I've Got a Table -- Now What?

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You’ve registered for a table or a half-table at a book event. Now what? Here are some hints that I’ve discovered over the years that can help you promote your books and make the most of your display space.

My One Rule: Pack only what you can carry. Bring what you need but not enough to make two or three trips to the car. Books are heavy. I either use a rolling suitcase or a collapsable dolly.

My Bag: I have an event bag, and I restock it after ever event. Here’s what I keep stocked in mine:

  • Bookmarks, Business Cards

  • Give Away-items (usually pens and a container to hold them) If you bring candy, make sure to have a dish. And don’t bring chocolate if it’s a hot day.

  • A Tent Card (with my name on it in case one isn’t provided)

  • My Acrylic Sign Holder

  • My Banner

  • An Unwrinkled Tablecloth (Mindy Quigley turned me on to fitted stretch tablecloths that connect to the table legs. They don’t wrinkle, and they hide whatever you’ve stashed under your booth.)

  • My Emergency Stash: a small notebook, lots of pens, tape, painter’s tape, scissors

  • Book Stands (I like the ones that fold.)

  • Clipboard for Newsletter Sign-ups

Table Displays:

  • Know the size of the table. Make sure you check the specifications and rules for the event. Some don’t allow free-standing banners.

  • If you’re sharing a table, be a good neighbor. Don’t encroach on your partner’s side. He or she has a display to show off, too. And if you have a standing banner, don’t block anyone else’s table.

  • Make your space eye-catching. You want people to stop by and talk to you. Always have some sort of give-away: bookmarks, pens, candy…It is an icebreaker that draws people in to chat.

  • Have some sort of a theme. If there’s a theme in your books, add small touches that create a polished and connected look for your display. Figure out what’s integral to your story and highlight that. (For the Mutt Mysteries, we had a dog/pawprint theme.)

  • I put small stacks of books on the table. It creates a sense of urgency for buyers. If you have hundreds of books there, some get the idea (right or wrong) that your items aren’t selling. And everyone wants to get one of the last ones before they sell out.

  • If you can, offer a deal or discount for that day. I put up a sign and offer something like a small discount if they buy two or three at full price.

  • If you can’t think of anything specific for your table, bring a vase of flowers. It brightens up an empty space.

What’s on your display table?