E.S. Christison and the Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo

​The Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo is an opportunity for readers to mix and mingle with some amazing self-published and independently published authors, and our very own E.S. Christison, author of the award-winning Blameless series was in attendance! 
We chatted with her about her time there, why she thinks it's important to support and attend events like this one, and more.

Can you give us a run-through of your day? 
I left home at 9:30 a.m., arrived at 10:30, and was set up by 11. This gave me time to walk around, check out books, and meet other authors before the doors opened. The event ran from 12-4:30 p.m. They've been doing the Indie Expo for several years and market it very well, so it was quite busy. There was a constant stream of booklovers coming in. 
For my setup, I brought painted black crates to display my books and an upright banner that I purchased for book events and school visits. I had yellow roses and old-fashioned keys for table decor, plus candy and bookmarks as giveaways. I also had a signup sheet for my newsletter; signups were entered into a drawing to win a free book. This is a great marketing tip!

Why do you think it's important for indie authors to attend events like this one? And what do you feel about this event in particular was most beneficial to you? 
Indie authors absolutely should attend events, because we need to work harder to get our books out there and develop a fan base. Voracious readers are always looking for a new series, and it's important to find your tribe and market to it! This event was incredibly beneficial to me because I connected with new fans, swapped marketing tips with other authors, made contacts for school visits, and met an indie bookstore owner who now carries my books.

How did you go about making those awesome connections?
I tried to speak with as many authors as possible, but especially the ones who write in my same genre. I asked about their writing journey and which book events or marketing strategies they've found to be the most helpful. I buy books to support them, and I've even swapped book one in my series with other series writers.

How did this event compare to other ones you've attended?
I LOVED the atmosphere at this event!! There was SO much love and support for indie authors and books of all genres. They had food trucks and kids' crafts and activities. It was a very family-friendly event.
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Do you have any tips and tricks for other authors who want to attend more events? 
Call local libraries and bookstores (indie or a chain like Barnes and Noble) and ask to host a signing. Search Facebook for indie groups in your state. Also, do a Google search for book events near you. As a middle-grade author, I also reach out to local schools for career days or author visits. Put an article in your local paper that announces your new releases and that you are open to book signings and events.

Wishing all you other writers and authors the very best of luck on your journeys!!