Selling books at Live Literature events

Book sales and events are an important source of income for writers and getting a book signed can be a memorable experience for a reader. We would always encourage book sales at Live Literature events where appropriate, but know that this may not always be possible and that you know your audience best.

Organising book sales

Ordering through a publisher

Organisations can often order books directly from the author's publisher on a sale or return basis. This means that although you have to buy the books upfront, you can return any unsold and undamaged copies for a refund. Discounts of up to 35% can also be available if you order directly, but make sure you agree that with the publisher in question before you commit to buying the books.

Your local bookshop

You local bookshop may be happy to organise bookselling for you at the event. Get in touch with them well in advance and provide as much information as possible. Check in advance if they will send staff to run sales on the day or if they will need your help.

Ask the author

Most authors will be able to bring books with them to sell at the event if you are not able to organise book sales. Even if the author brings the books, it's helpful if your organisation manages the actual selling process so your author can sign books and talk to the audience more easily.

Top tips for book sales

• Make sure you have enough change for cash sales
• If you are worried about running out of change, sell the books at a round price
• Let the author know you’ll be selling books and factor in time for people to have their books signed
• If you are selling books at a school event, make sure pupils know that books will be on sale so that they can bring in money from home if they need to. You could also take orders and payment for books in advance.

What if book sales aren't appropriate?

In some cases, it's not appropriate to sell books as part of an event. Most authors will appreciate this, but it's important to let them know as early as possible in order to manage expectations. Even if you can't sell books, you can still support the author in other ways if appropriate:

• Purchase some shared copies for your organisation, so that audience members can still access the authors work easily
• Let people know where and how they can buy the book if they want to
• Share information about the author's website or social media
• Let your local library and bookshop know the event will be taking place, in case they want to stock the author's book in advance