Small Press Month - Tip # 19

March 19 - Sell direct to your consumer whenever possible. Sales that go through bookstores, distributors, retailers, wholesalers, etc., always have fingers in your profits. Participate in events where the consumer is right there so you don't have to worry about paying anyone else from those profits.

Craft fairs, art shows, museum events, trade shows, exhibits, book fairs, vendor fairs, wine tastings -- do what fits with your book and charge a rounded amount for your book. If your book is $17.95, offer it at the event for $15 -- but don't cut too much off. 

Have fun -- stand up and engage people. DO NOT sit in your booth and read a book in the corner and expect sales! (In fact, we don't even put chairs in our booths.)

Sell direct hand to hand every time you can too. When someone tells you "I went into the book store the other day and they said they don't have your book!", say "Good, thank you for looking for my book. I happen to have one in my car. I'll get it for you and even sign it. It's $20, and that includes tax."  (Don't forget to figure out what tax is due when you do this.)