Preparing for an International Book Fair

By Maritza Martinez Mejia

After attending FILBO2017 (Feria Internacional del Libro en Bogotá) in Colombia, I like to share my experience with you. An International Expo is an event that requires preparation.

I recommend to attend a small or local conferences before venturing in a massive event. Conferences and workshops are a great way to improve writing skills, connect with people, and expose your books. An International Book Fair is a great venue of exposure, but SELLS are not the priority. Are you ready for an International Book Fair?

1.    Before you register, focus on your convenient writing goals. However, consider travel expenses, hotels, transportation, and logistics before pressing the Submit button.

2.     After you register, prepare carefully: Revise lectures, author’s presentations and plan your schedule, locations, time zone, and transportation. It sounds crazy, but attending a conference in the same venue or close by, makes a HUGE difference and help you save money and time.

3.    During the conference, follow your pre-planned schedule, get on time to lectures, and dress for success. If you are an author be sure to bring business cards, books, stands, and any swags (free stuff and giveaways offered by vendors at trade shows to encourage attendees to visit their booth) to promote your books. If you are an editor or illustrator, be in charge to take photos, videos clicks, Tweet about the event, and make Facebook live, if possible. Social Media is a GREAT source of FREE promotion. If you need breaks, take one to enjoy the conference. Drink plenty of water and have snacks in your purse to avoid long lines and save time.

4. At home, interact with the audience: Send thank you cards, e-mails, post photos, and engage with your audience in social media about your adventure. LIKE other author’s pages you met. It’s amazing how the power of technology help you promote your books when you promote others.

The most important thing, enjoy your experience!

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Maritza Martinez Mejia is an award recipient of the Crystal Apple Award 2006, F.A.U. Poetry Contest 2010, Christian Poetry Winner 2015, Author’s Talk Book Award 2016, and The Latino Book Awards for Best Translation English to Spanish and Best eBook non-fiction 2016. Received Five Stars Reader’s Favorite for her Bilingual Children Books Collections Lessons for Living: Vanilla and Chocolate (2012) and Grandma’s Treasure (2014). Graduated from Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca in Commerce and Foreign Language and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Women’s Studies from Florida Atlantic University. Maritza writes to inspire others to be better persons. Author page: www.amazon.com/-/e/B009DKDXFW  - Website: www.luzdelmes.comSocial Media: #LuzDelMes