Words & Wonders Event Recap
On June 7th, I attended the Words & Wonders event in Seymour, Indiana. This was the second year I've attended, and I will definitely return next year!
The event had over 70 authors and artisans, and there was a great turnout! It was also the first official year with artisans AND a new location.
My personal recap of the event:
- I handed out 90 QR codes to download Apple for free.
Apple is the prequel novella to my recent release, Doppelganger. Apple isn't out until August, so I gave away the ebook for FREE to all W&W attendees and vendors. And, of course, I'd love to give it to you for free too - CLICK HERE!
- I sold 25 books!
This was HUGE! I usually sell around 10-12 books at the events I attend (and even that is a really high number to sell at a live event for most authors). I was BLOWN away by the interest and support from the attendees. Thank you to all who attended and purchased from me or any other author / artisan!
- I traded 2 copies of The Fall
I have to put "trading" in it's own category because it's such a fun practice! As a author trying to make money at an event, I try not to spend any money myself (even though I want to buy everything). So, I have started traded one of my books for someone else's, or an equivalently priced item. I traded a copy of The Fall for a handmade cloth bookmark, and I traded another copy for a homemade brownie (omg, so good!)
So, what is my overall outcome? Did I breakeven? Make a profit?
Well, I did make a profit! But even with 25 sales, I still only profited about $30, given book costs, event fees, and marketing materials. Considering a lot of authors were in the RED for this event, I consider this a HUGE win for my author career and visibility.
Like I said, I WILL be attending this event next year! If you're in the southern Indiana area, make sure to put it on your radar. It is such a fun event and I'm honored to have participated for this second year in a row!
Other non-measurable wins from this event:
I met a TON of authors! Not only was I able to meet the incredble E.A. Hendryx (I've back two of her recent Kickstarter campaigns and I totally fan-girled over being set up right next to her booth), but I also got to meet some incredible children's, memoir, and fantasy authors as well!
I didn't have time to meet everyone, but I a made sure to give every vendor a free ebook copy of Apple, so if they feel they want to get to know me more, they now have an easy way to find me.
Another non-measurable success was internal. This event re-sparked my LOVE for in-person event. Every event I go to, I fall in love with the experience all over again. Moving forward, I want to prioritize in-person events for my author career. So...
...you know what they say - Attend one event and another will follow!
If you missed Words & Wonders, that's okay! I will be a vendor at the upcoming 3rd Annual Through The Looking Glass event on August 9th! I hope to see you there!
