DISPLAY BY LUKE

A good display is a valuable tool for a book event. After I’d been involved in three book signings where I raced around to rustle up customers, I realized every author needs a sign. About then I watched an evangelist visiting our church set up his display.

I grabbed my husband. “Hon, you gotta see this.” I pointed to the tri-fold display. “I need one of those.” Gary walked all around the table and said, “Okay.” (Isn’t he grand?)

The next week he created his masterpiece from walnut, colored bulletin board materials, and piano hinges. The sides fold to the middle and wing nuts and bolts hold it together. The handle on top makes it easy to transport.

In years past I might have cut out cute lions and changed the scene each week. I don’t have time for cutesy. I post newspaper stories and a couple posters advertising my speaking engagements. It works. (My photo looks messy to me, but it worked great and stirred interest.) The display is easy to fold down and carry. I drape my soft cuddly lion across the top and if I have room, I pack six more lions with me for a conversation starter.

I've learned when i schedule an event I ask for a display table in advance. (Now I carry my own fold-up table I purchased at Shopko on sale.)

Carry a table cover. I’m using a white sheer table cloth, but I plan to purchase fabric to drape to the floor. The area will look nicer when I store the leftover books and boxes under the table.

One other thought: I love my display, but it isn’t practical to carry use it in some book events. An 8 ½ x 11 clear plastic standup—purchased at Office Depot for under $10—is great for events where a larger display isn't practical.

Food for thought from Kat.