Monday, September 03, 2018

Local Author Fair

I received the details from Kirsty Franks about this event:
We attended the last one of these and I recommend other writers to come.

Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Fees

How do I register for a table at the Author Fair?
Registration is available via Eventbrite until 30th September 2018. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so please be aware that registration may close earlier than 30th September if all spaces have been filled.

How much does a table cost and how do I pay?
Tables cost £20 and payment will be taken in cash on the day. We unfortunately cannot accept pre-payment or payment in any method other than cash.

Can I bring people with me to help set up and run my table?
Due to limited space, we recommend that authors bring no more than one additional person with them.

Why is there a charge for tables?
This event is chargeable for authors to cover the cost of room hire and of additional staff to manage and oversee the event. This event requires a significant amount of planning, promotion and set-up on the day, for which we do need to charge.

However, registering for a table will enable authors to:

    • Promote and sell books to customers
    • Network with local authors and publishers
    • Benefit from our online marketing, including social media posts and our county-wide eNewsletter, which reaches x (where x="a large number") people
    • Have their work displayed on a scrolling presentation screen throughout Crawley library
    •
Do the public have to pay to attend the event?
The event is free for the public to attend and does not require registration.

Can I cancel my place at the fair?
If you no longer need your space at the fair, we politely request that you cancel your space to enable us to open the space to others. You can cancel on Eventbrite via the following steps:
    • Login to your Eventbrite account
    • Click on your name in the top right-hand corner and click on “Tickets”
    • Click on “Local Author Fair” in your list of tickets
    • Click on “Cancel Order” and confirm cancellation

I’ve registered my space on Eventbrite. Is there anything else I need to do?
Once you’ve registered your space, please also send us:
    • A JPEG image of one of your book covers
    • Your name as you would like it to appear in our programme
    • A description of your writing in under 140 words
This information will be used in promotional material and on our scrolling presentation boards around the library.

Travel/Parking

How do I find the library?

The library is situated in Crawley town centre on Southgate Avenue, postcode RH10 6HG. Head for the Denvale Retail Park at the Bath Store and you’ll find the library car park on the right. Crawley train station is a 5 minute walk away and a bus station is available on the opposite side of the shopping mall running regular buses. Further information including a map is available online.

Where can I park my car?

Authors are able to use the limited staff parking onsite, but this will be first-come first-served. Once this is full, there is a small pay and display car park outside the library that allows parking for a maximum of 4 hours. Alternatively, the RCP car park on Telford Place allows 24 hour parking for a fee – please click here for more details.

When can I arrive and start setting up?

Authors may arrive anytime from 10am. Doors will open to the public at 11am.

When does the event finish?

The event finishes at 2pm and we politely ask that authors vacate their tables no earlier than 1.30pm and no later than 2.30pm.

Who do I report to when I arrive?

The event will be held in the meeting rooms on the first floor of the library. Please follow signage to the meeting rooms where a member of library staff will greet you.

Is there a loading bay I can temporarily leave my car in while I unload my equipment/books etc?
We unfortunately do not have any suitable spaces for authors to leave their cars while they unload. However, the library car park is situated next to the library, and other pay and display car parks are a short walk away.

Will someone be available to help me unload my car?
Library staff are unfortunately unable to help authors unload materials. The event is on the first floor of the library but there is a lift you can use. However, if you need assistance due to an accessibility requirement, please contact us.

On the Day

Will you provide tables and chairs for authors?
Each author will be provided with half a table and one chair.

Where will my table be?
Unless you have an accessibility requirement, we cannot guarantee an exact location for your table. Tables will be allocated after author registration has closed, and authors will be appropriately grouped, most likely by genre.

How large will my table be?
Authors will be allocated half a table each, allowing for approximately 75x75cm per author.

Will a display board (for posters etc) be provided with my table?
Tables will be left plain with a sign displaying your name. Display boards will not be provided with tables, but authors are encouraged to bring display materials such as pull-up banners.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring with me?

We recommend authors decorate their tables – you are welcome to bring books to sell, posters, leaflets and pull-up banners with you. You are welcome to bring laptops and electronic equipment with you, but please ensure your equipment is fully charged as plugs are extremely limited.

Can I sell books at the event?
Authors are welcome to sell books at the event. All we ask is that you handle all sales yourself and provide your own cash float if required.

Would the library be able to buy a copy of my book?
We are unfortunately unable to buy books from authors on the day, but would happily welcome donations and will process these in line with our donations policy. A copy of the policy is available from Kirsty Franks by emailing kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk.

Will you be taking pictures at the event? Can I take pictures?
At the event, all authors will be given the option to consent to having their picture taken and used for promotional purposes (e.g. on Facebook). Without your written consent, we won’t take or post any photographs of you. We encourage you to share your own pictures of the event on social media, but ask you not to include any images of other people.

Accessibility

Will the event space be wheelchair accessible?
The event will be held on the first floor of the library. However, Crawley Library is wheelchair accessible and there is a lift and disabled toilets onsite.

Who do I contact if I have an accessibility requirement that may affect where my table is placed or how it is set up?

Please contact Kirsty Franks on kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk.

Comfort & Extras

Are there tea and coffee facilities onsite?

Complimentary tea and coffee will be provided to exhibitors, and there is an onsite café. 

Is there anywhere nearby to find lunch?
There is a café onsite, or alternatively cafés and restaurants are available in and around Crawley town centre. Please be aware that hot food is not permitted inside the library, but cold food and hot/cold drinks are permitted.

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Please contact Kirsty Franks on kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk if you have any additional queries.
 




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