In this insightful and often hilarious solo episode, Xeroforhire recounts his experience at his first official book event at Baxter County Library in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Drawing on his roots in the music scene, he compares the author table setup to running a merch booth at a concert—minus the concert.The episode becomes a full-on masterclass for indie authors, covering everything from table setup and sales strategies to theological landmines and interacting with strangers. With practical tips and raw anecdotes, Xeroforhire explores how to:* Roleplay your setup and sales process in advance* Handle cash, digital, and card payments* Use QR codes and DIY graphics for book promotion* Develop one-sentence pitches for each book* Read a room full of strangers without losing your nerve or your convictions* Navigate occultic and ideological tension with spiritual discernment* Understand the psychology behind smut sales, trauma memoirs, and identity politics* Respond with grace and clarity when confronted by awkward questions or weird vibesThe episode closes with a reflection on the need for preparation—not just logistical, but spiritual and emotional—as well as a teaser for a future discussion with a couple who run a kid-friendly entertainment brand and merch table together.If you’re an indie author thinking about doing your first event, this is required listening.🕰️ Timestamps* 00:00:00 – Intro and arrival at the Baxter County book event* 00:01:50 – Visual description of the event layout and author tables* 00:03:11 – Importance of roleplaying your setup and interactions* 00:04:20 – Cash payment logistics and how much change to bring* 00:06:58 – Digital payment considerations (CashApp, Venmo, QR codes)* 00:08:01 – Credit card setup (Square, etc.) and mock sales flow* 00:09:16 – Making QR codes with Brave Browser for each book* 00:12:00 – Printing and displaying QR codes professionally* 00:14:44 – Differentiating pricing for table vs. Amazon vs. digital* 00:15:59 – Free magazine strategy for building engagement* 00:16:46 – Interpreting customer interest and genre alignment* 00:20:05 – One-line book pitches for each title (Utopia, Shadow, City Voices)* 00:21:22 – Discussing intended audience, YA trauma books, and disclaimers* 00:23:01 – Table accessories: candy, toys, props, and interactive elements* 00:23:38 – Signing books: etiquette, preparation, and bookplates* 00:25:07 – Networking with other authors and strange reader interactions* 00:27:02 – Importance of sincerity when exchanging cards or links* 00:27:42 – Why every author should be able to look someone in the eye and explain their book* 00:28:50 – Religious and ideological tension at public events* 00:30:00 – Story of the “shaman warthog” children’s book and spiritual discernment* 00:33:02 – LGBTQ identity politics, women’s fiction as a genre, and content categorization* 00:34:44 – Trauma-themed self-help books vs. wholesome memoirs* 00:35:16 – Defending your story without getting defensive (AI accusations, Christian affiliation)* 00:39:23 – When (and whether) to push your ideology* 00:40:30 – Book table environments as spiritual battlegrounds* 00:41:17 – The “girl bangs the wolf” trope and historical smut commentary* 00:42:15 – Becoming a better conversationalist through friction* 00:43:01 – Wrap-up and plans for a future episode with professional merch friends This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe