Being Social: Creative Sales!

Mark Wayne Adams (left) and Elaine Goldberg (right).

Mark Wayne Adams and Elaine Goldberg finally meet at a local Panera. Many of us find private spaces to work. Mark chooses to illustrate in public. Not only to get out of the office but to get readers' input. 

Elaine commented on Mark's Kids Need To Read unicorn calendar illustration. As they talked she realized he illustrated her favorite series, the Best Fairy Books, written by author Mrs. Bobbie Hinman. Elaine met the author at an Orlando Costco book signing. Now, years later, she meets the illustrator working on "The Freckle Fairy," the fifth book in her favorite series. 

Being social happens in many ways and inspires not only fans, but also the people around them. Mark received multiple orders from this meeting, none of which were Elaine's. He also captured several email addresses inquiring about the new book's release. 

Mark also signs book orders in public. What reader doesn't recognize an author signing books! The inventory is on hand for the reader to review. Mark offers to personalize the book, and uses the SquareUp reader and app to capture sales. Mark appreciates being social not only for the sales, but also for building his tribe of followers.

Mark Wayne Adams
President Elect of FAPA (Florida Authors & Publishers Association)
Moonbeam Award-winning Illustrator for
Nicholas, That's Ridiculous!

2 Ways to Create $1,500 a Month Publishing?

Recently, I was asked, "how do you create a steady $1,500.00 a month publishing books?" I laughed at first! Steady income and publishing haven't always gone hand in hand. Book sales have been extremely unpredictable. I've had months where I earned $12,000.00, and months where I earned $1,200.00.

Book sales fluctuate like the weather. I find "steady income" by illustrating books and public speaking.

Illustration is one of my biggest income generators. I illustrate from January through March and June through September. I spend countless hours creating artwork. The dollar per hour isn't the best, and finding good clients comes with challenges. 

Many of you are thinking, "I can't draw!" So public speaking is my best suggestion as a "steady income" for authors. Here is a formula I use.

1. Charge a minimum of $500 per visit. Three speaking events per month yields $1,500.00. Schedule a total of 36 throughout the year. Seems daunting, right?
2. Sell books at the events. Some schools don't collect book sales, however some do! On average 10% of students purchase a book. 1,000 students generally equals 100 books sold. Being conservative 5% would yield 50 book sales. If you make $5 a book, that's $250 extra. Now only 2 speaking events are needed a month, or 24 per year.

School visits can be repeated monthly. Elementary schools generally bring authors in from February through late April and October through November. It's a small window of time to schedule 24-36 events. Just remember this is about one month of "work."

Illustrating and public speaking are two ways I create a "steady income" publishing books. By creating more products and being social, book sales will become more consistent.

Mark Wayne Adams
Award-winning Illustrator of The Belly Button Fairy