Bookish Bonanza!

Good Monday Morning!

For those who are new here, welcome to the Words and Worlds of Sarah J. Hoodlet! You signed up to receive this newsletter at the Bookish Market on July 5. I’m honored, and so happy to have you here.

For everyone, this newsletter usually goes out about once a quarter. I’m sending this one off schedule (I just sent one a few weeks ago), partly to welcome the new members, but also to offer an overview of how the Bookish Market went. I go into more detail in today’s blog post, but let’s look at some high-level takeaways.

Bookish Market Success

I had no expectations about how the day would go. I’ve heard from other authors that success at public events has several factors, but anything over a dozen sales is a good turnout, especially at a first event.

I had 61!

Here’s what I brought and how much I sold (brought, sold):

–The Way of the Wielder: 42, sold 28

–Mysteries of the Material: 13, sold 8

–Convergence of Connection: 13, sold 8

–After the Awakening: 13, sold 8

–Mission Aboard the Longfin: 15, sold 9

I went into this assuming most people would only buy the first book in The Way of the Wielder series. However, eight people decided to buy the complete series! I was shook in the best way, and hope they enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Location is Important

Originally, I was supposed to be in the back of the pavilion (dubbed Author Alley). However, a last-minute change put me front and center. Intimidating? Yes. But also, I believe this change had a great impact on my success, not only because my table was the first thing people saw, but because it was in the sun for the first half of the day.

I opted for a simple set up, which I think also appealed to many people. They were able to approach, pick up my books from a low stack, sign up for my newsletter, and interact with me, all without big displays of books boxing me in. As much as I like the look of the displays other authors have, I think I’ll continue with this set up, at least for now. When I have other series to sell—or when I become famous—I might have to switch it up.

Upcoming Events

As I mention in my blog, I’ll be attending two more Bookish Bliss book events:

• Last Chapter of Summer Book Fair, on August 23

• Spines & Spice Fall Festival, on October 24

Both of these events will be held at the same location: Sandlot Sports & Entertainment, 56 North Road in Sandown, NH, from 11am-4pm. If you meant to come out and buy my books—or if you want to buy the rest of the series—you have two more opportunities to do so. Lucky you!

I may sign up for other events across the state. Stay tuned for more on that as we approach the fall/holiday season.

That’s all for today! For more overview about the Bookish Market, as well as an update on my projects and what’s to come, check out today’s blog post.

Until next time, be well, and stay creative.

~Sarah