Physical Book Signing / Promo opp??

It is not, nor has it ever been, the job of a library to help people promote books.  Libraries exist for the benefit of their communities.  When they do invite an author to speak or whatever, it is not to promote the author but because the community has expressed interest.

A better tack would be to see if they will let you rent (or use for free) space in the library to host a discussion.  What are you an ‘expert” on?  For example, you could hold a discussion on how to publish to Kindle.  The library would be more open to that, because it would be a subject that would actually attract people to come to the library. 

Bookstores are only going to be interested in hosting author book signings for books they actually stock AND authors who will attract readers into the store.  Again, it is not the job of a bookstore to promote you.  It is the job of a bookstore to get people into the store.  Unless you can present to the bookstore a plan to attract people to them, they can’t be bothered.

That said, look into local book fairs and conventions.  These are excellent places to sell because these are captive audiences that specifically go to shop.  I have always had very good luck with these sorts of events.  Folks who attend these events don’t care indie versus trad…they just like to meet authors. 

What I normally do is:

Have 20 books per title plus 1 book for every 20 people expected to attend the event.  So if the event normally attracts 500 people, you have 45 books. 

Do not put the entire inventory on the table at once, and do not have even stacks of books on the table.  You want the table to look “full” but not untouched.  Uneven stacks gives the impression of sold books. 

Have a bowl of candy on the table.  Seriously.  It is like a magnet.  People stop instinctively to grab a piece, and then feel obligated to at least look.  And when people see other people milling around your table, it again triggers a visual cue that something interesting is there. (I suggest sugar-free hard candies if it is an outdoor event because chocolate melts). 

Have a prize.  Give away raffle tickets to each person that stops at the table, and at the end of the day you hold a drawing for the prize.  Generally, I make a small prize basket with swag I produce using Cafepress.com.  Make sure you tell the event coordinators you are doing the giveaway, as often they will announce it for you. 

Use special pricing that is a round number.  Round numbers are easier to deal with.  If the print book normally sells for $14.99, offer it for $10.  If you are responsible for sales tax, set the price at a number that includes the tax already to make life easy.  For example, with NJ 7% sales tax, I would use a price of $9.35 + .65 tax = $10.  The easier you make it for people to pay, the more likely they open their wallets.

Bards and Sages (Julie) said:

A better tack would be to see if they will let you rent (or use for free) space in the library to host a discussion. What are you an 'expert" on? For example, you could hold a discussion on how to publish to Kindle. The library would be more open to that, because it would be a subject that would actually attract people to come to the library.

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This. Many libraries will be open to hosting a discussion or seminar on a topic of interest, nad they likely wouldn't be opposed to you selling your books at the event, as long as the draw is the topic of discussion.

I'm going to be speaking to a local library's "teen writers club" in a couple of weeks. I'm really excited, because I write YA, and it will be a lot of fun to speak to a group of kids who love to write. Needless to say, I'll bring several copies of the book along, just in case. I don't necessarily expect any of them to buy it (nor do I expect they'll have read it ahead of time), but if they're so inspired to read my book after hearing me speak, I'll certainly make it easy for them to do so. But the idea behind this event is more about doing something for the commuity than doing something for myself.

Several places to consider for book readings/signings:

Check with the College Foundation at local community colleges.  I work at a community college, and I am doing a book reading on June 23 at the college, sponsored by the Foundation.  Does your job support your book?  That would be a great place to do a reading.

Also check with local colleges and universities to do book readings.  Many are open to bringing authors to campus.

I am also giving a book reading at two family reunions.  Family is a great way to spread the word about your books.

Also consider church functions to do a book reading--especially if your book has a religious connection in it.  One of my short stories deals with a church woman who is trying to convert a bootlegger.  I can make the theme fit for the church envronment.

Katrina

I hadn't thought of the candy idea - that's awesome, and I'll definitely be using that. Just have to get candy I don't like, or I'd eat it all. lol

I rented a table at Comicpalooza in Artist's Alley this year. Cost me $145 + my time (and the hotel room and food).

I sold 70 copies of my book in a package deal (book, ebook and print of the cover art) and lost money overall.

But I gave away nearly 300 bookmarks and promos, talked to well over 500 people or more, hosted a panel (all by myself when the other author didn't show) and most importantly: got my name out there.

I cannot tell you how important and impactful this was for me. I cannot recommend this sort of thing highly enough. I've got two more conventions in the next month, and I expect to do even better numbers (and at least break even) at those, especially considering one is a writer's convention.

My experience with events:

I've done many library book talks over the last 15 years, but always on my nonfiction books, and always because the book was of local interest. I have noticed that libraries in smaller communities can be more open to author talks than those in larger cities.

About conventions: everyone is right. You may or may not sell that much, but you do get your name out. At the moment I'm leaning more towards having a table in any dealers' room than being a guest. But I'm used to doing train shows, and the only way to sell RR books at shows is to have a table.

Keep an eye out for book festivals in your state.

Bookstore signings can be hit or miss. One store in Kansas holds an "author extravaganza" every year, getting in up to 50 authors. It is as much about networking as selling books, but it's an opportunity all the same. You might ask a store if they'd be interested in several authors coming at the same time.

Think outside the box, too. This year I became a member of the Kansas Originals Market, which allows me to have my books in their stores. I also took part in their annual author day. Look around for places that might be interested in your book and ask. After all, the worst that can happen is they say "No."