Rocktown Writers Guild Monthly Meeting

Whether you’re scribbling your first poem or plotting your tenth novel, this is your chance to meet and network with other authors.

If you’ve been looking for that boost, that community, that connection—you won’t find a better place than the RWG.

Our speakers in March are Heather S. Cole and James Blakey. Join them for a hands-on session drawn from their real-world experience selling books at markets, fairs, expos, and more.

This practical presentation covers the essentials of succeeding with face-to-face book sales:

• Events – Choosing the right one for you (farmers markets, craft fairs, book festivals, library events, etc.)
• Legal & Other Stuff – Important considerations
• Preparation – Getting ready for events.
• Swag – Creating effective giveaways (bookmarks, stickers, etc.) to attract and retain interest.
• Payment Tools – Options to get paid easily: cash, Square for credit cards, Venmo/Zelle/PayPal and similar apps (pros/cons and setup tips).
• Pricing & Upselling – Smart pricing strategies and techniques to encourage multiple sales or bundles.
• The Power of the In-Person Pitch – Crafting a concise 15-second hook that turns browsers into buyers:
• Etiquette – Best practices for engaging customers respectfully and professionally.
• Long Term – Building sustainable in-person sales habits and growth.

Heather S. Cole is a non-fiction writer and editor. She is author, most recently, of two books on presidential history sites. Her day job is as director of media relations for Bridgewater College. In 2023, Cole founded a small publishing company--Rock Street Press--which publishes local and family history that isn't a good fit for larger publishers. So far RSP has published four books, with three more in the pipeline.

James Blakey is the author of the paranormal thriller SUPERSTITION (Book One of the Secrets of Van Buren University) and two short story collections: THE CAT WHO LOVED DAVID DUCHOVNY, FAST TIMES AT SPIRO AGNEW HIGH. He is a three-time finalist for the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Derringer Award, winning in 2019 for his story "The Bicycle Thief." James is also the publisher and co-editor of CHARLOTTESVILLE FANTASTIC, an anthology featuring speculative tales set in and around Charlottesville, and its companion volume SHENANDOAH FANTASTIC. He resides in Broadway, Virginia.

It all happens starting at 6pm on Wednesday, March 4th at the Massanutten Regional Library.

While we meet at the library, the RWG is neither endorsed by, nor affiliated, with the library.