Maximising Your Relationship with Publishers for Author Events Matthew Taylor, The Chepstow Bookshop

Who we are Matthew Taylor2 The Chepstow Bookshop, Monmouthshire chepstowbookshop

What we do Rolling programme 70+ a year, with focused autumn and spring seasons Events/ talks in local venues In-store signings Visits to schools Non-author events Links with festivals and local event organisers 3Matthew Taylor

Some Event Highlights Nick Robinson, Dan Snow, David Attenborough, Clare Balding, Nigella Lawson, The Gruffalo, Tony Robinson, Frank Gardner, Vince Cable, Andy McNab, Richard and Judy, Jeremy Kyle, Ranulph Fiennes, Alexander McCall Smith, Shirley Williams, Roy Hattersley, Kate Humble, Joanna Trollope, The Hairy Bikers, Michael Palin, Michael Parkinson, Peppa Pig, Alan Titchmarsh, Ann Widdecombe, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Ken Follett, Clarissa Dickson Wright, Simon Jenkins, Carol Ann Duffy, Rowan Williams, Justin Lee Collins, Ian Banks, Simon Armitage, John McCarthy … Matthew Taylor4

The 5 “P”s to success Politeness Persistence Promotion Professionalism Product 5Matthew Taylor

Politeness Pitch in the correct way Enthusiasm Keep informed how ticket sales are going No surprises on the day Look after author and publicist at the event (relaxed) Say thank you at event and afterwards 6Matthew Taylor

Persistence Follow up initial pitch Get local rep on side , call, meet Start on smaller and local events and build Manage your reputation Matthew Taylor7

Promotion Social media Flyers and posters PR Website and database Advertising Local media Word of mouth At each event 8Matthew Taylor

Professionalism Exceed author and publisher expectations Drive both ticket and book sales PR Build a sustainable and growing programme Ensure your team and volunteers all know what they are doing on the day Look after the little things (water on stage, drinks, pens, post its…) Cope (and don’t show it) when things go wrong Find your formula for success 9Matthew Taylor

Product Entertaining, informative evening Well known speakers A local audience Eclectic mix Signed copies post event Tickets online + in-store The value of the events 10Matthew Taylor

Measuring Success Happy author and publicist Media coverage/ social media buzz Customer/ audience reaction Long term connections Audience numbers Book sales The next event… Matthew Taylor11

Successes 12Matthew Taylor