Book Festival Tips and Tricks

Are you planning to attend a book festival this year? Several SCBWI PA West members attended the Johnstown, PA Children’s Book Festival on April 2 -3, 2022. Here are some of their best tips and tricks!

“Make sure you have eye catching signage that will catch the eye of the passers by. If your book has something special about it, then make sure it is highlighted.” Michelle Vattula, author of The Stalking Seagulls. 

“Bring lots of change in various denominations. I also provided QR codes so people could scan them and pay me via PayPal or Venmo.” – Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan, author of The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci.

“Engage with people even if their kids are the wrong age for your books. People have others in their lives who might be a fit for your books.

Ask people if they are teachers or librarians. A lot of folks at festivals ARE one or the other. They can be great contacts. (And they are great fun to talk with!)” – Leah Pileggi, author of Prisoner 88.

“Have something to hand folks who stop and chat with you like a business card, bookmark, or postcard to send home with readers so they’ll be reminded of you and your book.” – Nicole McCandless, author of Down on James Street.

“Support other authors – network with other authors and illustrators. Strike up conversations with the book creators sitting near you. Take an interest in their work. Buy their book. Tweet about their book(s). Give them a shout-out on social media. We’re all here to support and encourage one another. Plus, it will make the time at the book event much more enjoyable.”  – Cathy Breisacher, author of Cavekid Birthday