Why One Reader’s Message Meant More Than a Day of Sales

Last Saturday, I packed up my books, banners, and my best smile and headed to another book fair — one of the many events I’ve attended this year as an independent author.

If you’ve ever done a fair, you’ll know it’s a mix of excitement and nerves: Will readers stop by? Will my stories find their way into new hands?

This time, I just about broke even on sales — which, I’ll admit, felt a little disappointing at first. You put in all that time, effort, and travel, and you hope to come home with a little extra for the next print run or marketing campaign. But what I’ve learned is that book fairs aren’t just about sales. They’re about connection, community, and the unexpected moments that remind me why I do this.

And that reminder came loud and clear just days later.

A Message That Made My Day

There was a lovely message waiting for me on my Facebook author page. It was from someone who’d visited my table at the fair. She’d bought a copy of my novel Lovers — and during that week, she’d already finished it.

Here’s what she said (as posted on my page):

“Hi Fran. I met you at The Book Extravaganza at Lichfield last Saturday. I bought your book “Lovers”. I have just finished reading it and I just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed it. A beautiful, poignant tale with deep sadness in places but with a glorious sense of hope at the end! I will be buying more of your work xxx”

Honestly, that single message made my heart burst.

It reminded me that while I love crafting characters and weaving stories, I don’t write just to satisfy the storyteller in me. I write for readers — for those moments when someone connects with a character, sees themselves in a scene, or feels moved by a story I’ve poured my heart into.

That one comment turned what felt like a so-so book fair into a total win.

The Real Reward of Being an Indie Author

As an independent author, I often juggle marketing, promotion, and planning my next book, sometimes wondering if it’s all making a difference. But then someone takes the time to reach out and say, “Your book meant something to me,” and it all clicks into place again.

That’s the real reward — not the number of sales, but the number of hearts touched.

So yes, while breaking even might not sound glamorous, I walked away richer in spirit — and more motivated than ever to keep going.

Looking Ahead to 2026 (and Beyond)

I’ve already started planning for the book fairs and author events I’ll be attending in 2026, and this time I’ll be showing up with a fresh perspective. Every event is a chance to meet readers like the lovely woman who messaged me — people who make all the hours spent writing, editing, and lugging boxes of books totally worthwhile.

I’ve also got some exciting marketing, promo, and advertising plans in the works, all designed to help more readers discover my books. And if even one new reader has the kind of experience this woman did with Lovers, then every bit of effort will be worth it.

Want to Read the Book She Loved?

If you’re curious about Lovers — the novel that made a reader’s weekend (and mine!) — you can check it out here or browse all my books on my website.

Lovers is a moving, emotional story about love, loss, and the ways our lives intertwine when we least expect it. It’s a perfect read if you enjoy character-driven women’s fiction that stays with you long after the last page.

💌 If you’ve read one of my books and it touched you, please drop me a message or leave a review. You never know — your words might just make my day, too.