I have come up with a list of advice…
(of course feel free to correct or add to the list)
Prior to signing check out the store …
do they have any posters or fliers announcing the event…
Let the local paper know you’ll be signing books, maybe they have someone that wants to come to the event take a picture …
do an interview…
On the big day arrive 15 to 20 minutes early…
bring a camera (to snap your picture with the manager) –
bring small token of appreciation… flowers, chocolate…
Dress in layers in case you end up freezing…
Be approachable…
I guess that’s where taking off the layers would come into play…
Bring friends…and give aways…or give away your friends…
Potential customers are always shyer that the author…
So try to make them feel comfortable…
Smile…
(imagine everyone with their clothes off – until you start laughing
– than redress the customers in layers)
Have friends, family acquaintance stop by
and fondle and gush over your books…
create a little buzz…
if you can’t find friends to show up…maybe a flashing blue light…
a blue light to customers is like a bug zapper to insects…
just can’t stay away.
Offer anyone passing by a friendly hello
and a book marker or flyer a postcard
with you book cover on the front…(try not to stare
if you are still imagining them running around
in their birthday suits)
If the book store has a coffee shop…
place your book or table tents advertising your book signing….
Include an excerpt…
Also arrange to have your book displayed at the cash register.
Have people sign-up for a drawing or a raffle…
have people sign up for a mailing list…
Entice them closer to your table
with the scent of chocolate…
any food should do…
(After all it works for Costco to offer free samples)
When they approach your table
hand them your book when you introduce yourself.
People are too shy to pick up a book,
but if you hand them one, they will start to flip through it…
maybe start reading it…
maybe even buy it.
If you have a great reviews…
show them off in a frame or plaque and place it on your table…
have some of the reviews printed that you can hand off to customers…
Have Fun and Remember You are Living The Dream…
You Wrote a Book…
You Get to Sign Your Name…
Where to sign?
Title page - this is usually a facing page
(i.e. right hand side), and it usually only has the
book's title printed on it.
What to sign?
If you know the name of the owner of the book,
a brief personalized note is nice…
remember to correctly spell their name…
When my childrens story Nothing At All was published
it was fun to write…
I hope you enjoy ‘Nothing At All’
Christine Columbus
And you can always sign with the standard…
Enjoy the read,
Happy reading,
Or have the customer do the work…
have half sheet fliers with your picture of you
and your book cover…
For a personalize book please print the name
you would like inscribed with a brief message…
ie Happy Birthday…Happy Anniversary… Thank you…etc
