In a crowded event like the Romance Writers of America
annual “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing (July 22, 2015, New York
Marriott® Marquis, New York, New York) how can a writer stand out?
1. Write a Bestseller. Easier said than
done. But those who hit multiple bestseller lists have their own tables (as
opposed to shared table space), set off to the side to accommodate their many
fans. Looking for
Nora Roberts or
Catherine Coulter? Just follow the
long lines at the edge of the group event.
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| Alexa Palmer |
2. Wear an Eye-catching Hat. Not all of us
can carry off this one. I have an amazing emerald witch’s hat, which fits with
the theme of my Young Adult paranormal series, The Teen Wytche Saga. Added
bonus: since I’m petite, the hat would help me be seen. Downside: I’m
too petite and the hat looks ridiculous
on me. However, NYT, PW and USA Today Bestselling Author and shamanic witch,
Yasmine Galenorn, (Otherworld Series), can
totally rock a big hat. At the recent Desert Writers Expo,
Alexa Palmer gained a lot of attention because of her large colorful hat
— a perfect
match
for her children’s picture book — proving big hats works for different genres.
3.
Have an Intriguing or Humorous Tagline. At the 2014 Romantic Times Convention, I shared a table
Lori Crawford. When potential readers/buyers asked Lori about her books, her quick and startling comeback was, "I write Christian erotica." You'd be amazed at how many people stopped and gave her books a second glance.
5.
Add Visual Effects. Your local Staples or Office Depot can print up posters of your book covers and mount and laminate them on foam board. To add movement to your tabletop display, set your tablet on continuous loop and show a slide show of your covers or run your book trailers.
4. Offer Chocolate. Romance readers aren’t
the only readers who love chocolate. Yesterday I participated in the Desert
Writers Expo, a group book sale and signing sponsored by the Palm Springs
Writers Guild. Several of the 40 authors in attendance had bowls of candy on
their tables. When word got out I had brought homemade brownies, authors and
readers sought out my table.
Write the best book you can. Then, with a little creativity and planning, set yourself apart from the pack.
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Ariella Moon
Desert Writers Expo 2015
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Copyright 2015 Ariella Moon
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