By Brave Author Ruth Wuwhong (R.F. Whong)
Earlier this summer, I attended what I believed would be a promising event for any emerging
author: a book fair. The anticipation of engaging with book enthusiasts to discuss my work was
palpable. However, as the day unfolded, my excitement deflated. The hall was scattered with
more authors than readers. I only managed to sell four books over six hours.
Fast forward a few months, and I decided to try my luck again—this time at an art and craft
show. The venue was pulsating with activity, perhaps fueled by the energy of the Christmas
holiday season. To my pleasant surprise, in a similar six-hour timeframe, I nearly emptied a
suitcase packed with books. The remarkable contrast between these two experiences left me
pondering why the outcomes were so different. Here are some tips to consider.
- Location, Location, Location
It’s crucial to acknowledge the power of context. Book fairs, while ideal for reaching a targeted
audience, may also be limiting if there are more authors than readers. With so many books vying
for attention, each title might get lost in the literary sea. The art and craft show, however, attracts
a diverse crowd that comes not only in search of handcrafted goods but also for unique, personal
stories like mine. This creates a broader, more curious audience eager to explore new genres and
authors. - The Holiday Spirit
The timing of the craft show during the festive season cannot be underestimated. The Christmas
season invigorates a unique sense of joy, nostalgia, and the urge to find the perfect gift. A book
with the author’s signature holds a timeless charm as a personal gift. - Interactive Engagement
The structure of the art and craft show also favors interaction and engagement. With people
milling about, ample opportunities exist for impromptu conversations. This setting allows me to
connect with potential readers, piquing their interest and prompting them to support my work. - Ads might have helped
At the event, I created a banner highlighting my status as a Minnesota Anoka County Library
featured author for 2025. This drew considerable attention, and many attendees decided to make
a purchase after seeing it. To them, being recognized as a featured author by the library likely
served as a testament to the quality of my writing.
Reflecting on these experiences, I realized the importance of selecting the right venue for book
promotion. It’s not merely about targeting book lovers, but about reaching out to communities
that value storytelling and personal expression in any form. While book fairs remain a valuable
platform, authors should not shy away from exploring alternative venues where literature
intersects with other creative fields.
Note: If you’re interested in purchasing any of my books with my signature, please check out
this link (Books and Giveaways – Abundant Life) and send me a note at ru**@ru***********.com.
Author bio:
Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books
and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books (Love at the Garden Tomb,
The Way We Forgive, Blazing China, and Detour to Agape, under R. F. Whong). She lives in the
Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.
She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than
twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.
In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in
several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through
these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her
books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.
