Author Signings - The Net Result

Last week, I blogged about the Writers on the River Author Signing I was headed to, with a numbers break-down. So I’m swinging back with recap on the event.

The big news is that, hands-down, this was a fabulous event! Every single author I talked to or overheard said the same thing. It was well-run, the readers were enthusiastic, everyone sold more books than they expected, and the event raised $7,500 for Thistle Farms (a charitable organization that benefits victims of violence, prostitution, and abuse) and $500 for the local Center for Prevention of Abuse (not counting the truckloads of donated items like toothpaste and towels)!

Hold up and reread that last part: The event raised $8000 in funds donated to help women in need. AND the authors in attendance were thrilled with their own personal results. I sold 9 books at the event, which may not seem like a lot, but that’s more than twice what I’ve ever sold before!

So, nine books at a profit of $4 per book… I don’t think any of us need to count on our fingers to realize I didn’t recoup my expenses. But, as I said last week, it’s not about sales, it’s about making connections. Here are a few of my happy stories:

I sold one book as a preorder for the event. So, going into the event, I was already selling books!
Another author was making the rounds buying books before the event because she knew she’d be too busy at her own table once the event started. So, before the first reader walked through the door, I was three books into my total! AND another author wanted MY books!!!

I sold my mother’s house while I was busy selling my books. No joke, I had listed my mother’s house for sale on the Wednesday before the event. Woke up Saturday morning of the event with a full-price offer on the house. Spent the day juggling Author Event and realtor emails, but WOW! That news made my day.

One reader approached my table and said “I’m under strict orders from my sister to find you and buy your book. She judged it in a contest and absolutely loved it!” My articulate response: *jaw drop*. So, Laura I-didn’t-get-a-last-name, if you’re out there and reading this blog, you made my day and I’m sending you hugs!!

I have to confess that part of me was a little down on the whole author thing going into the weekend. I was feeling poor, wondering why I do this, and questioning how I can possibly hope to compete with all the other more-famous and better authors out there. Yes I was feeling sorry for myself. But after a day like that, I’m re-energized. I may not get rich or famous, but that’s not why I write. I write for myself and for the readers like these who love my stories!

Comments

  1. What a winning weekend! Glad it was a good and successful time.

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  2. that's so cool! I'm so glad you had a great time!

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    1. Everybody had an great time, which is the awesome part of it!

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  3. Happy you had fun, Ava! Congrats on selling books and your mom's house, which I know takes a big burden.

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    1. Thanks! All the event pics of me, I'm on my phone dealing with the house. Makes me look like a dolt, but I'll take it! ;-)

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  4. What a wonderful weekend for you. I'm sure the connections you made will result in more positive things in the future. Keep writing!

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  5. Ava, what an awesome outcome for you! It's great you sold so many books (nine is a great number!) but even better, you've been reinvigorated. Just wonderful! Can I come with you next year? I'm kidding, sort of.

    And congrats on selling your mother's house. You rock!

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    1. Jana - I will send the interest form out to the gang! There were some Canadian authors there, so I think it's definitely a possibility for all!

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  6. Congrats on the great week of sales! So glad it's all coming together for you--especially the house thing. One albatross put to rest :)

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