Get ready for a one-of-a-kind special event! Sojourn Fermentory is a community-focused brewery located in Bridgeport, Suffolk, Virginia, built around intentional brewing, spontaneous connection, and wild fermentation. They also host regular events to bring the community together to showcase local artists and artisans. I am fortunate to have been invited as one of the authors for their first “Authors & Artisans – Book Fest” event on Saturday, August 23, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can see the complete list of Authors and Artisans at the Facebook Event Post Online.
Join us for an unforgettable day of community connection, literary magic, and handcrafted goodness. We’re bringing together 15+ incredible local authors and SEVERAL talented vendors offering the most bookishly delightful goods you’ve ever seen-from literary candles to handmade journals, bookmarks, prints, tumblers, and more. Authors will also have their books for sale and available to sign, 757 is full of wonderful stories!
If you live in the Hampton Roads area or are looking for something to do in Virginia before the end of Summer, this is a great chance to spend a night with good books, fine beer and food, plus an assortment of handmade artisan crafts at the first Authors & Artisans – Book Fest. Visit sojournfermentory.com to learn more about the upcoming event.
I am kicking off my 2025 book signing tour in February with bookstores, book festivals, and of course, steampunk! With nine books under my belt (and the 10th coming this year), I have a complete collection of books and series available to add to your TBR list.
I am returning to some familiar spots while visiting some new ones. For dates/times, check my social media or Events link. I update my calendar regularly.
Let’s start with a couple of bookstore events, including Fenwick Street Used Books & Music, on Saturday, February 1, from 11am to 3pm in Leonardtown, MD. Fenwick Street Used Books & Music is under new management but continues to provide the local community with books and music. I will have all my fantasy and steampunk books on hand. Then, on Sunday, February 9, I will be back at Barnes and Noble in Fairfax, VA, from 12-3pm. I will sign my latest book, The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, from Curious Corvid Publishing.
After the bookstores, I’m heading into the first festivals of 2025. I’ll return to the Williamsburg Book Festival on Saturday, February 22, at the Stryker Center in historic Williamsburg, VA. Celebrating its 10th year, the festival strives to bring authors, publishers, and readers together to celebrate the literary arts.
As we head into March, the Suffolk Authors Festival in Suffolk, VA, kicks off on Saturday, March 15, at the Suffolk Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, Suffolk Riverfront. This is where writers get a chance to connect with readers on a personal level.
March closes out with the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, March 29-30, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore North—Pikesville, MD. Best described as an alternative history of the Victorian era with an emphasis on creativity, the festival features authors, workshops, and panel discussions in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Lastly, I’m returning for another year to 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art & Music Festival, beginning on Sunday, April 13, from 11am to 4pm (new schedule starting in 2025) in historic Williamsburg, VA. This annual street fair of over 180 unique artisans, musicians, street performers, food vendors, and more in six blocks of downtown Williamsburg, Virginia. You’ll know where to find me!
Click on the links for each event for more information and purchase tickets. Keep an eye on my Events page for updates and new additional dates. Plus, keep an eye out for information on new book releases, audiobook updates, and more.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Checkout my Events page for all my upcoming book signing festivals and other in-person events!
Get ready for the 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 18, from 10 am to 6pm in Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD. The Gaithersburg Book Festival is “a celebration of the written word and its power to enrich the human experience. Our mission is to foster an interest in reading, writing and literary conversation.” This is my first time to exhibit at the festival and I am looking forward to meeting and interacting with new readers.
Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its beautiful park setting.
The event was conceived and introduced by Gaithersburg Mayor (then council member) Jud Ashman, with the support of the Mayor and City Council and the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. The Festival is produced by a core committee comprised of city staff and a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and talent.
Funded in part by generous sponsors and supported by the City of Gaithersburg, the Festival offers programming for all ages, is free to attend and is open to everyone.
Find me with the other authors in the EXHIBITORS section!
Award-winning children’s, teen and young adult authors will take center stage at the Gaithersburg Book Festival celebrates 15 years of inspiring a love of reading and writing. The Festival’s Children’s Village will be the place where youngsters can meet their favorite authors – and discover new ones – during interactive presentations, readings and book signings. They also can take part in story times, activities and games, and expert-led workshops that encourage creativity.
Activities will include author appearances, discussions and book signings; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and food, drink, ice cream and more. Admission is FREE, and free accessible shuttle service will be available from Shady Grove Metro and Lakeforest Mall. Visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org for more information.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
I always get asked this question by other indie authors . . . How do you find book stores and festivals open to do book signings? Well, a lot of it is just online searches, phone calls, and persistence. The events don’t come to you, you go to them. Sometimes it pays off with phenomenally great book sales and networking contacts, other times it’s a slap in the face as you get rejected. It’s a gamble that many independent authors like me have to go through.
First and foremost, start local! Hit your local area book stores, new and used books, discount booksellers, whomever you can find. Local stores love to promote their local authors so they will be amicable to letting you set up a table. Sometimes, they will take a cut, while others do it free and clear. Barnes and Noble do a lot to support local authors with book signings in store. Just find out who their event coordinator is and you can email them to inquire about an event. And if you have a hometown different from where you live, try there too. I’m originally from Phillipsburg, NJ, and I will doing a book signing at the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA, on Saturday, June 3. It’s one of the closest book shops to my hometown and they have always supported me.
Next, find events within your genre! I am a steampunk and fantasy writer, so I trend toward steampunk festivals, renaissance fairs and comic-cons. A simple Google search will find you a compendium of festivals looking for vendors. The key is getting into the mix early. Some of these events have a juried selection for vendors, so getting in your application early helps. Also remember that travel may play a part in your selection. I try to stay within the Northern Virginia area, which is why I was able to get into the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival in Baltimore, MD, the Ocean Renaissance Festival in Ocean City, MD, and Awesome-Con in Washington, DC. It’s not that far to travel and, in some cases, it’s a one day trip with no need for a hotel.
Now, last year I drove all the way up to Waltham, MA, for the Watch City Steampunk Festival, and I will admit it was a long drive for a great festival. I didn’t sell as many books to cover the cost of travel, hotel, food, etc., but it was an awesome event. There are plenty of festival and conventions like this that will require long travel on your part. It’s up to you as to whether or not it’s worth the trip.
Don’t forget to search for book festivals specifically! Although they can be far and few in-between from the regular fests and cons, there are plenty out there to support your indie authors. In Northern Virginia alone, there is the Imaginarium Book Festival in Washington, DC, the Gaithersburg Book Festival in Gaithersburg, MD, the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival in Fredericksburg, MD, and the Williamsburg Book Festival in Williamsburg, VA. Now these events are often juried, meaning you have to send them your latest book to see if you fit into their event. I’ve been selected and not picked for some of these events, so be prepared. Sometimes, they have too many good authors to pick and choose from.
Last but not least, look outside the box! Don’t focus on book festivals, comic-con’s or other book-related events. Try anything and everything from craft fairs to music festivals. They all have vendors and having an author there is something different for that audience. Two years ago, I got turned on to 2nd Sundays Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. It’s a monthly arts and music festival held March-December in Colonial Williamsburg. I have my own spot and I set up there all the time. It’s a regular event for me where readers of my books (in the Hampton Roads area) can always find me to see what’s coming out next. Between my regulars and tourists, I have a steady stream of readers stop by my booth.
So, it is up to you to find that sweet spot of festivals, fairs, conventions, and book stores to sell you and your books to new readers. There is always someone looking for a new author or series to latch onto. It could be you, but you have to work for it. These things don’t just fall into your lap.
And be sure to check out my Events page to see where I’ll be in the coming months. My schedule is changing and updating on a regular basis, so STAY TUNED!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other worlds.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Cross over The River of Soulsin a fantasy novella and the steampunk historical fiction,Corsair and the Sky Pirates fromCurious Corvid Publishing. The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, are coming soon. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.
With the launch of Corsair and the Sky Pirateson January 31, the official book tour is underway. We kicked it off at the Williamsburg Book Festival, February 4, and now more dates have been added. Over the next few months, I will be taking my steampunk historical fiction to a variety of venues, from steampunk festivals to book stores and book festivals. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to pick up a signed copy. They include:
2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art & Music Festival on Sunday, March 12 and May 14, from 11am to 5pm on North Boundary Street in historic Williamsburg, Va. You can stroll the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and take in unique arts, handcrafts and live music in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Visit 2ndSundayswilliamsburg.com for more information.
Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival on April 1-2 at the Delta Hotels Baltimore Hunt Valley, Baltimore, MD. Tell-Tale Steampunk is Baltimore’s first Steampunk Convention. It is a weekend long event and will feature workshops, vendors, entertainment, music, and educational panels. This years theme is based on the writings of Baltimore’s own Edgar Allan Poe’s. Tickets and information are available attelltalesteampunk.com.
Ocean Renaissance 2023 on April 14-16 at the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City, Md. Steampunk, pirates, and mermaids converge with over 70 artisans and makers collected from all over the country during our many travels will converge to provide some of the most beautiful and unique handmade goods , clothing, accessories, art, and much more. Tickets and information are available at Tides and Tempest Ocean Renaissance.
Awesome-Con in Washington, D.C., is the big summer convention in the nation’s capital, June 16-18. Awesome-Con is a celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, television, toys, games, and more! You can find me on Author’s Lane during the three day epic weekend.
I also want to add that I’ll be at Books-A-Million at Potomac Mills, Woodbridge, VA, on Saturday, March 4, from 12pm-3pm. This will be my first Northern Virginia event. I will have more dates to follow if any additional events come to light, including additional 2nd Sundays Williamsburg over the spring and summer. More to follow so stay tuned!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other worlds.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Cross over The River of Soulsin a fantasy novella and the steampunk historical fiction,Corsair and the Sky Pirates fromCurious Corvid Publishing. The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, are coming soon. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.
One thing I realized after attending my first steampunk festival last month is how much they love to read. When you consider classic authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are considered the Godfathers of Steampunk as we know it today, this much true. The steampunk genre revolves around everything from science fiction to romance, historical fiction to fantasy. But for some, its an obsession, and as an author, I want to encourage that type of obsessive behavior in people.
One of those groups is theSilk City Steampunk and Oddball Newtfrom Manchester, CT. They are hosting their third annual Book Fiends Readers Festival on Saturday, June 25, from 11am to 5pm at Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT. It is a celebration of steampunk, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, supernatural, paranormal, and poetry authors. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Besides meeting some great authors (including yours truly) and artists, there will be sword fighting demonstrations, food trucks, author panels, and BYOTC (Bring Your Own Tea Cup) for the Tea Cup contest. There will be a VIP meet & greet after the festival from 5pm to 7pm (tickets $10 per person). Visit Oddball Newt Productions for more information and for future steampunk events in Connecticut.
Events like these are great opportunities for you, the readers, to meet the authors of your future favorite books and pick up some great bargains to add to your summer reading list or to your bookshelf. Let’s help each other out in this endeavor. If you’re in the New York/New England area, I hope you take the time to come to the festival. I look forward to seeing you there!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available as a paperback/ebook at iUniverse Publishing, Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series, is available as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for The River of Souls fantasy novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing along with the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of his current fantasy book series, plus so much more coming soon.
This weekend, I attended Katsucon 2022 at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. I picked it because (a) it was close to home, and (b) fantasy is a big part of anime. I figured I would fit right in with my fantasy books . . . I was wrong. It seems people who cosplay as elves, knights, and wizards don’t really want to read about them in books.
First off, my sales barely covered the cost of my booth fee, parking, and food costs for the weekend. I took a loss for something I thought would be a major convention. Second, my location in the vendor hall really sucked. My booth was not in the artists alley, as promised, but between an earring and toy vendor, just two spots down from the Hentai booth affectionately known as the “Smut Hut” (their words, not mine!) Not a good place to be. I was told they wanted to “sprinkle” the authors amongst the rest of the vendors. Hide us was more like it.
On the positive side, I met and spoke with a lot of great people. I love attending events like this where people are excited about all things fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi, and Katsucon was no exception. I mean, a lot of the younger people just walked by, more interested in anime plushies, statues, and posters, but there were several who bought my books or just picked up a bookmark or postcard with my website and other social media on it. I will have to wait and see if the convention translates to other online sales in ebooks or audiobooks. It’s still great when somebody stands at your table and keeps repeating “Wow! Wow!” as they read the synopsis on the back cover.
I think multiple day conventions like Katsucon are not for authors. I’ve been to more single day events and sold more books at those events than during my three days at a big convention like Katsucon. I need to focus on conventions and festivals specific to my genre and/or books in general. I know many people from my generation who are fans of anime, comic books, and movies are also avid readers. I think that gets a little lost with some, not all, of the younger generation. They are more visual with their books, like comic books, graphic novels, and manga.
I will stick to my upcoming steampunk festivals (Watch City in Waltham, MA) and the Imaginarium Fantasy Book Festival in Washington, D.C. My fellow fantasy authors also turned me on to a Facebook Group, Author Events Around the World, for various book festivals supportive of independent authors. This group is a great resource for various book events across the country.
So, word of advice to self-published independent authors looking for venues to sign and sell their books… Pick and choose your events carefully. Not all conventions are made alike and, before you pay for that booth, make sure your know all the details. I know that these things cost an independent author, and maybe it will result in more attention to your books or social media. Only time will tell…
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, coming soon from Revolutionary Press; and The River of Souls novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of my current fantasy book series, coming soon.
I can honestly say I have mixed feelings about 2021. I think its one of those years I can’t wait to put behind me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no 2020. My God, that year will forever burn on the ash heap of life. I have a lot of memories of 2021, some good and some not so good.
First, the good . . .
I published my fourth book in 2021, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, beginning a new fantasy/steampunk series under my pen (or rhetorical keyboard). Not only did I spend most of 2021 finishing this book, it was also the first work of mine where I hired and editor and a cover artist. This book means a lot to me, and winning first place in the 2021 Firebird Book Award for Steampunk was a big deal. Being recognized by your peers cemented my career as a writer.
Speaking of awards, The Outlander War: Book 3 of the Forever Avalon Series, won second place for fantasy in the 2021 Firebird Book Awards. Again, it was wonderful to be recognized by your peers and I really want to thank my publisher, Austin Macauley, for all their support in 2021. This book was released just as the COVID pandemic hit, so promoting it was next to impossible beyond social media. I’m just so happy they continue to work with me.
Williamsburg Arts and Music Festival, November 2021
The great thing about 2021 was that I was finally able to go out and meet people in public. I attended book fairs, book signings, comic-cons, and arts festivals, talking about my books to those interested and even selling a few along the way. Thanks to the Moravian Book Shop, Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival, Southern Maryland Comic-Con, and 2nd Sundays Williamsburg for their support. It was great that, after nearly two years in hibernation, I could tell my stories to anyone interested. I sold more books in 2021 at all these combined events than I did since my first book was published in 2009. That shows how much effort independent authors have to put in beyond social media! I am looking forward to doing even more events in 2022.
The last good event of 2021 was having my short stories published through The Publishing Room and being signed by two great independent publishers, Revolutionary Press and Curious Corvid Publishing. The Publishing Room published two of my short stories for their fantasy and horror anthologies, Of Distant Worlds and From Dark Corners. Revolutionary Press will be publishing my steampunk/historical fiction novel, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, in 2022. Curious Corvid will be publishing my fantasy novella, The River of Souls, which I wrote with poet Ashley Valitutto. I am looking forward to working with these publishers in the coming year and beyond!
Now for the bad . . .
I experienced some loss in 2021, especially here at the end. I’ve had friends and distant relatives die, but this year it hit close to home. My dog, Sully, died in July. He was only 13 and our family pet for all 13 years. If you want a great family pet, I highly recommend a West Highland Terrier. They are the best. And just a few days ago, my older sister, Trina, suddenly passed away. It was totally unexpected. She has been fighting illness of one type of another this past year, but she was fighting it so she could retire to Florida in 2022. It’s a terrible way to end the year, especially just days after Christmas. I never saw eye-to-eye with my sister on many things, but she was still my sister and I loved her no matter what. Her death has given me some perspective on my own mortality, to hopefully take better care of myself so I’m there for my family. No more snacking on Twinkies and Pop Tarts for me.
I guess a bad thing professionally would be my email inbox full of rejection letters from publishers and literary agents. I mean, I got two good ones in Curious Corvid and Revolutionary Press this year, but the constant flow of rejection is a little disheartening. It’s like that one bad review your book gets. It just gnaws at you even though its just one in a hundred. I’ve always done what’s best for me and file it away and just move on.
Looking ahead to 2022, there’s so much to look forward to. I’ll be publishing two new books and submitting two more for consideration (fingers crossed). You can find me at multiple conventions and festivals next year, starting off with Katsucon 2022 anime convention at the Gaylord Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland, February 18-20. It’s right in my area so this will be a blast. The only other confirmed event for me so far is the Imaginarium Fantasy Book Festival on Saturday, May 21, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. I’ve waited two years to be at this event so I can’t wait! You can keep up-to-date of my other appearances through my Events calendar.
So let’s end 2021 with this . . .
“Tomorrow is the first blank page of 365-page book. Write a good one.”
Brad Paisley
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, coming soon from Revolutionary Press; and The River of Souls novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of my current fantasy book series, coming soon.
The headline says it all. As a writer, this has been my best month EVER! I had three book signing events, where I did better than expected with sales, meeting people, and more! Then, I signed two book deals with Curious Corvid Publishing and Revolutionary Press to publish two of my latest manuscripts, The River of Souls and Corsair and the Sky Pirates respectfully. Like I said, BEST MONTH EVER!
Between the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival, Southern Maryland Comic-Con, and 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art and Music Festival, I’ve been meeting and talking to more people than ever before. After such a disappointing 2020, it’s such a thrill to actually being able to meet people in person than over a video chat.
It has been a long road since 2001 when I started writing my first novel, Forever Avalon, and then it wasn’t first published until 2009. To be able to not only talk about my books with people, face-to-face, but to see the interest on their faces when they pick up my book and read the synopsis was worth the long weekends away, the money invested into my second career, and the hours spent toiling away at these novels.
I really just want to thank my wife and my family for their love and support of my extended career. I wouldn’t be here without them. They are, and always will be, my inspirations as a writer. I have more stories I’m working on and I hope to have them out in short order, but that’s down the road. For now, I’, going to continue going out to these festivals and conventions to spread the word.
And if I don’t get to say it, I hope all of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, coming soon from Revolutionary Press; and The River of Souls novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of my current fantasy book series, coming soon.
I think that what has to be the worst aspect of being an independent author is the financial cost associated with it. From paying for an editor, cover artists, publishing, marketing, ARC readers, convention fees, and more, the costs add up quickly. A self-published author with usually spend more than they make in book sales. It’s not an easy proposition for many of us.
Additionally, there is the many other expenses from travel, cost of equipment and software, subscriptions, and more. It can become quite staggering. I think that in the past 12 years, I spent around $15,000 and, four books later, made less than $1,000. I can honestly say that some of these expenses are my fault, mistakes made early by a novice author. I went with “vanity” publishing that cost more than I needed to spend and, in return, got less than expected results. There are so many options for an author to publish with minimal cost. You can publish on numerous publishing websites for FREE, with templates for interiors and covers, with varied success. if you want to up your game, you are going to need to pay for some things to make your book better.
Same goes for marketing. When I started using social media, I got hammered with paid book reviews, social media companies, and other “phishing” expeditions. I learned a lot from those experiences. Even big companies can spam you too. In 2014, I decided to participate in a “Pitchfest” to learn about and then attempt to pitch my novel to movie/television people. I spent about $4K on travel and hotel (it was in NYC) and the event itself. It was an interesting experience but, in the end, nothing came out of it. Not blaming the organizers, I guess I didn’t sell it well enough, but it was still an expense that fell flat.
This seems to be a recurring theme amongst self-published authors. I talked to a few recently at the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival. One author was focused on just his books, working with a broken canopy and no real promotional materials. And here I was, with a brand new canopy I just bought and a couple hundred dollars worth of bookmarks, stickers and posters. It was my first festival and I went overboard. Now, in the end, I sold more books at this one event than I ever did before. It was the first positive book signing/event I participated in my 12 years of doing this. I would normally sell from 1-5 books, but this was extraordinary.
After my success at that event, I bought an additional placard with a tripod to give a big “spotlight” on my books. Add to that, the additional copies of my books I bought to add to my inventory. Yes, the money I made went right back into my next event. That seems to be the infinite cycle for self-published, independent authors. As much as it can be a financial pain in the wallet, the old adage “you have to spend money to make money” comes into mind. No, I don’t mean going deep, deep into debt, but there is a cost associated with everything you need as an up and coming author.
Granted, I’m not doing this to me a multi-millionaire . . . No really, I’m not. I love telling stories, I love writing stories, so sharing them is the most logical thing to do. Would I like to do this as a full-time job and spend my days writing instead of working from my office, absolutely. Who wouldn’t? For now, this is what works for me. I know that going to events like comic-cons, book festivals, and craft fairs will help build up my readers.
You have to be prepared for the cost if you have the desire to take a stab as an author, but time and money are not on your side. It is the desire to fight through for the chance, just a chance, at being a successful author.
NOTE TO READERS: Do I consider book sales = money = success? No . . . To me, book sales = people who’ve read my books. That makes me feel good as an author. The money helps me write more books, that’s all!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, coming soon from Revolutionary Press; and The River of Souls novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of my current fantasy book series, coming soon.
Mark Piggott | Fantasy & Steampunk Author 