The Perks of Joining Literary Festivals This 2021

Attending literary festivals certainly has its perks. Let’s review some of the benefits of joining book events.

It’s the start of the New Year, and new opportunities await authors and publishers alike. With the pandemic going on, many book exhibitions are going virtual. The Festival of Storytellers is one of them. As always, perks and benefits are essential for participants. Below are some of the primary benefits you get when attending literary festivals and book exhibitions.

Maintain Brand Visibility. 

Many authors were not able to fully promote their books last year due to the pandemic. Many book events were canceled, including national and international book fairs, local book exhibitions, and of course, book signing events. It was only mid-year of 2020 that some organizers tinkered with the idea of having virtual book fairs. Those who join the virtual shows could maintain their exposure of their books and their author brand to a national and international audience. Websites and social media can reach the desired target audience, but a virtual book fair carries more weight and prestige. If you are joining national or international virtual book fairs, the audience reach is also wider, which is a perk you would want for your brand.

Catch-up on Connections. 

Many book fair participants are likely regular attendees of past book fairs. Joining this year’s virtual book fairs ensure that you stay connected with old peers, contacts, and even prospects. Whether you are a first-time author, an independent publisher, a literary agent, or a retailer, there will always be perks in attending virtual book shows. One of them is maintaining old connections. Following this year’s virtual book fairs is also an opportunity to established new contacts. Also, participants are expected to join virtual book fairs because of the ongoing pandemic, and people like the idea of attending book events in the comforts of their homes. This is important, especially for self-publishing authors looking for new publishers or agents and for publishers looking for new titles to publish or promote.

Stay on top of the game.

Many published authors are okay with just promoting their books via their author websites and other digital platforms. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Attending book fairs entail expenses and logistics. However, some are not inclined to attending at all, even if it’s virtual. For those who are into book fairs, virtual or not, attending book events means staying on top of the publishing and book marketing game. It means more target audience reach, more exposure, more contacts build, and more target sales. By attending these virtual events this year and in the years to come, you ensure that you are ahead of the game. Opportunities present themselves to those who are diligent enough to show up.

Sales Opportunities for You. 

Selling your book is the ultimate goal. It always is. Because no matter what message or story you want to tell to the world, you need to have your book in the hands of as many people as possible. And book events can definitely do that for you. National and international book fairs are an opportunity to reach as many potential buyers as you can. While virtual book fairs have its limitations, it does not limit you the opportunity to promote your book, sell your book, and interact with your book fans. By attending book events, you give yourself the opportunity that other authors refuse to grab. Having a prestigious platform to promote your book is always an advantage for selling. Passing on this opportunity is like letting go of a huge opportunity for sales.

The Help Improve Your Work.

Do We Write Books For “Financial Success” Or “Critical-Acclaim”? It is a question commonly for moviemakers but holds true for book authors as well. The answer is both. No one wants to be successful in writing a bad book or publishing great narratives without financial success. They complement each other. Just as virtual fairs and exhibitions are opportunities for sales, they are also a chance for your books to be checked out by other writers, publishers, agents, and sellers. This would also mean that you have a chance to know your book’s appraisal or review. If you get a good review, then you can publish it and increase your reputation. If you get a not-so-good review, then you can use that o further improve your work. Either way, it’s a win-win for you. 

TFOS 2021 is a digital festival to be held this coming April 23rd to April 25th and April 30th to May 2nd, 2021. It is FREE and no need for transport and accommodation expenses. Some of the perks include viewing content anywhere around the world as long as Internet access is available, speakers, and guests from all around the globe. Lastly, participants can replay the interviews and workshop videos at their most convenient time.