First Book Fair experience
My first book fair was an event for independent authors, held at Milton Keynes Central Library in early December 2024, as part of the Milton Keynes Literary Festival. Over 30 authors (some newbies like me, but many with plenty of experience) spent the day chatting to each other and the many visitors who braved the weather to see what we had to offer.
We also had the opportunity to take four minutes behind the microphone in the library reception area to read excerpts of our work to small but interested audiences.
All-in-all, a great experience. I learned a lot from talking to other authors, all of whom were very friendly and willing to offer advice. The visitors were great. Most grabbed a free bookmark and I sold a dozen copies of 'Paths Not Yet Taken', which more than covered the costs of the day. I'm just hoping those who promised a review once they'd read the book actually do so, but I will be forever grateful for their purchases.
But the really big thing I took away from the day? The flu bug, which hit me like a train the next day and, like a desperately lonely friend, stayed with me throughout the Christmas period and into new year - only disappearing when all the good food and drink had gone.
I'll be back at the 2025 event though - and with one (maybe two) additional volumes in the series to sell alongside the original novel.
Maybe I'll see you there?