There are reasons you make presentations as an author, and they widely vary. This year, my appearances took place for the following purposes:

1) To discuss a particular book after the audience has read it., usually the newest release Edisto Heat,

2) To talk about how I became an author . . . my writer’s journey, so to speak. The audience is usually readers more than writers.

3) To talk about the details of writing a book/serious/genre. The audience consists of writers more than readers.

4) To talk anecdotes of being a writer.

5) To talk some aspect of FundsforWriters (grants, contests, crowdfunding, etc.)

Note that the purpose “To sell books,” didn’t make the list.

When I see an author signing or presenting, I can usually tell within two to three minutes that they are selling, not presenting. There’s something glaringly crass about letting an audience know you are there to sell books.

No, instead, you are there to impress the audience. You are there to educate the audience. You are there FOR the audience, not for yourself.

You let the moderator, book club president, librarian, or introducer, even the audience themselves, say or ask if books are for sale. The words “Please buy my books” should never cross your lips.

When you give more than you take, when you are there to please them rather than swipe their credit cards, everybody wins. They walk away entertained, and you, without saying a word about selling, make sales. It’s called take care of them and they take care of you.

Oh, and one more thing, you have to be genuine about it. Love your readers, people. Love your readers.