Woot! I'm signing books in Costco. During the last week I have been able to participate in the most iconic of author events—the book signing tour. Arranged by my publisher, Cedar Fort, I have been fortunate enough to setup and sign books in the local Costco stores. Today will be my third signing in Arizona and
arrangements are being made for a week of signings in
Utah next month.
The experience is probably a little different for debut novelists than it is for more established authors simply because they have a chance that fans of their previous books will stop by and visit. However, I suspect that the basics are the same. And I’m going to share a little bit of what I learned.
arrangements are being made for a week of signings in
Utah next month.
The experience is probably a little different for debut novelists than it is for more established authors simply because they have a chance that fans of their previous books will stop by and visit. However, I suspect that the basics are the same. And I’m going to share a little bit of what I learned.
Singing a book for Linda Take someone with you. I don’t remember where I got this advice, but it was
right on the money. Having a friend along will not only help you to loosen up so you can greet the customers with greater ease, but they can act as your assistant. You need to focus on connecting with the people in the store. A helpful friend can let you do that while handling all of the other tasks that need to be done.
Get a poster with your picture on it. It wasn’t until after my first signing that I understood the wisdom of this advice. I thought that pasting my image on a poster was an unnecessary bit of vanity. In reality, it informs the people walking by that there is an author on the premise ready and willing to sign their books. Very few people knew that I was an author. I have no doubt that more of them would have stopped and talked to me if they realized that I had written the book on the table in front of me. Even if that was for no other reason that to tell their friends that they had spoken with a real live person
of interest.
right on the money. Having a friend along will not only help you to loosen up so you can greet the customers with greater ease, but they can act as your assistant. You need to focus on connecting with the people in the store. A helpful friend can let you do that while handling all of the other tasks that need to be done.
Get a poster with your picture on it. It wasn’t until after my first signing that I understood the wisdom of this advice. I thought that pasting my image on a poster was an unnecessary bit of vanity. In reality, it informs the people walking by that there is an author on the premise ready and willing to sign their books. Very few people knew that I was an author. I have no doubt that more of them would have stopped and talked to me if they realized that I had written the book on the table in front of me. Even if that was for no other reason that to tell their friends that they had spoken with a real live person
of interest.
Me and Briana Stand and smile. I have been to my share of trade shows and know from my experience on both sides of the table that those
people who stand and smile attract a lot more visitors than those who sit and wait for
people to stop and talk to them. It’s the difference between a joyous invitation to participate and solemn warning to be
left alone. At least, that is how it appears to your potential customers.
Say hi. You’ll be surprised at the results. At each of my signings I sold books to people
who had barely looked in my direction. A friendly greeting, literally, turned them back around and after a fun discussion with them, they bought The Gathering.
people who stand and smile attract a lot more visitors than those who sit and wait for
people to stop and talk to them. It’s the difference between a joyous invitation to participate and solemn warning to be
left alone. At least, that is how it appears to your potential customers.
Say hi. You’ll be surprised at the results. At each of my signings I sold books to people
who had barely looked in my direction. A friendly greeting, literally, turned them back around and after a fun discussion with them, they bought The Gathering.
Rick chose to have his picture taken with Lucy. That’s enough author tips for the day. The important thing about my
book signings is that I had the chance to meet all sorts of
interesting people. This is the moment I had dreamed about as
a wannabe author. All of the slow moments and effort that goes into
meeting new people is worth it when one of them stops and takes an
interest in my book.
If you get a chance, I hope you will stop by one of my signings and say hi.
book signings is that I had the chance to meet all sorts of
interesting people. This is the moment I had dreamed about as
a wannabe author. All of the slow moments and effort that goes into
meeting new people is worth it when one of them stops and takes an
interest in my book.
If you get a chance, I hope you will stop by one of my signings and say hi.
Me and Marvin Last minute addition: I didn’t have time to post this
before I left for today’s book signing and am glad that I had to wait. Because, it gives me the
opportunity to talk about my
new friend—Earl.
Earl stopped by and told me that he had already read the book and liked it. Well, color me surprised. Not that he liked it, but that within the week that The Gathering has been out someone has already read it and had time to come down from Salt Lake City and tell
me about it. Alright, he didn’t make the trip to Arizona just to tell me he liked the
book. It just happened to be a happy coincidence that he was in Costco while I was doing the signing. The important thing is that I received my first, in-person feedback on the
novel. Earl said his favorite part of the book was the questions in the back.
Thanks, Earl. It was a pleasure to meet you.
before I left for today’s book signing and am glad that I had to wait. Because, it gives me the
opportunity to talk about my
new friend—Earl.
Earl stopped by and told me that he had already read the book and liked it. Well, color me surprised. Not that he liked it, but that within the week that The Gathering has been out someone has already read it and had time to come down from Salt Lake City and tell
me about it. Alright, he didn’t make the trip to Arizona just to tell me he liked the
book. It just happened to be a happy coincidence that he was in Costco while I was doing the signing. The important thing is that I received my first, in-person feedback on the
novel. Earl said his favorite part of the book was the questions in the back.
Thanks, Earl. It was a pleasure to meet you.
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