Jolibro Publishing

Based on our own experience, here are our 10 insider tips for having the most fun at a book fair or festival:

1. Surprise: Authors don’t expect to sell you a book at these fairs. If you buy, it’s a bonus for them. They know most people like to buy online. But they do love to chat with readers. So don’t be shy! (Even if authors typically are.) Step up, say hello, and ask questions.
2. Look for bargains: Many small presses and indie authors mark down books at book fairs because they’ve eliminated the retailers who need a piece of the pie. Ask, check online, or just assume it’s a good deal. (You can even try making an offer.)
3. Comfort first: Outdoor fairs and festivals usually happen in summer and in our experience can be VERY HOT! Wear walking shoes and sunscreen, carry water, and consider a hat. Maybe pack a lunch or snacks. Some fairs offer food trucks or booths but the lines can be long and/or entrees run out. If you plan to be outdoors for a long time, be sure to invest in a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets! (See our companion piece, Book Fairs Are Fun!)
4. Scope it out: For the hardiest book lovers, we suggest that if you have time and foot power, take a tour of the whole event first, log which items catch your eye, and plan your purchases accordingly before you settle in for a deeper dive at individual booths. Many sellers (including Jolibro) offer pins, pens, totes, bookmarks, journals, and other items for sale. They also give things away! Treasures you won’t necessarily find when you’re ordering online.
5. Experiment: Try a new genre, or a book you hadn’t heard about. If something draws your eye, even if you don’t chat with the author or bookseller about it, treat yourself to a new experience. Something about finding an unexpected book in person, serendipitously, following an instinct or an inner impulse, always gives me a thrill.
6. “No problem.” If you’re chatting with an author, don’t be embarrassed if you prefer to buy online later, so you can read reviews. Or simply step away to bring reviews up on your phone. Authors will still get paid royalties, and your purchase still pushes their book up the sales ranks (good for the algorithms). The smartest authors understand this and won’t be offended. One caveat: some indie authors ONLY sell their books in person. So if you love it, buy it. Free shipping, instant reward. Alternatively, a few of us may have "direct purchase" discount links you can scan via a QR code we'll have on hand, allowing you to buy later directly from our book production houses. It will cost you shipping, but maybe you've already spent your budget that day, even though you LOVE this book...That way, you can save the treat of owning it for later. 
7. Share your expertise: As a reader, you’re the kind of expert authors need to hear from! If you’re feeling generous, tell the people in the booth what you want, what you think, where and how you like to buy books. It’s why they’ve paid event organizers the big bucks to be there in person. They want feedback from real, live readers. (And we will thank you!)
8. How to pay: Thanks to Square, most vendors take credit cards nowadays. Venmo is also common. No checks. Some few may still accept cash, especially if you have change. (We do both.)
9. Take a freebie: Authors/publishers thrive on giving to people—their thoughts, their heart, their offerings. If you feel awkward not buying, you can let your curiosity show and take whatever handouts are offered as you ease along to the next booth. (That’s a very typical book fair encounter and booth sellers understand it because they are buyers too!)
10. Tote bag! Bring one or buy one. Some booths may offer one for a newsletter sign-up, or sell decorated ones like we have in the past. You’ll need something to carry your new books home!

Most importantly, enjoy the human connections and conversations among people who love books as much as you do!

(If you're curious what it's like on the other side of the vendor table, read our companion piece, Book Fairs Are Fun!)