Many are my own, and some were suggested by other author friends. If you are selfpublishing, or even if you are being published traditionally, public events such as talks, book signings, and readings are a must. As a book signing road warrior 180 stores in 3 years, i would like to offer you a few fresh ideas to help get your campaign off. If youve written fiction, then choose a passage that is exciting and ends with a cliffhanger. Strategizing about book marketing holds little importance for authors going through a traditional book publisher.
Fletcher, shelter from the storm, noon sunday, march 28. How to organise a book signing event alliance of independent. Book stores generally want more than an author sitting behind a table. Autographing it is a plus and affords good practice if this is your debut book. If you can, include the name of the store that will be selling books they will appreciate the mention.
Aug 15, 2016 book events and signings are magical for a myriad of reasons. Offer to meet the photographer of a newspaper or magazine for coffee, as your picture will help readers recognize you at the event. I recommend before you start your book signing adventures a few books to help you hone your interpersonal skills useful when dealing with store managers and the media. You may pick up top tips and inspiration by seeing an experienced master in action or equally be given a clear lesson in what not to do, as the following example conveys.
Its tricky for an author to sign books at a reception or dinner, no matter how informal. Do put several of your books faceout when they arent looking. Toastmasters, in particular, is especially helpful in giving an impromptu speech or communication, such as is required at a book festival or signing. I also want to say that new yorked is a terrific book. The ultimate book signing checklist for authors bookbaby blog. The ultimate book signing checklist for authors bookbaby.
Tips to help you prepare for a book signing or conference, ensuring you have a stressfree, productive and fun time at your next author signing event. These are just a few examples of how you can be engaging on social media to promote your book launch event. Nov 09, 2009 in each case, backoftheroom book sales were brisk. Here are some tips for setting up bookstore signings and readings. I like to fill an attractive jar with hersheys kisses or some other small chocolate. Make sure the passage youve chosen doesnt give away any spoilers, as well. An employee from the book store can accidentally bump your arm as your autographing. You can do this through the goodreads author program, which allows you to claim your book, link your social media on your page, and post updates for your fans. Jun 10, 2019 a book signing is a great way to connect with your readers and promote your latest book. Ten tips for tackling book signingsand other helpful hints.
I thought writing the circle of friends the best part until i began making public appearances now i cherish getting out and meeting the readers. Some were short and sweet with just a name, while others had more personal inscriptions. Book signings take time, especially if the author has a large audience attending the event. At a traditional book publisher, when a book is sold in, the sales department is given information about the. Book signing event tips for selfpublished authors toughnickel. May 25, 2020 a book signing may include an inperson presentation by the author to discuss or read parts of the book, share how he came to write it, his life story, or any other topic that he or the publisher thinks will resonate with fans. Stores are more likely to accept a book signing event if you make it interactive or include a talk, reading, or presentation. Book signing event checklist get agreement in writing with any person or facility hosting the book signing. I would love to hear any tips from authors who have done book signings. Bookstores and other venues at least several months in advance.
It took me back to when i had published my first book, remembering how awkward it felt to sign copies. If youve recently completed a book and are considering having a book signing, in this video i will be sharing some tips on how to have a successful book sig. There are, however, a few tried and true tips to ensure the success of your signing and readingleading ultimately to added success for your career. Find dozens of tips for making your book signing a successful event. Ten tips for tackling book signingsand other helpful. Book signing an event larry james revised june 18, 2020 here are some tips and suggestions that have helped me increase the number of books sold at a book signing. Recently a new author asked me how she should handle autographing her books. Scholastic offers a 40% discount on books for an authors visit. I like to sign my books on the title page, which is where most books are autographed, though you can also sign the inside cover. Times writers, as well as a performance by the usc trojan marching band. For book authors, readings any event or appearance where youll also be signing books can be an important part of your book marketing campaign.
As an author, a book signing is one of the rare times youll come facetoface with actual human beings who want to read your book. Consider the ideal location, number of guests, and atmosphere you want to create. Organizing and delivering a book signing day can be daunting. Some were short and sweet with just a name, while others had. Tips for successful book talks, events, and signings. How to host a successful book signing westbow press. Be sure to eat before the event begins to avoid getting hangry. Noe shares tips and tricks for authors preparing for book signing events. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare to autograph your books. You must realize that signings and book readings or presentations will rarely exceed your expectations and hardly ever meet your highest goals. Learn how to capture the attention of readers at book signings, conventions, and other live author events by utilizing the tips in this post.
Mar 02, 2016 make sure to bring a good pen for signing books. Consider your appearance to be a dramatic performance from the moment you walk through the door. Each book store has its own distinctive personality. I also thought about my first businessa bookstorewhere we flipped through used books in search of autographs the equivalent of a literary jackpot. What to talk about at your book signing speaking tips for. Jack carr the devils hand author talk book signing central. Hey, knock yourself out, invite the neighbors and anyone else you like. One great way to tell the world about your book is to meet them in person at a book signing event. Oct 10, 2018 before you host your book launch party, read these 10 tips to ensure you make the most of the event. Give them a special invitation to attend your book signing, and if you are in town to do a keynote or seminar, invite them to attend at no charge. Some authors like the intimacy and accessibility that their own home provides. Provide a sample chapter and author information to your local newspaper, magazine and radio station and ask for an interview before your book signing. Apr 29, 2016 the most important ingredient to a successful book signing in foot traffic.
This article will give you four easy steps to hosting your own book signing. I often will also put the books of my author friends faceout. Only once did i have a reading signing at which nobody showed up. How to make book signing events more engaging by bridgitte. Tips to ensure your book signing is a success author. Jul 02, 2015 i know from experience that these 11 tips are crucial for a successful signing. Jun 16, 2020 having raffles going throughout the event for a free book is a great way to continuously create excitement during an event. When the bookstore owner walked out in front of the audience to introduce the author, you could have heard a pin drop. Waiting in your seat before the event begins is a given. How to host a book signing event designing and implementing a marketing plan can be a selfpublished authors worst nightmare or dream come true. Go traditional and read a passage or three from your book this idea works well regardless of the type of book you have written.
Saturday, san marco books and more, 1971 san marco ave. Keep in mind that every piece of your marketing plan must be a strategic way to tell the public about you and your book. Signup sheet having a signup sheet is an excellent way to grow your mailing list. If you are looking for places to have your book signing event, you are not alone. How to have a successful book signing event youtube. May 24, 2015 to help you hone your signing process as your selfpublishing career advances, attend other authors book signing events whenever you can. Use the 10 tips in this checklist for selfpublished authors to ensure your book signing event is a success. Once all the seats were taken, adults stood in corners and children squeezed in between chairs on the floor. In the authors guide to planning book events, awardwinning author and accomplished book event coordinator carol hoenig provides the knowhow to show authors how tofind and choose the perfect venueplan an event for optimum resultsbuild on each success to reach more readershoenig has worked with hundreds of successful authors and book. Jun 12, 20 theres nothing wrong with throwing yourself a party. After youve made the decision to host a book signing event, the first step is to choose a venue. That means a pen that doesnt smear or bleed through the pages. Provide fans with a hashtag for promoting your new book. Fortunately, the bookstore staffers were more mortified, and i didnt take it too personally.
You can consider incoporating the below into your book launch party activities as well. Your position when planning an event is to sell to the public that you are the author, this is the book and here is where you can find it. As writers, we sometimes need to step outside of the internet and be social. While there are no hardandfast industry standards for these events, we at selfpublishing relief have put together a practical checklist to maximize the fan base appeal and marketing potential of your next selfpublished book signing event. At a signing in tucson, i sold more books in the extra 30 minutes after the signing than in the previous two hours. Keep up to date with all uk book signings and events. Alli author member eileen omosa explains how to organize a book signing. No matter the size of the audience, you have to be on. Mar 04, 2016 frenchbased british indie author shares her top tips on how to set up and run a successful exhibition stand to promote your selfpublished books, at book fairs, local markets, literary festivals and other events. In some cases, you may want to sign the front cover, though this is rare and would probably only be appropriate for a coffee table book or something that will be on display. Folt along with surprise appearances by favorite l. As recommended in the excellent bookpromotion reference, 1001 ways to market your books, bookstores arent the only places to schedule an event. Use twitter hashtags for events, news, promotions, etc.
As a book signing road warrior 180 stores in 3 years, i would like to offer you a few fresh ideas to help get your campaign off the ground. Even if the signing is in an unfamiliar place, friends of friends might help spread the word. Ive held book signings in shopping mall aisles, super markets, festivals anywhere i can get foot traffic. Take a quick audience tally of their favorite chapter, scene, character, etc. Arrange for a space for autographing and selling books. Organizing book signings, readings and public appearances is a vital element of an author s marketing campaign as well as an influencer on the author s level of success. As any author will tell you, goodreads is a major hub for the literary community, so get your books and author profile on there as soon as you can. Here are some tips and suggestions that have helped me increase the number of books sold at a book signing. Heres our ultimate book signing checklist so you can be prepared for your big moment. Its better to overestimate the expected guest list and have books left over than the other way around. Book signing table ideas book launch party, book release. May 30, 2014 8 essentials tips for a successful book reading by a selfpublished author by judy croome provides selfpublished authors with some great tips for holding live author events. Promotional materials for the event should mention the book signing in addition to the talk. For authors, a book signing is the rockstar event one of the rare times that youll come facetoface with a.
Feb 08, 2016 things to bring to your book signing chocolate food will draw people to your table, and can help keep their attention. Have posters of your book along with images of you to display at the venue. Books, blogs, authors and more archive miscellaneous. Apr 23, 2019 put the signing on your author website, promote it on your facebook page, tweet it to your followers. The author sat in a corner of the bookstore behind the signing table, and watched patrons buy her book and fill seats. Yes, the giant retailer sells almost 200 million physical books a year and regularly conducts author events in its stores, but these book events seem to cater only to published authors. Oct 23, 2018 if speaking in public is intimidating to you, patricia fry, author of 72 books, suggests going to toastmasters or some other local networkingspeaking group and see what you can learn.
Remember to send them a promotional copy of your book. One of the biggest mistakes a new author could make is to not bring enough books to a launch event. Apr 17, 2015 from rc bridgestock most authors write in isolation, therefore to represent themselves at a book signing is not something they relish. Mar 30, 2018 the author sat in a corner of the bookstore behind the signing table, and watched patrons buy her book and fill seats. You should come to your book launch prepared with signature note ideas in mind for the books you will sign. Bring a buddy to the event if you can, bring a friend or relative to a book signing. Tips for successful book talks, events, and signings joanne. Author events, book signings, virtual events and more. Its better to be early to an event instead of being late. Ask for a w9 and any other forms your school may need from your author to process their reimbursement enough in advance for you to provide their honorarium check on the day of the appearance. Bookmarks are a great gift and a great way get someone else interested in your book. Mar 10, 2016 this pin was discovered by julie jenny. Anywhere people are in number is a good place for a book signing.
Eleven tips for a successful book signing litreactor. Now available on amazon, sandra durhams memoir, from the gutter to gods pulpit. What to talk about at your book signing speaking tips. Practice your signature and think about what kinds of things you want to write beforehand, so that you dont freeze up when people suddenly line up all around the bookstore to get your signature. Waiting on a line for your book to be signed will also occur. Book signing tips and how tos for beginners book riot. Do call the radio and tv stations no less than a month in advance and request an interview the week of the signing. You can also gift things like bookmarks and posters with book purchases. Let them know you are an author interested in a signing event and highlight that you are local or have a connection that will draw their local. Mar 05, 2017 its tricky for an author to sign books at a reception or dinner, no matter how informal. Feb 19, 2019 book signings take time, especially if the author has a large audience attending the event.
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