A Slice of Sales with SCBWI by Cathy Collison

Summer reading fests can really rock – and I was grateful to get word from SCBWI in the spring about the Rockford (sorry on the rocking pun) tent and table the Society was offering to writers – and readers.

Sure, it was a little bit of a trek across the state in June (before the $5 gas), but with the tent and table free, I considered it the perfect way to spend a Saturday to sell my book, co-authored with Janis Campbell, MeetThe Pets: Presidential Animals From A to Z.  It was my second event with SCBWI, the first in December 2021 was in Ann Arbor at an annual holiday art fair that allowed space for authors as well.

OK, did I sell 30 books at the two events? No, but close! The Ann Arbor venue had many browsers ready to gift family and friends at the holidays.  At Rockford, eight books were purchased, but both opportunities gave me a boost – don’t we all need that these days? —connecting with Suzanne Lipshaw, site coordinator, on a sunny brisk day, and mainly connecting with readers.

The Rockford celebration of reading – with an audience that chose to stop by a book fair before heading to the beach – was as refreshing as a sip of my favorite iced tea (with a splash of lemonade). The same was true for last December’s tent event – a chilly December afternoon, but a warm buzz with authors from metro Detroit connecting, reading aloud and a natural boost.   Writers and illustrators of children’s books naturally often spend time in their own solitary nook – whether a desk at home or just a cozy corner – and often prefer the creativity of writing to the business of book sales. Tips on school visits, shared insights into contests or giveaways – it was all part of the SCBWI Michigan tent.

It was such fun to see what a community of writers can do together. If anything, I suspect we sell more books together at the fests, from Ann Arbor to Rockford, and across the state, because we can reach many more readers at these than a bookstore signing, much as those are appreciated, which are more rare these days.

Hope to see more SCBWI members and thanks, Michigan SCBWI, for subsidizing these tables, giving us more affordable bookselling opportunities, sprinkled with the fun of sharing a day with writing colleagues.

See you at the next fest!

Cathy Collison is a metro Detroit writer and retired Detroit Free Press journalist.  She and co-author Janis Campbell have teamed up on several books, meeting when they both worked at the Free Press’ magazine for young readers and newspaper education program. Both love animals and are history buffs, inspiring them in their latest book, illustrated by Wendy Popko. Her website is www.cathycollison.com.