by Phil Jason

The Book Fair aspect of the 2010 "Naples Authors and Books Festival" initiated a new concept:authors exhibiting in shops and restaurants along 5th Avenue South. Approximately 50 authors exhibited, hosted by two dozen business establishments. As is always the case, feedback is mixed. While some felt that there was not enough traffic or that signage was needed to direct people to participating merchants, others were very pleased with how things went.

 
One participating author, Lauren E. Smith, writes: "Thank you for arranging another successful Authors and Books Festival. I sold more than 15 books in my hours at Seraphim Woman's Boutique. It was a fantastic idea having authors in stores - definitely a win-win for authors and merchants!  Thank you, again, and I look forward to the 2011 festival!"
 
Another, NPC past president Joan Curley, writes: "Phil, thank you for arranging for me to be signing books at Bella Maria Restaurant on Saturday, April 10.  I am very appreciative of your hard work and planning. It went very well and I enjoyed meeting so many people and was pleased with my sales. The owners were very kind to have me. Thanks."
 
Here are some comments, with suggestions, by exhibitor Renee Rosch Lewis. Her suggestions parallel those of others, and all such suggestions are on the table for 2011. "I was honored to participate in the Book Festival yesterday. My location, Petunia's, was wonderful. The owner Claudette and her assistant Lisa Jo were very gracious. Some of the "customers" made some very good suggestions. I pass these along to you for consideration by your committee.

• Designate the businesses participating by balloons, signs, sandwich boards, or some other method. It was very difficult for the spectators to know where the authors were.

• Have a summary, one or two sentences, about the books. Some spectators were looking for just nonfiction, some for fiction. We authors, not knowing all the authors, could not help.

• On the maps alphabetize the locations. Spectators found it difficult to easily find such.

Thank you for the well organized material and advice.
 
Everyone feels that we have a good concept to refine and build upon, and so we will.