Are you planning a book signing event? It can be a wonderful opportunity to get the word out on an author or authors, or it can be a miserable failure. So, what makes it a success? A successful book signing event allows the author to get the word out on what kind of books he or she writes, but more than anything it gives the author a chance to sell himself or herself as a person. Don’t ever underestimate that part of it. Inevitably, you will find an event that tells you to sit in a room with 20 other authors and smile at everyone who walks by. Perhaps you have an opportunity to chat with some, but in no way do you have a concerted opportunity to present a cogent speech on who you are and what you write. If you are fortunate to have an event that lets you speak before the group of attendees, ABSOLUTELY take advantage of that. Make sure it is a quiet environment (I’ve done them where a dozen authors are talking simultaneously in the same echoing room, and it ain’t pretty.) Let them know who you are. Remember, you are selling yourself as much as you are selling your book! Tell them about what you write, who you are as a person, and read a selection. Make sure you have a good fifteen minutes to do all this. Anything shorter will be much less effective.
Invest in some posters or signs and whatever else is unique and attracts people to your table…even if you are the only presenter!! Consider a book giveaway (and other items) contest to those who attend, and make that well known in your advertising. Also, make sure you have plenty of small items to give to anyone who stops at your table, whether they are your advertising bookmarks, candy in a dish, or a short story handout of yours. Also, make sure you have a sheet that encourages folks to sign up for announcements of your book releases and special events. Finally, recognize that you need to advertise the event in every way possible. Don’t rely on organizers and hosts. Bookstores and libraries spend a limited amount putting the word out. You need to do the guerrilla marketing attack by posting your own posters in every possible venue that allows that and in the newspapers. Tell all your Facebook friends, use your Twitter and Pinterest accounts, and notify your church and friends at work…you get the picture. It will pay off, and trust me, you’ll enjoy the experience more if you do it this way. Happy Writing!
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Greg
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