Are you struggling to figure out how to display your books for sale at events or in stores?
Do you know how to prepare and what resources you need?
Read on to discover my best tips based on years of experience and mistakes along the way!
US affiliate link * for idea list of best book displays and resources *
*As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases*
Outdoor Events
When I started out as an author back in 2015 I truly had no idea what I was doing when it came to events. My first few events were outside. What I knew I needed was:
A table
A canopy in case of rain
A way to price my books
What I didn't know I needed:
A plan for windy days
A tablecloth that wouldn't blow away in the wind
My thin, paperback books constantly blew out of the flimsy holders I had purchased.
Click the following link for: My top pick for outside events for very windy days and very fast set up time. * US affiliate link
For size comparisons, my smallest books are 5" x 8" and my largest books are 8.5" x 11" and they fit nicely inside. The huge benefit to these is that you can store your books in these stands, take them along to the event, set them out on the table, and you're ready to sell!
Considering Space Limitations and Sharing Space With Other Authors
You could use the above stands for limited space, but it also limits the view of your book covers if you have more than one book published.
If you think you are only ever going to publish one book, you are probably wrong, just like me. So, plan to write more than one book. It's easier that way, trust me.
Sharing space with other authors can be a great way to save money on the cost of the event, but also a great way to network and learn from each other.
But how do you get your books to stand out among all the other books?
I use a tiered bookstand that helps display my book covers. Some book covers still get slightly hidden, but it is better than the first stands as far as seeing the book covers. This stand is okay on windy days outside, but not perfect. It is best suited for indoor events. It also helps with quicker set up time because you can have the books already loaded into the shelf when transporting them.
Here is a US affiliate link * to a similar product to my cardboard bookstand pictured below: Classroom Keepers Book Shelf 3-Tiered *
Top Pick for Indoor Events with Unlimited Space
And now for my favorite book stands!
These are great for displaying the full cover if you have unlimited space. I have not tried these outdoors yet so I don't know if the books would blow away in the wind or not. If I try them at outdoor events I'll try to update the post if I remember.
Click the following link that is the US affiliate link * for Clear Book Stands for Display *
Top Accessory Pick
I love these labels for pricing my books! I cut them down to the size I need. They are write on only and I use pen.
They do not smudge.
When I need to remove the labels, they come off easily and clean.
No sticky residue!
Check them out with this US affiliate link * Avery Removeable Rectangular Labels *
Thank you so much for reading!
Let me know your favorite resources for events in the comments below!
Due to very limited space at my next author event, I am considering the following * book display stand* (affiliate link). I think it might work out well but I have not tried it.
*Jessica D. Adams is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Jessica D. Adams, Author.
*Posts may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, or link to any products or services from this website. Outside links are provided for your convenience, subject to privacy policy, terms and conditions.
Jessica is the author of the children's books about The Underground Toy Society. She decided to begin a blog about her experiences and opinions of being an author, as well as a mother and Occupational Therapist. Please note all information on her website and her blog posts are her opinions and her personal experiences. Individual results may vary and her results may not be your results or experiences. This website is meant to be general information, not specific advice. Circumstances and results may vary. The Underground Toy Society children's books aim to teach children to love and appreciate what they have. Hopefully children will want to clean their rooms after learning about The Underground Toy Society. However, all children are different and results may vary. The books are for entertainment purposes only. All recommendations and activities should be completed with adult supervision. Thanks for reading!