By African American Writer Denise Turney

To grow their reader base, authors might want to start attending more virtual book events. After all, virtual events are growing in popularity, thanks to advancing technology and more people working from home. In May 2021 alone, there were more than a dozen virtual book events. The next month’s numbers were higher with June having more than 14 virtual events.

Authors Networking at Virtual Events

While attending virtual book events, new writers as well as seasoned authors, can network absent travel time constraints and pricey booth costs (you can easily shell out $250 for a booth at an in-person book festival). Even more, writers who speak at virtual literary events can showcase their books, introducing their titles to new readers. They can also get their websites in front of book buyers.

Yet, it’s not all upside. In fact, as with offline book events, actually selling books at virtual events takes work, commitment, patience and tenacity. As an author, you might have to get creative to get your name and your book titles in front of readers, literary agents, publishers and editors who attend virtual events.

For starters, get the word out about virtual events you plan to attend, especially if you’re a panelist or feature presenter. As an example, you could post the date, starting times and URL for the event at each of your social media accounts. Another step you could take is to boost a social media post.

Virtual Book Events Success

You could also email book clubs, letting them know you’re speaking at an upcoming virtual event. And don’t forget to invite neighbors and relatives who appreciate books. Let me tell you, as a podcast host (Off The Shelf Books Talk Radio), it shows when authors actively promote events they attend.

Other actions you can take to turn your attendance at virtual book events into success follow:

• Ask event hosts if you can sit on a panel or serve as a keynote speaker (add the link to your website in your bio and highlight your book titles in your bio)
• Post comments in private Twitter Rooms, Facebook Live events, etc.
• Publish and answer questions
• Also, respond to polls posted during the events
• Message editors, publishers, literary agents and authors you want to keep in touch with
• Conduct live book readings if it’s allowed
• Upload images of your books with comments
• Add links to your book order pages if coordinators allow links

Also, consider attending small, local book events to complement your virtual book marketing efforts. After all, combining in-person and virtual events helps keep you in front of book lovers which can, in turn, increase your book sales.

Deepen Literary Relationships

If you’ve attended six or more book festivals, you know that sitting behind a booth watching hundreds of people pass generally won’t get you book sales. The same goes for virtual events. So, instead of simply showing up at virtual events, take steps that will get you seen.

Post comments. Ask questions. Also, make sure that your author website URL is listed on your social media profiles.

Event coordinators may fields questions and take note of comments. If you’re posting questions, answering questions and adding comments, coordinators might notice you. And, you may find out soon, especially if coordinators of virtual book events reach out to you after the event. That, or you might start receiving messages from the organization’s Twitter feed.

Keep these conversations going and you could strike up a rewarding business venture. You could also tap into someone (e.g. influential book bloggers, book TV talk show host, writing magazine editor) who could open the door for you to enter a whole new world of readers who love the types of books that you write.