One of the best ways to market your work is to participate in panels at conventions. Not only is there an opportunity to network with other authors, but an opportunity also to gain exposure for your work. This blog will help with preparing to participate (and moderate) panels.
As a participant, you can engage with readers and discuss the topic at hand. I've been in numerous panels regarding writing, and also in panels on genres. It's also a good tool to learn what's new in the industry or turn you onto new works.
So once you have your schedule for panels, (I've given my own as an example for Marcon 53- May 11-13 2018).
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As a participant, you can engage with readers and discuss the topic at hand. I've been in numerous panels regarding writing, and also in panels on genres. It's also a good tool to learn what's new in the industry or turn you onto new works.
So once you have your schedule for panels, (I've given my own as an example for Marcon 53- May 11-13 2018).
.
- Authors' Tools: Scrivener
- Moderator- Writer's Quick Challenge
- Year of the Women
- What Writers Like to Read
- Tools: Setting Up Your Work Environment
You should start making notes as to what you will be discussing during your panels.
For the first panel on Scrivener, I've made the possible discussion on a basic review of the program's capabilities. And why it's a valuable tool in the writer's arsenal.
Year of the Women, I'm thinking of the kick-ass women in WW and also Black Panther. Both excellent movies.
If you are chosen to be a moderator, you probably should get together with your panellists prior to the con. I was given the panellists info, so I'll be emailing them to see if they have ideas of how we want to approach this...I've got plenty of pictures to use (the panel is to challenge us to write something inspired by an image). Then I am thinking of having one of the audience give us one.
Hopefully, the other panellists will be amenable to this suggestion, but I want the participants to be enthusiastic, and having their input will help achieve that goal.
Now the next part is really a good idea to do. If you have books out, take a copy of each. Or even more than one, so you can maybe do giveaways. You can even have a display for them, and place it in front of you (behind your name tent), and if you have stickers, bookmarks, buttons, dolls of your characters, keychains etc, then you can also put those out as giveaways. You most likely cannot sell in a panel, though I've seen it done. Best to check with the con ahead of time. Though you can also do signings after your panel is over.
The last thing about being on a panel, it's a good way to make connections with other writers. This is important as you can develop a relationship with them, and they might be able to help you further your own career. Most of all, have fun and learn all you can. It's a great experience!
Hopefully, the other panellists will be amenable to this suggestion, but I want the participants to be enthusiastic, and having their input will help achieve that goal.
Now the next part is really a good idea to do. If you have books out, take a copy of each. Or even more than one, so you can maybe do giveaways. You can even have a display for them, and place it in front of you (behind your name tent), and if you have stickers, bookmarks, buttons, dolls of your characters, keychains etc, then you can also put those out as giveaways. You most likely cannot sell in a panel, though I've seen it done. Best to check with the con ahead of time. Though you can also do signings after your panel is over.
The last thing about being on a panel, it's a good way to make connections with other writers. This is important as you can develop a relationship with them, and they might be able to help you further your own career. Most of all, have fun and learn all you can. It's a great experience!
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