I will be discussing two events I recently attended. The
first is the Upstate Comic Con, held in Louisville, NY. I was asked to do a
panel discussion about my novel, “Legend of the Mystic Knights” and about
writing in general.
I was given a table at the event. Since my novel is
currently an e-book I had nothing tangible to sell at the event. So I decided
to give away bookmarks and pictures of my book cover. On one side of the bookmark included the
cover and also a brief description of my novel. The backside of the bookmark
has links to all my social media sites and also a link where the reader can buy
my book. I have used these in the past, and have had some success with them.
As for the panel discussion, it consisted of me and the Head
of Marketing and Events, Elijah Winfrey. Elijah would ask me pre-submitted
questions. These questions dealt with my novel, but also recommendations I had
for new or potential authors. I had less
than a handful of people in attendance. Although small it was an enjoyable
experience and I hope to do it again.
This was a smaller comic con compared to some I recently attended, however, it
was very enjoyable and it had numerous events and displays. People could
get photos taken with zombies or even with a reproduction of the Impala from
the show, Supernatural. It also had numerous venders selling comics, movies and
other science fiction, and horror memorabilia.
I was able to sit next to the Adirondack Pro Wrestling Federation; this
consisted of two friends of mine, Shooter Storm and Justin Berry. As always, it was great to see them and I
hope the wrestling organization picks up and they can put on numerous shows in
the future.
Elijah Winfrey, as I mentioned he promoted, and put on the
Upstate Comic Con with help from some wonderful people. They did a wonderful
job and this area needs an event like this. I hope that each year, the Upstate
Comic Con grows and grows, and I also hope I can continue to be part of it.
The fair is located in Greenwich, NY, and is an agricultural
fair; this means it is an event to showcase and exhibiting the equipment,
animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal
husbandry. Although, it is dedicated to more of a rural setting, it still has
many attributes of what you may think of as a fair such as rides and games of
chance. You may think that this would be a small fair, but it is actually
attended by a lot of people.
This fair was very enjoyable, I did like attending and
seeing many of the agricultural parts of it. I particularly enjoyed the old
steam engines which ran the old logging and farming equipment displayed there.
Next week, I will be discussing another fair I attended and
also going to the Hyde Collection, and seeing some work by Andy Warhol and
Winslow Homer.
How cool to see you visiting fairs to get word out about your book. There are just so many ways to do so it seem mind-boggling at times.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me attending fairs provide you with good ways of promoting your book, even though it's an e-book.
ReplyDeleteWilliam, using the bookmarks to promote your book is a great idea - hope it brings you lots of sales.
ReplyDeleteLiving in a rural area as I do, Agricultural Fairs always appeal to me. Here the smallest village puts on a annual fair and it's surprising how many turn out for those. We also have a Steam Show in our community every year and watching those steam engines doing farm tasks that now take huge John Deere tractors is really interesting.
I thought of you this past weekend as I attended the New York Renaissance Fair in Tuxedo Park. That fair is gigantic and is overwhelmed with people. So the modest size of the upstate event you attended sounded pretty good.
ReplyDeleteJust missed me, I might be going there this weekend, or the next. It is a large fair, this is why I also enjoy the Sterling Renaissance fair near Oswego, it is smaller (Still tons of people) and a little more historically accurate.
DeleteIt seems like you've been going to a few fairs the past few months. I need to see if we have more in our area, Most of the fairs down here happen in the spring.
ReplyDeleteBravo for getting out there in person--away from just the electronic world we all spend so much time in--and chatting about your book.
ReplyDeleteYou never know where or when an opportunity to presents itself to promote your book, but here it was. Sometimes the less traditional ways are an easier sell. Usually people are in good moods at fairs, so it is a win win situation.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you are being so proactive in marketing your book. And sometimes the smaller events give you more one and one with readers and the talk to other people too:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea to have something to give people at the convention so they'll remember your book and hopefully go online to buy it. Can't wait to read about Winslow Homer, he's one of my faves!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you are well again. What a good idea to give out bookmarks and pictures of your cover when your book is an eBook. I bet that brought you some sales.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of using the cards William. A friend and fellow author uses 5 x 7 cards with a beautiful image of her books on one side and on the back all of her contact information. It's wonderful that you have so many options to market and meet new people!
ReplyDeleteI have been to New York City a number of times but have never been to Upstate New York. You certainly seem to be making the most of your time in the area, William - I should really get up there one of these days, yes?
ReplyDeleteHi William -- Nice to see what you look like. When my husband and I had a house in Petersburg, NY, many years ago (near the intersection of routes 2 and 22) we often went to country fairs. They seem so quaint now, but always wonderful. The honesty, the simplicity, the return to the land feeling. I miss them.
ReplyDelete