The Art Walk Edition

Following up on last week’s post, I want to dive deeper into street fairs and festivals. These events are such a fantastic opportunity for authors to connect directly with their community. À propos, on April 10th, I’ll be setting up a table for an art walk right in the heart of Carrboro, NC!

To get ready, I’ve put together my personal packing list. Whether you are a seasoned pro or planning your first event, this might come in handy.

Author Event Packing Checklist

Don’t get stuck at a street fair without the essentials! Here is my “must-have” list for a successful day of connecting with readers.

The Core Setup

• [ ] Collapsible Rolling Cart: My Costco lifesaver!
• [ ] Folding Table: 6 ft is usually the sweet spot.
• [ ] Folding Chairs
• [ ] Canopy Tent: Always check if the event has specific color or weight requirements.
• [ ] White Lycra/Stretch Tablecloth: It looks sharp and won’t blow away!

The Products

• [ ] At least 30 Books: Always keep an extra box handy in the car.
• [ ] Merch: Stickers, bookmarks, and art cards.

The Display

• [ ] Book Holders/Stands
• [ ] Decorative Items: Flowers, flags, or props that match your book’s theme.
• [ ] Clear Pricing Sign: Make it easy for people to see what things cost.

Tech & Admin

• [ ] Cash Box with Change: Small bills are crucial!
• [ ] Fully Charged Card Reader: (Like Square).
• [ ] Portable Battery Bank: Keep your phone and reader charged.
• [ ] QR Code: Linked to your website or Linktree.
• [ ] Mailing List: A sign-up sheet, clipboard, and plenty of pens.
• [ ] Sales Log: A designated notebook for bookkeeping.
• [ ] Business Cards: Bring stacks of them!

Personal Comfort

• [ ] Plenty of Water!
• [ ] Quick Snacks: Granola bars, nuts, or fruit.
  • [ ] Table Fan: A total game-changer on those hot NC days.
• [ ] Hat and Sunscreen

Note: Feel free to customize this list! Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed an item you consider essential.

Catchy Merch: More Than Just a Book

When I first started, I thought: “Isn’t my book enough?” But think about it—isn’t it wonderful to have themed bookmarks, stickers, posters, or even toys of your characters?

This is a major trend right now, especially for children’s book authors. While it means spending a little extra on marketing, in the grand scheme of things, it’s often more effective (and cheaper) than paying for digital ads.

There are so many companies out there that the selection can be overwhelming. I usually keep an eye out for special offers! I’ve used Vistaprint for my tabletop banners and Bizay for business cards and bookmarks. I’ve even seen authors with life-sized “standee” banners—it’s all about grabbing the audience’s attention.

Author Trends for 2026

I spend a lot of my mornings reading up on the best ways to share my book. Here are the top trends I’m seeing for children’s authors this year:

1. Activity Pages: Printing coloring pages or even a branded coloring book.
2. Plushies: Making stuffed toys of your main characters.
3. Themed Stickers: A low-cost way to stay on a reader’s radar.
4. Multimedia Presence: Starting a podcast or reading books on a YouTube channel.

Keeping Up with the Trends

Needless to say, you should do as much (or as little) as you want. It’s vital to be wise with your time and find a balance between family, work, and fun. Don’t let “trends” rule your life. The most important thing is to do what you love with love.

Au Revoir

Thank you so much for reading! I’d love to hear from you—are these tips helpful, or is there something else you find crucial for self-promotion?

Over the last two years, I’ve layered my marketing approach. In 2024, I did a lot of fairs. In 2025, I pivoted toward virtual story times and bilingual library events. Now in 2026, I’m concentrating on my online presence—writing here every week and connecting on social media.

If you want to follow the journey, visit me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.

’Till next week, when we start talking about the craft of writing!

Anechy Padron

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