The Business of Books: Remembering the “Good Old Days”
When I first started selling my books at festivals, life was a bit simpler. I would spend $25 for a six-foot table, which provided plenty of room for the few titles I had at the time. Occasionally, I’d even share a table with another author, reducing the cost even further. Despite the low sales in those early days, the connections I made were invaluable.
Learning the “Business” in Business
As my library grew, so did my responsibilities. While helping out at a booth during the Tucson Festival of Books, I learned about the TPT—Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax. Along with a state business license for my company, Lyric Power Publishing, LLC, I secured my TPT license. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure why I had to file every month based on sales, but I did it.
Back then, many of my fellow authors didn’t have licenses. The common refrain was, “I’m only selling a few books; the state won’t catch me.” Well, the state eventually started visiting even the smallest festivals, and people quickly realized that even selling one book at a local event required playing by the rules!
Liability and Logistics
When I began placing my books in gift shops, liability insurance became a requirement. I was puzzled at first—were my books going to leap off the racks and attack someone? Regardless, I purchased the insurance because I wanted my work in those shops.
Suddenly, venues everywhere started insisting on insurance. While I simply ordered my “additionally insured” certificates, I found myself fielding dozens of inquiries from other authors asking if it was really necessary and where to get it.
The requirements have only grown since then. In addition to city licenses for Oro Valley and Tucson, many small towns now require their own business licenses and even “use of park” payments for a single-day event! I still enjoy exploring new festivals, but I’ve learned to check the fine print very carefully.
The Great Tent Debate
Then, there is the matter of the tent. I originally bought a lovely blue, easy-to-assemble tent. I soon discovered that many major events require white tents only. I eventually upgraded to a model with side panels because, as I learned the hard way, wind and books do not mix!
While I appreciate the higher sales at modern festivals, hauling 40 to 50 pounds of weight per tent leg gets old fast. I’m very grateful for my tall friends and relatives who help me with the heavy lifting. Sometimes, when I’m wrestling with a canopy in the wind, I truly miss those days of a simple table in a quiet church meeting room.
Plan Your Next Adventure Want to see the “Big White Tent” in person? Check out my upcoming events schedule to see where I’ll be signing books next! From the Tucson Festival of Books to local Oro Valley markets, I’d love to meet you. View my upcoming events here!
