Tips for Authors at Comic Con

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5+ Tips for Authors Attending Comic Con

I recently posted a fun behind-the-scenes video from my time at Cherry Capital Comic Con in Traverse City, and someone dropped this great question:

“I’m doing a Comic Con in September. Any advice?”

I’ve been to a few cons now, and while I’m still learning every time, I do have some go-to tips for authors attending these kinds of events. Whether it’s your first or fifth con, here are 5(ish) practical strategies to help you connect with readers, sell more books, and make the most of your experience.

1. Use Tropes or Comp Titles That Resonate

This might be the single best thing you can do to grab attention at a Comic Con:
Lead with familiar tropes or comp titles.

For example, I promote The Lost Girl: An Everland Story. When people ask what it’s about, I say:

“When Peter Pan’s great-granddaughter is diagnosed with a terminal illness, her mother sends her to Neverland to try to save her life.”

Boom—most people immediately know the Peter Pan reference. If that doesn’t hook them, I follow up with:

“If you’re a fan of the movie Hook…”
And 9 times out of 10, someone says, “Well, who isn’t?”

My friend, author Stephanie Gilmore, totally nailed this approach. On her table, she had a clear sign:

“She-Hulk meets Jessica Jones.”

You could see people stop in their tracks when they read that. And often, it opened the door to her selling the full series.

:pushpin: Tip: Think about pop culture comparisons that match your book and genre. Make it easy for con-goers to quickly know if your book might be their vibe.

2. Bundles Sell—Especially at Comic Con

If you have a series or multiple books, offer bundles.

Comic Con attendees often come ready to spend. A bundle makes it more appealing, easier to buy multiple books, and gives readers a deal they can’t pass up.

I don’t have a series (yet), but Stephanie does. Her multi-book bundles sold super well.

:pushpin: And don’t forget: If you offer bundles, also offer bags. People love extra swag and need a way to carry their awesome new reads.

3. Give Them Something to Take With Them

Not everyone is ready to buy on the spot—and that’s okay! But they might be interested later, if they remember how to find you.

That’s why it’s important to provide:

  • Bookmarks
  • Postcards
  • Business cards
  • Something free they can walk away with
    Even if you sell your bookmarks, be sure to have at least one free item that has your name, book title, and where they can find you online.

:pushpin: Tip: QR codes make it easy. Send them directly to your Amazon page, TikTok, or website using a scannable code on your takeaway materials.

4. Make It Easy to Pay You

Someone wants to buy your book. Don’t make it hard!

When people ask, “Do you take card?” I reply:

“I’ll take card, cash, Venmo, PayPal—whatever works for you!”

Yes, some of these platforms take a cut. But that’s better than not making a sale at all.

And here’s a bonus lesson I learned from watching Stephanie:
She offered instant purchases for her audiobooks and eBooks. Buyers scanned a QR code, paid right then, and either downloaded or accessed their purchase immediately—no waiting.

I had preorder cards for an upcoming audiobook, linking to a page where shoppers could preorder later. But the moment they walk away… chances are, they’ll forget.

:pushpin: Moral of the story: Enable action in the moment. Make people pay and download right there if possible.

5. Stand Up and Engage (Even If You Hate It)

You don’t have to yell across the aisle… but do try to be actively present.

Standing:

  • Helps you make eye contact
  • Increases your chances of a conversation
  • Makes you more accessible without being pushy

Some go-tos that work well for me:

  • “Hey, if you’re a book fan, I’ve got some original fiction you might enjoy.”
  • “Let me know if you want me to give you the quick spiel, or if you’d rather read the backs!”

Not everyone will want to chat, and that’s okay. But by showing openness, you increase the chances of meaningful connections—and, yes, sales.

Bonus: Just Get Out There

There’s no one right way to Comic Con. But the more you show up, the more people will start recognizing you. They’ll say, “Oh, I saw you at that fall event,” or, “Aren’t you the one with the Peter Pan book?”

That recognition goes a long way.

So go. Even if you’re unsure.

  • Say yes to events.
  • Try new strategies.
  • Test what works for you.

And always remind people who you are and where to find you—even if they don’t buy right away.

Thanks so much for reading!

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