[Publib] Author Book Talks

[Tom Cooper]

I have had a few of the same experiences. I think the problem comes from
authors trying to promote their own self-published books, or books
published in small print runs by small presses that are attracting no
attention. They visit your location, ask to do a reading, and you think
it sounds good. But nobody in your community is interested. I have
learned to only have authors visit whose work is already attracting some
attention. Yes, it limits the authors who will visit, but there's
nothing worse than working hard on an event that flops. You need to
establish a rubric to judge whether the work is of any interest.

Is the book selling?

Has there been any media attention?

Is it a subject with a ready-made clientele (local history group, local
crafters, local gardeners, etc.)

Has the author done presentations at other area libraries or bookstores,
and have they been successful?

 

Preferably, most, if not all of these should apply. Otherwise, let them
seek some other avenue for promoting their lackluster literary efforts.

 

Tom Cooper, Director

Webster Groves Public Library

301 E. Lockwood

Webster Groves, MO 63119

 

(314) 961-3784

tcooper at wgpl.lib.mo.us

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Conrad Rader
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 3:40 PM
To: annc at pascolibraries.org
Cc: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Author Book Talks

 

That just happened to me as well.  Luckily, the author was not too
bummed out.  I do all the same promotions and then life just happens.
We are going to try an all day program that will have four or five
authors and author related programs, that will also incorporate our
writers group, the reading discussion group and anyone else we can rope
in.  We have had better success with grouping a number of programs
together into a day-long format for gardening (attendance up 200% and
now mostly being done by a local gardening group) and our Local History
Day (attendance up 150% and still going strong).

Sometimes the single programs hit, and sometime they miss.  Don't get
too discouraged, just try something else.

Conrad Rader
Adult Services Librarian
Niles District Library
Niles, MI

 
Ann Coppola wrote: 

Hi Folks,
 
I just had a program at my library where a local author came in to talk
about her book and sell and sign copies of it.
 
Not one person showed up.  This isn't the first time an author talk has
bombed.
 
I have flyers and posters up at the library.  I have it in the local
papers.  Food doesn't seem to be enough of a draw either.  (the teens
hover around and scavenge but they don't stay to hear the author).
 
Why is it that author talks don't work?  I have another one for this
Saturday.  I am dreading it...
 
Any thoughts?
 
Ann
 
--
Ann Coppola
Public Services Librarian & Program Coordinator
 
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040
 
Books are just the beginning...
 
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." 
Eleanor Roosevelt
--
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