Booked & Busy: How Indie Authors Can Sell More Books at Markets & Cons

Name: Booked & Busy: How Indie Authors Can Sell More Books at Markets & Cons
Start: 2025-08-16T11:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-08-16T13:30:00-05:00
Location: Central Library

Schedule

Sat Aug 16 2025 at 11:00 am to 01:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Central Library | Lake Charles, LA

Central Thielen Community Room (2nd floor) on Saturday, August 16, 11:00AM - 1:30PM
Ready to turn browsers into buyers? Whether you’re brand-new to vendor events or a seasoned author looking to boost your sales, this workshop is packed with actionable tips to help you stand out, connect with readers, and sell more books at markets, festivals, and conventions.
Riah Evely, owner of The Charmed Page bookstore and a veteran of 5+ years in the vendor circuit, has sold at farmers markets, book fairs, and comic cons — and she’s sharing the proven strategies that work.
You’ll walk away with practical tips, printable checklists, and the confidence to make your next market your best one yet.
📅 Workshop Outline:
1. Pre-Event Prep & Packing List
✔ What to pack for smooth setup and stress-free selling
✔ Must-have items you’ll wish you brought (if you don’t!)
2. Crafting an Eye-Catching Table
✔ Budget-friendly display hacks
✔ Using signage & branding to make your genre and style instantly clear
3. Selling Without the Hard Sell
✔ How to greet and engage passersby naturally
✔ Conversation starters that spark interest without pressure
✔ Table etiquette that earns you respect with readers and other vendors
4. Your 1–2 Sentence Elevator Pitch
✔ A simple formula to hook potential readers
✔ Workshop your pitch on the spot with a guided worksheet
5. Boosting Sales with Bundles & Merch
✔ Creative upsell ideas for series, gift packs, and themed bundles
✔ Merch items that actually sell (and ones that don’t)
6. Payment Preparedness
✔ Accepting multiple payment types (cash, card, QR)
✔ Avoiding the #1 payment mistake vendors make
7. Networking & Follow-Up
✔ Building relationships with readers, vendors, and organizers
✔ Turning event-day connections into future sales online
🎁 Bonus:
Every attendee gets the Author Vendor Toolkit — a printable packet of checklists, worksheets, and ideas to help you prep, sell, and follow up like a pro.
Why Attend?
Markets and cons aren’t just about the books you sell that day — they’re about the readers and relationships you build for the future. This workshop gives you the tools to make both happen.