It’s that time of year again! Small Business Saturday is a beautiful, purposeful day dedicated to celebrating small businesses – including authors just like you and me. Happening the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which falls on December 1st this year, it’s a moment to shine a light on local, independent shops and creators, encouraging readers to “shop small” and truly invest in their communities. Time grows short, so consider some of the ideas here for this year, and save the others for next year when you need to start planning about three months in advance. But first…
Why should you, as an author, participate? Well for one thing…
You’re a Small Biz!
Relish the fact that being an author makes you a creative entrepreneur. This is your day to show others how their support directly impacts a local creator—like you.
Your Chance to Get Noticed by New Fans
With folks actively seeking small businesses to support, it’s a prime time to show off your work and connect with new readers who want to shop local. They need to know about you!
Build Community Love
Partnering with local bookstores or highlighting your community ties fosters genuine relationships with readers who love supporting local talent.
Add a Personal Touch
Think signed books, special notes, or exclusive bundles. These personal touches make readers feel like they’re part of something meaningful—and they’ll remember that.
Great for Holiday Sales
Books make heartfelt gifts! Small Business Saturday is the perfect moment to offer something special that helps readers choose you for their gift lists.
Ride the Community Wave
You’re part of a big, supportive movement. Collaborate with indie stores or other creators to amplify your reach. The community buzz works in your favor.
I went into some great detail here on various events you could create for you and your book on Small Business Saturday, so please take a look. Ideas include Story-Telling Marathons, Adopt a Bookstore campaign, local history or themes tie in, as well as scavenger hunts and pop-up book readings.
At the very least, offer a wonderful deal to your email list. They are the ones so interested in what you have to offer that they gave you their precious email addresses.
In fact, I am offering the same to you if you’re interested in delivering better on-air interviews. I have an autographed copy of Media Darling at half off simply by responding to this note.
Bottom line
Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the personal connections that small businesses bring to our lives. As an author, it’s a chance to remind readers that behind every book is a passionate creator (you!) who appreciates their support. By participating, you’re not only promoting your work but inviting readers to be part of your author journey, to experience the joy of shopping small, and to invest in the stories that make our communities richer. It’s time to make this day one to remember. Oh, and also remember to support other small businesses. We can all help to take care of one another.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. One For All!!!
#Smallbusinesssaturday
#Bookauthors
#Bookmarkeing
#Bookpublicity
#Oneforall
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