One of the great struggles in the current climate of digital and self-publishing has been making a book stand out in the crowd. Of course, the great paradox is that even traditionally published authors now have to put in some measure of leg work to ensure that readers find and purchase their books. But more than ever, authors are banding together to help one another promote their work.
Kayla Curry, author of the Mystic Stones series (Martin Sisters Publishing), created a unique event in response to not only the need for promotion, but also the need to reach a broader audience than one can do from a typical geographical book event. The Blogger Book Fair, created last summer, is a biannual event that brings authors and book bloggers together for much needed book discovery.
“Blogger Book Fair was created in the summer of 2012, when I was planning the launch of my debut novel,” explained Curry to GoodEReader. “I was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to get a booth at the county fair. I decided to have my own in the comfort of my home. I had a support group of authors I had met online and I approached them about the idea. They were all very enthusiastic and I told them to tell any and all authors they might know. We ended up with over 40 authors with almost 80 books.”
Putting together an event of that magnitude is no small feat. Curry originally did all of the preparation and organization of the event on her own, but as the event has grown with its third staging this summer, she has enlisted the aide of fellow authors and bloggers Fel Wetzig of The Peasants Revolt and Pereza Thompson of Pezz Rambles. Due to extra support for the event, this BBF has an additional day and will run from July 22nd through July 26th.
“The basics of Blogger Book Fair include authors exchanging posts for each other’s blogs. This cross promotion is fun and helps authors and book bloggers bring more books to their audiences. Participants are matched up according to genre. There are also events hosted by whoever comes up with an idea for one. We also have our own Reader’s Choice Awards, which is hosted by our book blogger friend, Sheri at Shut Up and Read.”
While there is no cost to participate in this event, authors are asked to make donations towards the prizes that are given away during the multi-day virtual event. Authors interested in signing up may do so by clicking HERE, while readers who are interested in the book discovery this event brings can be notified when the event launches this July by signing up HERE.
“The authors who participate in this event are amazing people. Many of them have helped me out in this venture and others. Many of us form bonds and continue to work together on various projects even after BBF ends.”
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.