Book Sales Gone Stale? Try This.

Published March 17, 2026

By Jean Alfieri

Whether your book launched hot and sales have since waned, or it’s been a steady eddy that could use a boost, there are many fun and easy ways to engage and expand your audience. Whether you are an author in one or multiple genres, there is nothing better than going where your readers gather.

Buckle up! Here are SIX simple ways you can get out and meet the readers who want your book.

1. Speaking events. Yes, you! Speaking is a great way to mingle with your people. If you are a subject matter expert in your genre (or just know a little bit more than the next person), you have information and insights to offer an audience of your peers.

If your writing journey is one that could inspire others, that could be another presentation opportunity. Be sure to mention your book and, if possible, have it for sale at the back of the room.

I gave my first keynote presentation at the Antler’s Hilton, in 2025. Words can not describe the nervous excitement of stepping onto that stage. There was a happy hour in advance of the fundraising dinner. I sold one book … to someone passing by my table on the way to a different event down the hall. I had little hope of selling any afterward, but following my talk, I sold twenty-eight books!

2. Farmers’ markets offer so much more than fruits and veggies. They can also be an interesting place to find your book. There are a variety of outdoor events that host vendors throughout the summer. In the off-season, Christmas (and other seasonal/holiday) festivals can also help you gain a new audience, as shoppers look to gift books to loved ones. Costs can vary widely, so do your research and consider sharing a table with a fellow author to make it more affordable.
3. Your local indie bookstore. If you’re independently published, you may not be able to sell in the big box stores, but you can ask for space on the shelf of your friendly neighborhood shop. Better yet, ask if they would allow you a block of time for a book signing event. Be sure to get a picture of your book on their shelves (and/or your event) so you can promote their store and advertise your book.

If you are local to the Pikes Peak area, you are fortunate to live in an incredibly supportive market. There is a wide range of indie bookstores to pursue. I’ve done both group and solo signing events and am often invited back with each new book published. I’d like to think it’s my charming personality, but it may also be that I usually have a small giveaway of some kind and promote the event on various social media outlets to encourage a gathering and get customers into those stores.

4. Church (and other social) groups can be a huge support. Think broader when it comes to groups that may allow you space to showcase your book. Just be sure your theme/genre is appropriate. I attend an annual tree-lighting party at our parks & recreation center that includes a holiday craft sale. Not only are my children’s book sales strong, but the event has provided leads to other events.
5. Check out the open-mic reading nights at your nearby coffee shop or bookstore. You can read (or act out) an excerpt from your book to lure new readers. It’s a risk-free way to stretch your comfort zone, break free from your normal routine, and enjoy the bonus of networking with other readers and writers.
6. Get a sales table at book fairs and conferences. The options are vast. You can find smaller community college venues and larger convention center spaces. Explore both to find out where you’re most comfortable. I discovered that my best readers are beer-drinking dog lovers. So, you’ll see me at events that support local animal rescues.

Bonus Tip: Did you know that PPW coordinates events to sell books? The Winter Bash and Book Signing is one of our biannual events that allows members to hand-sell and/or learn how to hand-sell their books. There are writers of various genres and levels of experience with hand-selling in attendance. The friendly setting allows those with less experience to learn some of the tricks of the trade firsthand.

Whatever you do, remember to celebrate the victory of trying something new. If you have done something before and didn’t find it exceptionally successful, but it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to give it another chance. With every experience, you build your foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Take what you’ve learned and tailor it to fit the next opportunity, and keep moving forward.

Most of all, enjoy the journey. You’re doing something many people only dream of.

Jean Alfieri is an award-winning author, speaker, and dog fan. She finds joy in her work at the Humane Society and in the lives of her adopted dogs. She is an avid proponent for the adoption of all dogs: pure or mixed breeds, big or small, young or “vintage” (her preference). Jean and her husband joke that although they pay the mortgage of their home in Colorado, it’s really the dogs’ house. More at: www.DogAuthor.com