Blogger: Kathleen Y’Barbo, Publicist
Location: The Woodlands, Texas PR Office
Weather: Warm and sunny
Part 1 -What makes a good signing?
Book signings! Love ’em or hate ’em? What unpublished author doesn’t dream of long lines and cramped wrists as book after book is signed, stickered, and delivered to the check-out? Contrast that with what happens to many of us: sparse turnout, standing around looking uncomfortable and, the worst: giving directions to the bathroom mulitple times.
The reality is, most book signings don’t garner around-the-block lines even if you are a best-seller. What constitutes a good signing is up for debate, but I would offer that if you sell out of stock, it went extremely well. Even selling most of the books on hand is a good thing. If you’re asked to sign the remaining stock, a bonus! Why? Because a signed book is an non-returnable book. Spend the time and ask about singing what’s left else you risk the excess book going back to the publisher. If you do make this offer, I suggest bringing your own “Autographed copy” stickers to indicate to purchasers that the books have been signed. Many bookstores have their own, but not all do.
Before a signing can be a success, it has to be scheduled. Often this responsibility falls to the author. I’m an advocate of going in to speak directly to the manager or community relations person if at all possible. Bringing a plate of cookies or some sort of gift is an option though I’m not convinced it makes a huge difference in getting onto the calendar. I prefer to save those sorts of things for visits where I’m not looking for something from them. It feels more personal that way, sort of a “thank you” rather than a “please.”
As you search for stores to sign in, consider doing more than just calling the local Christian bookstores – though I strongly suggest you start there. Consider places where your book might sell and call or visit. Think outside the box. Perhaps your book is set at a bed and breakfast. Consider booking a few signings at these locations. Maybe you write historicals. Call your local antiques dealer and see if he or she is interested in doing an event. (By the way, I’ve had great signings at both of these locations.)
So, be bold and make those plans to sign books. Give yourself enough time to properly promote the event, and be sure to tell your publishing house. Next week, I’ll talk more about the planning and preparation that goes into a successful book signing. Until then, I would love to hear about your book signings. Did you find a unique place to sell books? Have you had a stellar event where books flew off the shelves? Do tell!
Oh, and those dream signings with the miles-long queue of adoring fans? Sure, they’re possible. The bad news is, even if you do everything right, you still may be asked where the bathroom is.
I’m an optomistic person, so I’ve saved your tips in a file for the day when I’m published!
I’ll be honest. Most of my signings have been lousy. But, I never solicit for the signings, that’s usually done by another author. I’ve only done group signings. The first was at a multicultural bookstore in Silver Spring Maryland (which has closed). Only a handful of people showed up, and I sold maybe, one or two books.
The next was at an African American writers festival at the University Of Maryland. I didn’t sell any books that day.
I participated in the ACFW signing at the Mall of America last year. That signing got a lot of traffic – because there were so many authors. I think I sold four or five books.
I also had a group signing last Christmas at a mall in Baltimore. I believe I sold eight books.
I’ve found more success finding people to buy my books using my internet marketing skills.
Hi Kathleen,
Our local library hosts author events all of the time. I live in a small town, and we also host readings/signings at our local coffee cafe. I’ve found that there are bigger crowds when at least three authors join forces. It also makes those “awkward moments” less awkward.
And answering that question cheerfully might bring a person back to the table. (Authors sitting at tables can appear a little unapproachable, I think.)
Thanks for the tips, esp. about thinking outside the box about locations! You got me thinking!
Enjoyed the post! Made me think of the infamous “That there’s a real live arthur comment!” from the guy pointing in my face for his child’s benefit.
And of *course* he didn’t want a book. LOL.
Had to laugh when I remembered a book sale (though not a signing) where someone from my hometown passed my booth, did a double-take, came back and marveled, “It IS you, but didn’t know you WERE anybody!”
🙂 I’m not… 🙂