I just went to FanX Salt Lake last week and sold 244 books!! Biggest success I've ever had at a convention! Here are some tips that will help toward event success. - Have something that draws people's attention. Ideally, something big and tall and curiosity-inciting. My big banner for my book "The Legend of Uh" is bright and colorful and weird enough to bring people in and make them ask questions. - Consider bundles. If you've got books in a series, consider giving people a discount if they buy the whole thing. I've been shocked at how quick people are to buy an entire series or trilogy at a convention (make sure to have bags on hand so they can carry them!). Having something you can point to and say "I'm only offering this discount at this event" is really motivating for customers. - Try to create a sense of "wow" with your booth! I'm still struggling with this, but I've seen other people create beautiful booths with lights, faux ivy, wooden frames, raised platforms, and more. Make it pretty! - When it comes to selling books, sometimes the best decorations are just big stacks of books. Seriously. Pack your booth with books. Put them on stands so the covers are tipped toward the customers. It gives them plenty to look at. - Have a folding wagon or folding dolly cart!! Seriously, these things will save your life. You can't be carrying books and book supplies by hand into a convention center. You'll wear yourself out before the event even begins. - Have calorie-dense rations on hand. Dried mangos, nuts, granola bars, protein bars—preferably things that don't get messy so you don't get anything on your merchandise. Convention food is EXPENSIVE so bringing your own snacks to nom on throughout the day will cut down on costs.

StoryClub will be hosting a special Q&A session at 7 p.m. MST on Thursday, November 5, with New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie! You can add the event to your calendar using this link. Purdie is the author of the Burning Glass series, the Forest Grimm duology, and the Bone Grace duology—which features a matriarchal society of women who ferry the dead and who are only initiated into that society at the cost of killing their soulmates. A lover of art in all forms, she also enjoys singing and playing the guitar. Her next book, a Greek mythology-inspired fantasy romance called THE LOVELY INVISIBLE, releases April 27, 2027. You can also find her at StoryCon next year, signing books in the Exhibit Hall and teaching a Masterclass entitled "Writing with Deep Point of View." What questions do you have for Kathryn Purdie? Here are some of her specialties: - Balancing dark storylines with hope and healing - Adapting urban legends and folktales - Drawing inspiration from her experience acting on stage Comment your questions below and make sure to invite your friends to the event!

Hi everyone, I'm Jenna! I wanted to introduce myself and say hello! I'm just outside Chicago, a mom to a very energetic 6-year-old, and a lifelong book lover. I spent over 15 years in education, mostly focused on literacy, and I'm also the founder of Love Smiles, a nonprofit that provides books and comfort items to kids going through cancer treatment. I've also been working on a children's book series called Tales from the MakerSpace, so I've been having some fun on the writing side of things, too! Books have always been a huge part of my life, whether I'm reading them, teaching with them, writing them, or finding ways to get them into someone else's hands. I'm excited to be here, connect with other book lovers and writers, and see what everyone is working on! So, what is everyone reading right now? I'm always looking for another book to add to my list!