Meeting the Public—Hand-selling your Books at Gift Fairs and Comic Cons

Published August 26, 2025

by Margena Adams Holmes

“Hand selling” refers to the practice of a salesperson [or in this case, an author] actively promoting a product or service [or book] to a customer through direct interaction and personal recommendation. (Google AI definition, except where noted)

I know that phrase strikes fear in most of us introverted authors. But what’s an indie author to do when you don’t have the publishing house behind you to promote your books? You’ve got to go out there and promote yourself, put your product into potential reader’s hands, but where?
Comic cons, craft and gift fairs, and book fairs! Many authors find a lot of success at these events to get their books out into the world. Below is a list of some of the more popular ones, and some that are gaining popularity.

Colorado Springs Comic Con. This is really the big one for Colorado Springs! This one fills up quickly, so you need to register early for it, usually around November the year before for the Con in August. I see quite a few authors there (Todd Fahnstock has a booth there every year, and if you’ve taken his workshop at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, you’ve seen his great set-up), but truth be told, it can be hit-or-miss with unknown authors, and particular genres (fantasy and space genres do well there). I enjoy going immensely, and I make most of my sales at this one. It’s long days and you can’t be shy, but you get to see all the cosplayers and I’ve made a few friends there! It’s never boring. Go to https://www.cscomiccon.com to learn more. They haven’t opened up registration for next year yet (since the 2025 Con just concluded), so keep checking back!

Springs Book Bash. This is the place for selling books! So many authors in one place, plus a few other vendors. Lots of readers there, so odds are good for making some sales. They are already full for 2026, but keep them in mind for future opportunities! https://www.springsbookbash.com
Natso Mini Con by GalaxyFest. Natso Mini Con is the newest Con in the GalaxyFest family. Brian Swanson has been getting this mini con going with lots of vendors and authors. This one is hit-or-miss with authors, depending again on genre, but it’s not expensive to register. It usually takes place every other month with a theme. Go to www.galaxyfest.com for more info. The next one is November 1st and they are still looking for vendors.

Colorado Springs Vintage Retro Convention. This Con is a little different than most. RetCon (as it’s called) is a step back into the 70s and 80s with board games and 80s console games, and vintage arcade games (Centipede, anyone?), plus a room for The Floor is Lava! It could use more authors there, so check out the RetCon! http://tabletop.events/conventions/springs-retcon-4

Candy Cane Craft and Gift Show. In its second year, Candy Cane Craft and Gift Show is an event put on by the Colorado Springs Ladies Events. Handmade crafts, gifts, and books! This is another one that’s not very expensive and was well-attended last year. https://www.candycaneshowcase.com/vendor-information for more info!

School craft fairs. Now is the time to check out your local high schools for holiday craft and gift fairs! I haven’t registered for one of these personally, but they are very well-attended, and the fee for the table usually goes to the school’s Booster Club or another club on campus. There are also big ones in Denver and San Diego each year. You can also search for events in the area and decide which ones fit your needs. When you do these events, make sure you have enough inventory, business cards, and smiles! Some of them require you to bring your own table and chairs, as well. Important! For most of these events you will need a sales tax license and charge sales tax, both for the city and the county. The Colorado Springs Comic Con requires it, but you can also pay your sales tax through them at the end of the event. https://coloradosprings.gov/general-sales-tax-information and https://tax.colorado.gov/how-to-apply-for-a-colorado-sales-tax-license

I hope these give you some ideas on what’s out there in order to get your books into reader’s hands. It’s not as scary at it seems, and you may find new fans at one or more of these events.

Margena Adams Holmes has been writing ever since she can remember, writing her first poem in 1st grade. At her day job, when she’s not kicking young kids out of R-rated movies, she’s sweeping up spilled popcorn from the hallways and aisles (she’s not your mother, though, so please take your trash out). Her days off consist of writing New Adult fiction, space opera, and more movie theater shenanigans. Reading is a close second to writing, and she normally has her nose buried in a book. Follow the author on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.