Thursday, March 19, 2020

Tucson Festival of Books – Looking Back 2020

I look forward to the Tucson Festival of Books each year. I am so sorry about the cancellation. However, our health is much more important. I thought I would go back and take a look at my previous articles. I didn’t realize that this will be my twentieth post in the TFOB series.

In 2013, I attended my first festival. I was on a journey to write an article about book marketing in a large environment. My goal quickly changed at the next festival. Now I wanted to help the authors get exposure and handle the new digital marketing world.

Also, I started doing author interviews and posting book showcases highlighting the author’s books. This expanded to book sets and other articles about the book industry. To date, the blogs have had over 1.2 million views.

When I attend the Festival, I take off my Mystery writer’s hat. I go as a Blogger for the weekend to find out how my fellow authors are handling direct marketing. My goal is to talk to as many authors as I can, take a lot of pictures and see how the authors are trying to market their books and themselves.

Author’s Goals
I tried to emphasize that the authors needed to establish goals before they attended the event.

A Book festival presents a unique selling situation. In this event, you have thousands of people with lots of authors trying to gain their attention. You must have a set of goals and a game plan right upfront. Here is a shortlist of possible goals developed over the years.

1.      Sell your book on-sight – this requires a sale process in place
2.      Talk with the readers/prospects and have something to say
3.      Spark their interest enough to check your books out on-line
4.      Arouse visitor interest enough to tell someone else about meeting you
5.      Many more….

Observations – Sales Tools

A book festival requires a different approach than a regular book signing at a bookstore. The fun continues at the Tucson Festival of Books. Lots of swag. Great entertainment. Wonderful Tucson weather.

As usual, I gave the best sales materials a shout out for being the best of the best. I tried to select the top sales materials in the following categories.

Bookmarks - Postcards - Business Cards - Flyers
Books Covers
Book Displays and Banners
Book Covers
Top Author Booth
Novelty Items
Best Presentation/sales pitch

An all the other swag the authors could distribute to help sell their books.

Takeaway Ideas

Also, I included a section of some ideas the author should take from the Festival. Here’s a sample from the 2018 post.
Idea 1
Several authors were offering free or discounted e-books to readers. Some were even giving free, autographed paper books. If done properly, giveaways during the event could increase your Amazon rating.

Idea 2
The authors did a great job displaying their books. A quick check of their displays, their name was easy to see. They still need to display their genre somewhere. If I’m a mystery reader, I probably waste my time at a Sci-Fi booth. Then again, I might get a prospect interested in a new genre.


Thanks to all the authors who contributed to this great experience. Check out the authors that have been highlighted over the years. What a great group of outstanding writers.

Book Marketing, Desert Style: Tucson Festival of Books – 2013




A book festival is always fun. You get to meet so many interesting authors. This time I trekked to Tucson, AZ, for the Tucson Festival of Books. This was the fourth year for the event and even with below normal temperatures and a brisk wind, the attendance was close to 80,000 for the two days.

Even though I have been to many gatherings like this, being a veteran of Comdex and the LA Book festival among many, I was anxious to visit my first Tucson festival.

My goal was to talk to as many authors as I could to expand my list of HBS Author’s Spotlight candidates and to see how the authors were trying to sell their books and themselves.

Author’s Goals
When you attend an event like a book festival, you should have a set of goals going in like selling your book AND getting the reader/prospects to look further after they leave. If you sparked their interest, they will check your book out online. They may even tell someone else about meeting you.

A book festival requires a different approach than a regular book signing at a bookstore, to be sure.

 READ MORE about the Festival:  http://bit.ly/Yg6Jmb


R.P. Dahlke @rpdahlke
Rebecca is the author of The Dead Red Mystery Series.
Author Website   http://www.rpdahlke.com 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/105SWPI 






















Terry Ambrose @suspense_writer
Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.
Author Website   http://terryambrose.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/YmaJ4z 



















Betty Webb @bettywebb
Betty is a bestselling author of the Desert Wind, Desert Wives, etc. & the Gunn Zoo mysteries.
Author Website   http://www.bettywebb-mystery.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/Xnc0Ie 


 

Fun In The Sun – the Tucson Festival of Books 2014



I love this book festival: A weekend in Tucson, Arizona in the spring with the sun shining bright. You get to meet so many interesting authors. This was the sixth annual festival with the attendance over 120,000 for the two days. The TFOB is now the fourth largest book festival in the country.

I usually judge how big an event is by how far I have to walk after I park. This year I had to park two blocks farther than last year.

This year my goal was to talk to as many authors as I could, take some pictures and to see how the authors were trying to sell their books and themselves. Lots of authors. Lots of books. Lots of food...

READ MORE about the Festival:   http://bit.ly/1mfqj1Y 




 Sharon Skinner @sharonskinner56
Sharon is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy novels and short stories.
Author Website   http://www.sharonskinner.com 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/ZgcTXw 











Deena Remiel @deenaremiel
Deena is an author of paranormal romance, urban and dark fantasy, and romantic suspense novels.
Author Website   http://www.deenaremiel.com/ 



 

Desert Delight – The Tucson Festival of Books 2015

Another Tucson Festival of Books with thousands of book enthusiasts and outstanding authors gathered in the sun this last weekend. This was the seventh annual festival with the estimated attendance over 130,000 and 250 authors. The TFOB is now the third largest book festival in the country.

I got to see many of my friends and Spotlight authors and make some new friends.

READ MORE about the Festival:   http://bit.ly/1BNLyyV


Doug Hocking @HockingDoug
Doug is the author of Western Mysteries and Historical Fiction.
Author Website   http://doughocking.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1EuxVou 




Camelia Miron Skiba @CamiSkiba
Camelia writes Romance, Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction novels. She is the author of the Dacian Legends series.
Author Website   http://authorcameliamironskiba.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1DxTyAD 




Morgan Kearns @MorganKearns
Morgan Kearns is an Emmy-Nominated Journalist turned Bestselling Contemporary Romance Author. 
Author Website   http://www.MorganKearns.com 




 

A Flower in the Desert – the Tucson Festival of Books 2016


I look forward every year to visiting the Tucson Festival of Books in the spring where I can meet up with many outstanding authors. This was the eighth annual festival with another record attendance for the two day event.

 Again I got to see many of my Spotlight authors. This year I met up with Kris Tualla in her Dreams Convention.com booth and J.A. Jance who had just released ‘Clawback’ which was showcased on the HBS Author’s Spotlight. Judith is a Tucson-based bestselling author and a graduate of the University of Arizona.

So here I am again to have some fun in the sun. This is my fourth Tucson Festival of Books and I had a mission. I’m not wearing my Mystery writer’s hat today. I am here as a Blogger to find out how my fellow authors are handling direct marketing.

Like previous festivals, my goal is to talk to as many authors as I can, take some pictures and to see how the authors are trying to market their books and themselves.

 READ MORE about the Festival:   http://bit.ly/1pJf6v6

C. Michael Bennis @CMBennis
Michael is the author of Dangerous and Desirable, Signs of Destiny and Rules of Engagement.
Author Website   http://www.cmichaelbennis.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1ARret0 





Teresa Burrell @teresaburrell
Teresa is an author, lawyer and Child Abuse advocate who writes The Advocate Series and the Tuper Mystery series.
Author Website   http://teresaburrell.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1iPo52m 





Jim Stevens @JimStevensWritr
Jim  is the author of the A Richard Sherlock Whodunit series.
Author Website   http://jimstevenswriter.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2pcKxCg 





Anna Questerly @AnnaQuesterly
Anna writes Historical Fiction, Fantasy, and Young Adult novels.
Author Website   http://www.annaquesterly.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2pGNEQ5 



Dreams Convention.com is HBS Publication's Pick For Top Booth at Tucson Festival of Books 2016 
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. http://bit.ly/1VEt8KI

Leslie Jones - Leslie Jones - Leslie Jones - Leslie Jones - Marsheila Rockwell/Jeffrey J. Mariotte
Alan Black -  Erin Quinn - Deena Remiel - Morgan Kearns - Patrick Tylee - Patrick Tylee
Sandy Wright - Anne Marie Becker - Anna Questerly - Kris Tualla

A Hot Time in the Desert – the Tucson Festival of Books 2017




It's that time of the year again. The Tucson Festival of Books in the spring is a special event where readers, onlookers and kids can meet with outstanding authors and have a good time. This was the ninth annual festival with another record attendance for the two day event. This year was warmer than previous years and shady places to stand were at a premium.

 This is my fifth Tucson Festival of Books and I had a mission. Again I took off my Mystery writer’s hat. I am here as a Blogger this weekend to find out how my fellow authors are handling direct marketing.

Like previous festivals, my goal is to talk to as many authors as I can, take a lot of pictures and to see how the authors are trying to market their books and themselves.

 READ MORE about the Festival:   http://bit.ly/2nIBB2b



J. A. Jance @JAJance and ME
Judith is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the author of the Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and the J. P. Beaumont series.
Author Website   http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com/welcome.html 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/14AgWms





 Natalie Wright @NatalieWright_
Natalie is the author of The Akasha Chronicles series and the H.A.L.F. series.
Author Website   http://www.NatalieWrightAuthor.com 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1T6YW6a




 Gini Koch @GiniKoch and ME
Gini writes Science Fiction & Fantasy, Humor and Paranormal novels.
Author Website   http://www.ginikoch.com 





D.R. Ransdell @dr_ransdell and ME
Diane writes Mystery, Travel and Romance novels plus short stories.
Author Website   http://www.dr-ransdell.com 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1EgoRjU






Deena Remiel @deenaremiel
Deena is an author of paranormal romance, urban and dark fantasy, and romantic suspense novels.
Author Website   http://www.deenaremiel.com/ 




2017 Tucson Festival of Books – HBS Author Spotlight Crew
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2nptPuN

Teresa Burrell - Teresa Burrell - Doug Hocking - Doug Hocking - J.A. Jance - D.R. Ransdell
Cricket Rohman - Camelia Miron Skiba - Natalie Wright - Natalie Wright



2017 Tucson Festival of Books – Amigos and Ladies of the West
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2nhXCIM

Chris Enss - Bill Markley And Rod Timanus - Rocky Gibbons - Doug Hocking







 2017 Tucson Festival of Books – The Dreams Convention Part 1
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2mGUouz

Colette Black - Anne Marie Becker - Amylynn Bright - Darryl Dawson -  Arlene Hittle
Alica McKenna Johnson - Cathy McDavid - Erin Quinn - Cricket Rohman
Deena Remiel - Deena Remiel - Anne A. Wilson



Tucson Festival of Books 2017 – The Dreams Convention Part 2
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2nlU5cq

Anne A. Wilson - Sandy Wright - Gini Koch - Tina Swayzee McCright - Anna Questerly
T.L. Smith - Kris Tualla - Michele Venne - Jenn Windrow - Jeffrey J. Mariotte

 

Spring in the Desert – the Tucson Festival of Books 2018


Spring is here and it’s time for the Tucson Festival of Books, 2018 style. This is a very special event where readers, onlookers and kids can meet with outstanding authors and have a good time. This was the tenth annual festival with another record attendance for the two day event.
This is my sixth Tucson Festival of Books and again I had a mission. I am at the festival as a Blogger this weekend to find out how my fellow authors are handling direct marketing. I leave my Mystery writer’s hat at home.

 READ MORE about the Festival:  http://bit.ly/2FHgWsS

D.M. Miller @dmmiller_author
D.M. writes Romance, Religion, and Contemporary novels. She is the author of the Heart Series.
Author Website   https://dmmillerauthor.wordpress.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2J0yKgo



Jenn Windrow @jenmwindrow
Jenn is the Award winning author of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
Author Website   http://www.jennwindrow.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2HdGpHT

Kris Tualla @kristualla
Kris is a dynamic award-winning and internationally published author of historical romantic suspense.
Author Website   http://www.kristualla.com/ 





Marsheila Rockwell @MarcyRockwell
Marcy is the author of Fantasy, Horror and Crime novels and short stories.
Author Website   http://marsheilarockwell.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2IRsrLl

Jeffrey J. Mariotte @JeffMariotte
Jeff writes Thriller, Horror, and Fantasy novels.
Author Website   http://jeffmariotte.com/ 










Tucson Festival of Books 2018 - Coming Attractions
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2DNOthk

C. Michael Bennis - Rhys Bowen - Teresa Burrell - R.P. Dahlke - Doug Hocking
J.A. Jance - D.R. Ransdell - Sharon Skinner - Linda Watkins - Betty Webb - Natalie Wright
Anna Questerly

Amigos and Ladies of the West - TFOB 2018
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2TYoUku

Doug Hocking - Chris Enss - Melody Groves - Melody Groves - Rod Timanus - Carol Markstrom - Lowell F. Volk - Bill Markley

Mostly Books Booth – Tucson Festival of Books 2018
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2tLWdyF

Rachel Gibson - Jennifer Ryan - Lori Wilde



Rachel Gibson @rachel_gibson
Rachel is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has one of contemporary romance's freshest voices.
Author Website   http://www.rachelgibson.com  

Jennifer Ryan @JenRyan_author
Jennifer is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of Romance and Suspense novels.
Author Website   http://jennifer-ryan.com/index.html 

Lori Wilde @loriwilde
Lori is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 80 romance novels.
Author Website   http://www.loriwilde.com/  
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2GW5BVF

Tucson Festival of Books 2019 - Coming Attractions



R.P. Dahlke - Sharon Hamilton - Alan Jacobson - Jenn Windrow - C. Michael Bennis
Doug Hocking - Kris Tualla - Jim Stevens - Jim Stevens - Sharon Skinner - Rhys Bowen
J.A. Jance

Introduction 
What have I learned over the years at the Tucson Festival of Books? Lots of fun. Lots of people. Lots of authors. Lots of sun.

This year I am going to continue doing some pre-show posts. I have contacted my Author Spotlight Crew that usually attends TFOB, in advance, to find out what they are planning and find out what was new.

Today the HBS Author's Spotlight is showcasing 2019 Tucson Festival of Books - HBS Spotlight Authors and their featured novels at this year's show. Many outstanding authors will be present.

 READ MORE about the Festival:  http://bit.ly/2EidBOo

  

 Sharon Hamilton @sharonlhamilton
Sharon is the Amazon bestselling Romantic Suspense Author of Hot Navy SEALs and paranormal romance.
Author Website   http://www.authorsharonhamilton.com 






Alan Jacobson @JacobsonAlan
Alan is the bestselling author of jaw-dropping thrillers. He writes the OPSIG Team Black series and the Karen Vail Series.
Author Website   http://alanjacobson.com 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/2ASpTxw



Rhys Bowen@RhysBowen
Rhys is the New York Times bestselling writer of the Molly Murphy Mysteries and A Royal Spyness Mystery series.
Author Website   http://rhysbowen.com/ 
HBS Author Spotlight Interview   http://bit.ly/1QnQWOv

2019 Tucson Festival of Books - Amigos and Ladies of the West
The following authors are featured in this article including their bio, contact information and a blurb about one of their books. READ MORE. - http://bit.ly/2VdaZqZ




Phil Mills - Vicky Rose - Rod Timanus - Kellen Cutsforth - Doug Hocking
Vonn McKee - Chris Enss - Lowell Volk - Melody Groves - Bill Markley

Some links may be connected to Associate sites. Sponsored by: HBSystems Publications
Publisher of ebooks, writing industry blogger and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight





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