recognition as well as for selling books. I recommend creating an attractive table for these events. Here are some ideas:
- Find attractive material for a table top cover from a fabric store.
- Using a banner across the front of the table with smart colors. Things to include on the banner are your name, website, book(s), and logo if you have one.
- Book holders for your book(s). By positioning them upright in a professional manner, you'll attract additional attention to your book(s).
- Promo material such as bookmarks, flyers, press releases, and a 24 X 36 display if you have are ideal.
- Miniature chocolates make good conversation pieces. Consider purchasing or making ad wraps for them.
The Christmas Bazaars are timely since the shoppers who attend them are looking for gifts. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive to participate in. Most seem to be around $25 although it could vary with your location.
Literary festivals like the Va. Festival of the Book afford attendees the opportunity to meet and talk with authors. This is your chance to make an impression. If readers like you and enjoy your work, odds are, they'll follow up on all of your future works.
Thank you again for joining me. Have a safe and happy holiday season and join me in January for another edition of Author's Corner.
- Michael D'Ambrosio
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