Book signing seems like a rite of passage as an author, don’t they? Today we will visit some key points about book signings and what you can take away from them. Why do one even if you're an introvert? How much might it cost you to put one on? What do besides read your book out loud? What if no one shows up? Should I do more than one book signing? Remember that this is always a learning experience and even if your first one doesn’t go off the way you wanted, make notes and try again.
What is a book signing?
One day I walked into a big chain bookstore and saw a man sitting at a table near the entrance dressed nice a sign displayed on the table next to him featuring a book cover. He appeared lonely and forlorn sitting there with a stack of books and a sign of his only company as he sat there watching people come and go from the bookstore. You knew instantly this was an author doing a book signing.
Essentially, a book signing is an opportunity for an author to share their book, sign books and mingle with the public where they are new readers or fans.
Why consider doing one?
It’s a way to network and meet potential readers. You can meet and mingle with fans and learn what they like about your books.
How do you find out where you can do one?
Be creative for searching for locations for book signings. Ask yourself some simple questions first.
Do you have any locally owned book stores or chains?
Are there any local events, fairs, farmers’ markets, etc. that you might do a book signing at?
Are their special locations in the book that you might do a book event at?
Does your local library offer author events?
What will it cost you?
This will vary depending on the location. Some local events, fairs, farmers’ markets will charge you for a table or booth fee.
Some local libraries will also charge you to host events.
Some major book store chains will charge you to host an event as well.
Your best bet is to call around early and make a budget and pick places you like.
I was lucky and the bookstore I hosted at didn’t charge so my cost was $0. I checked inside to see if they had a special drink. They wanted me to push for them on social media posts and to interested parties to help the cafe inside the bookstore.
What do you do besides maybe read your book and sign books?
I did a sign the guest book and prize drawing.
Walked around and mingled.
Made a behind-the-scenes vlog for my subscribers.
I also Facebook lived my book reading.
What do you do when no one shows up?
Don’t get discouraged.
Bring helpers and chat with them about the book this will often excite others to come over.
Have a interesting table set up to entice people to come see what is going on.
Should you do more than one?
Yes, pushing your book after launch week is a great idea. Get out in your community. People love to know that they have a local author. Check out some of those fairs, events, and farmers’ markets year round.
I would love to hear about your book signing moments or questions. Just comment below or email me.
If you would like to keep up to date on events and more surrounding my books, check it out here.
What to look forward in next weeks blog post?
Guest Blog from The Unorganized Writer
End of Q1! What happens next?!
The Foreigner with Jackie Chan
Awesome check it out!
Check these books out
What I’m working on now?
Resting up for the last few days of March before Camp NaNoWriMo
Upcoming Events
Book club meeting tonight at 5pm Central time at On the Wings for Writers Discord Server
Writing Retreat 1-3rd
1st Wednesday 6
Writing Workshop TBA 2nd Weekend
Live Critique Read 13
Book club Meeting 27
Send in your recipes for next years Raven’s Cookbook for charity before the 28th.
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