Here in Portland, Powells will have big-name authors such as Charlaine Harris come speak at a special venue, like a theatre, and charge the prices of the book as admission.
I don’t really think this is such a bad idea. As a speaker, I know I get treated much better when I charge than when I speak for free. Right now, bookstore events don’t feel particularly special. Having to pay a little bit to see an author might make it feel like more of an event.
Read more here.