With Book Expo less than a month away, I thought this would be a good question to answer. I have been going to trade shows for the past 30 years or so. Over that time, I can think of a single show, covering three different industries, where I sold anything of substance during the show.

If you’re heading off to Book Expo America this month, you already know that it’s the largest book trade event held in the U.S. and second only to the Frankfurt Book Fair internationally. And whether you’re exhibiting a self-published book at the show, signing autographs in your publisher’s booth, or just planning to walk the floor, you can make it a more profitable experience. Here’s how:

There are numerous writers’ conferences, book festivals and trade shows held all over the world throughout the year. Many writers attend these events as a way to meet publishers. These meetings are as much to the publisher’s benefit as the author’s as publishers are as eager to find good material as you are to locate a publisher for your project.

A little while back, I exhibited at the Harlem Book Fair in New York City. If ever there was any doubt in my mind of what it takes to be a successful self-publisher, that doubt was gone by the end of the day.

Ever do a booksigning where you didn’t sell a single book? Ever go to a book fair where you ended up spending more than you earned? It doesn’t have to be that hard. Here’s how to maximize your sales at any book signing or book fair.

‘Tis the Season… The holidays loom… Office parties, family celebrations, religious celebrations, celebrations with friends… Meetings are cancelled. Decisions are postponed. Too much to do, no time to do it. The sales process turns to sludge. Sound familiar?

Book Expo America is the largest book event for the trade held in the U.S. (and second only to the Frankfurt Book Fair internationally.) Nonetheless, not all authors and small publishers are able to make it to Book Expo; indeed, some have never attended. Experiences at Book Expo vary widely. But for the curious, here is one author/independent publisher’s experience, culled from my blog. Enjoy.