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Working the Table: An Indie Author's Guide to Conventions
Because books won't sell themselves.In these times when it's easy to self-publish but hard to getnoticed, conventions offer a solid, feasible option for theindependent author to start on a path to financial sustainability.But becoming a professional denizen of the dealer's room hasits challenges. In Working the Table, two veteran indie authorsspill their secrets to help you not only survive, but thrive inthe book-event environment.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2016
7 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Cook
21 books60 followersJeffrey Cook lives in Maple Valley, Washington, with his wife and three large dogs. He has lived all over the United States. He’s contributed to a number of role-playing game books for Deep7 Press out of Seattle, Washington, but First Light is his first novel. When not reading, researching or writing, Jeffrey enjoys role-playing games and watching football.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 24, 2016
If I were ever to create a class for indie authors, then Working the Table would definitely be a part of the textbook list. This book goes over anything an author could possibly want to know about how to be successful at a convention, and even just some ideas on how to sell books in person as opposed to online. I learned valuable information about how to talk to potential customers, how to arrange my table attractively, how many books I should be ordering, who I should work with, and so much more. I know this is a book I’m going to be referencing repeatedly for the next few years.
This book is a must for any indie author who has considered taking copies of their books to sell at a convention. The information in this books makes it clear that not only do these authors have a lot of experience with what they do, but they’re also very good at it. They also have a great chemistry throughout the book and play off one another, which makes it feel more like listening in on a conversation than reading a heady non-fiction book. It’s clear and to the point, doesn’t ramble or go on too many tangents, but I always felt like I had gotten all the information I had needed on the subject.
The one minor issue I would say that I had with this book is that the spine (I ordered a paperback) initially confused me. The spine actually says “An Indie Author’s Guide to Conventions” rather than “Working the Table,” so I questioned what was the title vs. the subtitle at first when I got my copy. But really, this is a purely superficial issue that doesn’t affect the content of the book, so I’m really pleased that’s the only thing I walked away slightly disliking about the book!
This book is great if you’re any kind of indie author interested in taking their books into public to sell. The size of this book is perfect for slipping in your bag and taking to the convention with you until you’re confident enough to do it without a refresher. This book is great even if you’re a traditional author, because the advice is pretty universal. And if you have an author in your life who has talked about doing conventions one day, then they would be so happy getting this book as a gift from you, trust me!
This book is a must for any indie author who has considered taking copies of their books to sell at a convention. The information in this books makes it clear that not only do these authors have a lot of experience with what they do, but they’re also very good at it. They also have a great chemistry throughout the book and play off one another, which makes it feel more like listening in on a conversation than reading a heady non-fiction book. It’s clear and to the point, doesn’t ramble or go on too many tangents, but I always felt like I had gotten all the information I had needed on the subject.
The one minor issue I would say that I had with this book is that the spine (I ordered a paperback) initially confused me. The spine actually says “An Indie Author’s Guide to Conventions” rather than “Working the Table,” so I questioned what was the title vs. the subtitle at first when I got my copy. But really, this is a purely superficial issue that doesn’t affect the content of the book, so I’m really pleased that’s the only thing I walked away slightly disliking about the book!
This book is great if you’re any kind of indie author interested in taking their books into public to sell. The size of this book is perfect for slipping in your bag and taking to the convention with you until you’re confident enough to do it without a refresher. This book is great even if you’re a traditional author, because the advice is pretty universal. And if you have an author in your life who has talked about doing conventions one day, then they would be so happy getting this book as a gift from you, trust me!
February 11, 2017
Essential guide
This was a great read. I'd consider it an essential introduction to the world of selling books at a convention. I'm going to my very first set of conventions this year to sell books and this book has really helped me feel better prepared.
This was a great read. I'd consider it an essential introduction to the world of selling books at a convention. I'm going to my very first set of conventions this year to sell books and this book has really helped me feel better prepared.
April 8, 2017
If you're an indie author, this book is a must.
Even if you've attended conventions before, even if you've sold out of your allotment while at a convention, read this book. Much of the advice in this book is geared toward someone sharing table space with another author at a convention, but it's also helpful for authors who have a table to themselves.
I attended my first convention last October -- a one-day affair in my hometown that was really successful for me (I tripled the cost of my table in book sales). A lot of what I read in this book I had already employed. I learned even more that I will look to employ at my first two-day convention next month (and any future conventions I attend).
There's no substitute for experience, but this how-to guide is still a useful guide to authors who may be considering conventions as a way to get the word out about their work (in my case, very comic book-like novels that feel right at home at comic book conventions). Even if you've got a few conventions under your belt, this book is a worthwhile read.
Now, I need to read the authors' fiction work...
Even if you've attended conventions before, even if you've sold out of your allotment while at a convention, read this book. Much of the advice in this book is geared toward someone sharing table space with another author at a convention, but it's also helpful for authors who have a table to themselves.
I attended my first convention last October -- a one-day affair in my hometown that was really successful for me (I tripled the cost of my table in book sales). A lot of what I read in this book I had already employed. I learned even more that I will look to employ at my first two-day convention next month (and any future conventions I attend).
There's no substitute for experience, but this how-to guide is still a useful guide to authors who may be considering conventions as a way to get the word out about their work (in my case, very comic book-like novels that feel right at home at comic book conventions). Even if you've got a few conventions under your belt, this book is a worthwhile read.
Now, I need to read the authors' fiction work...
June 24, 2019
Working the Table: An Indie Author's Guide to Conventions by Lee French and Jeffrey Cook is, in my opinion. A must read for any author who attends author fairs or conventions and sets up a table to hawk his wares.
As an indie author (with 2 books published and more to come) I am always looking for ways to improve my current methods of marketing to my potential readers. While reading an article on table design in a writing magazine, I ran across a article by Jeff and Lee. A quick search on Kindle found their book and within 1 paragraph of the sample, I quickly purchased the book and read it in 3 days – would have been through it sooner but I was on vacation with my wife.
Working the Table provides the new (or even seasoned) indie author everything they need to know to properly set up an eye-catching display,
Jeff and Lee (Jeff is disabled, so I instantly connected with him in this book as I am physically disabled from a stroke) share tips they have learned from their own experiences working together many conferences in the Northwest.
Although I had already started to assemble a tote full of supplies for when I do attend book signings, the book helped me refine my tote with a few items I had not thought about.
Jeff and Lee give practical advice, including things that a novice wouldn’t know when he first starts off, on setting a table display and soft selling to customers at events.
I believe that through this book Jeff and Lee will not only properly prepare you for the event, they also properly set your expectation levels.
I do not care if you have set up a table at a dozen or more events to sell your book or you are about to do it for the first time, I am willing to bet you will learn something that you didn’t know that will help your next book signing/sale be a success.
As an indie author (with 2 books published and more to come) I am always looking for ways to improve my current methods of marketing to my potential readers. While reading an article on table design in a writing magazine, I ran across a article by Jeff and Lee. A quick search on Kindle found their book and within 1 paragraph of the sample, I quickly purchased the book and read it in 3 days – would have been through it sooner but I was on vacation with my wife.
Working the Table provides the new (or even seasoned) indie author everything they need to know to properly set up an eye-catching display,
Jeff and Lee (Jeff is disabled, so I instantly connected with him in this book as I am physically disabled from a stroke) share tips they have learned from their own experiences working together many conferences in the Northwest.
Although I had already started to assemble a tote full of supplies for when I do attend book signings, the book helped me refine my tote with a few items I had not thought about.
Jeff and Lee give practical advice, including things that a novice wouldn’t know when he first starts off, on setting a table display and soft selling to customers at events.
I believe that through this book Jeff and Lee will not only properly prepare you for the event, they also properly set your expectation levels.
I do not care if you have set up a table at a dozen or more events to sell your book or you are about to do it for the first time, I am willing to bet you will learn something that you didn’t know that will help your next book signing/sale be a success.
April 17, 2020
Lots of helpful advice
I've been using the advice in this book for a few months now, as I have started doing book events and trying to grow my audience with personal connection. The format is helpful, the checklists at the end are great, and I love having advice from two people who have different perspectives and needs, but obviously work well together. I'd recommend this book to any new author with jitters over the idea of selling their books in person, and I look forward to putting more of the advice in action once events are held again.
I've been using the advice in this book for a few months now, as I have started doing book events and trying to grow my audience with personal connection. The format is helpful, the checklists at the end are great, and I love having advice from two people who have different perspectives and needs, but obviously work well together. I'd recommend this book to any new author with jitters over the idea of selling their books in person, and I look forward to putting more of the advice in action once events are held again.
January 22, 2017
Convention Neeves
I am putting myself into high gear for going to conventions this year. Not as much as the authors are doing but I am tying a few including non convention venues as well. Just reading through this I created a huge list of ideas for how to make my convention scene better. Definitely recommend if you plan to go to cons too.
I am putting myself into high gear for going to conventions this year. Not as much as the authors are doing but I am tying a few including non convention venues as well. Just reading through this I created a huge list of ideas for how to make my convention scene better. Definitely recommend if you plan to go to cons too.
July 13, 2019
Great practical advice
The book was recommended by my writers group. The two authors give excellent realistic advice. Great honesty. Loved the checklists. Don't worry about the genre of your book their advice is true for any convention.
The book was recommended by my writers group. The two authors give excellent realistic advice. Great honesty. Loved the checklists. Don't worry about the genre of your book their advice is true for any convention.
April 29, 2018
This book is an excellent resource for someone attending their first convention, or who has done one and not achieved the success they expected. The authors seem like two genuinely nice people and I liked the emphasis on sorting out any problems with the minimum of fuss, and all the reminders that you want to get invited back. I wouldn't recommend this book as the only resource for someone doing a one-day signing - this is definitely geared toward conventions that you attend more than once and where you might be selling books to an audience that have come for other things besides books. Well written and worth a read.
January 20, 2017
A Must-Have for New Authors
I picked this up initially as something to read in advance of attending a Con as a new Indie author. I had no immediate plans. And then, suddenly, I found myself invited to a small event... And thank goodness I had this book! As invaluable as it is engaging, this guide was everything I needed it to be. I learned so much about how to prepare, what to bring, and what NOT to do. Every author who works a table at an event should read this book. Thank you so much, Lee and Jeff! Hope to get to meet you both one day! Keep writing wonderful stories!
I picked this up initially as something to read in advance of attending a Con as a new Indie author. I had no immediate plans. And then, suddenly, I found myself invited to a small event... And thank goodness I had this book! As invaluable as it is engaging, this guide was everything I needed it to be. I learned so much about how to prepare, what to bring, and what NOT to do. Every author who works a table at an event should read this book. Thank you so much, Lee and Jeff! Hope to get to meet you both one day! Keep writing wonderful stories!
June 5, 2019
I saw this book mentioned in an article I read recently and decided to pick it up. I can say without hesitation that those who are new to working conventions as an author will benefit from reading it. Honestly, I've been doing shows for 7 years now and still learned something that I hadn't even thought about before.
From checklists of important items to take to shows to problem-solving recommendations, this quick guide to selling books during cons is a must-have for authors.
From checklists of important items to take to shows to problem-solving recommendations, this quick guide to selling books during cons is a must-have for authors.
April 10, 2018
Great Advice for Any First Timer!
I have yet to attend my first con as an author/vendor but I already have a great idea of where to start and what to expect when I get there thanks to French and Cook and their combined efforts in sharing their experiences on the circuit. If you're considering working a table at any such even then this is a total must read!
I have yet to attend my first con as an author/vendor but I already have a great idea of where to start and what to expect when I get there thanks to French and Cook and their combined efforts in sharing their experiences on the circuit. If you're considering working a table at any such even then this is a total must read!
September 3, 2016
Valuable information. Includes encouragement on writing then provides a list of equipment and materials a book seller should consider taking to a book selling event. Includes ideas on sales and companionship. Insightful.
April 1, 2018
After reading this book, I want to kick myself for not knowing about it and reading it three years ago. While it's true I had most (but not all) of the information figured out. I learned the hard way. If you're going to start using conventions, give this a read first so you can be more successful.
March 29, 2020
A really informative book for authors about how to work a table at festivals and conventions. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews