How to Have a Successful Book-Signing/Author Event

·         Author Events are usually booked months in advance. Decide when you wish to have an event. Double check your schedule and give dates/times that you will be available. This makes it easier to schedule and confirm quickly.

·         List the event on your own website. Contact local newspapers to promote your event if the store does not.

·         Follow up with the store event organizer to make sure they will have plenty of stock of your books in the store. Do this at least 2 weeks before, never the night before or the day of the event. Stores may order directly from Midpoint Trade Books or from a distributor such as Ingram or Baker & Taylor. Orders should be placed at least 1 month prior to the event.

·         Each store organizes an author event differently. Some stores will be willing to print fliers, place newspaper ads and advertise. Always ask before you agree to let the store do any promoting if there is a charge. If what the store is doing is not adequate it is up to you to organize with fliers, newspaper ads and promote yourself. 2 weeks before the event it is up to either you or the store (whoever is handling the promotion) to have fliers featuring the date and time of the signing.  Ask the store to dedicate an end cap or place your book in a prominent place with signage. If the store has a website...do they have the event on their website? If they have a newsletter...did they promote thru their newsletter? Does the community know you will be there and that this event is happening?

·         Rehearse Your Lines- Mirror rehearsal will teach timing and eye contact...speech and body language will become more natural and self-assured. Big visibility tip...Smile! 

·         The day of the event make sure you bring 100 business cards with your website on them, fliers that feature blurbs and reviews that you have received, some bottled water and a name tag that says author w/ the title of your book or photo of the cover.

·         Arrive early- Get acclimated, schmooze and network to gain visibility before the event. Meet and greet the customers rather than sit in the corner. Introduce yourself to every employee in the bookstore. Shake their hands and give them a brief synopsis of your book and let them know you will be there for a few hours. Bring donuts or pizza for the staff and they will champion your books for life! If the staff really likes you they may pass out fliers or recommend your book to patrons, even after you leave.

·         Try to get a table in the front of the store. I suggest you negotiate this before the day of the event to help things run smoothly the day of the event. Make sure your books are arranged in an attractive manner. Put out your fliers and business cards. Bring plenty of pens.

·         It is very important that you recruit your following. It is recommended that you bring your own following of 30-50 people. Gather family, friends and acquaintances and invite them to your event. Even if the event has been heavily advertised and publicized.

·         Many times stores can make in-store announcements (most big chains can). Ask if they can announce you every half-hour, or if you can make the announcements yourself: "Today we have a local author, Joan Smith signing her book "The Quiet Summer". I encourage everyone to come and say hello. Autographed books make a great gift for family, friends or for yourself."

·         If a customer does buy a copy, be genuinely grateful. Thank the customer and ask to whom he'd like the book personalized. Always ask the buyers to spell their names. Then thank them again, shake hands again and smile!

·         Rejection is part of the game. Even after hearing you speak about your book some people still won't be interested. Hand out a business card signed and ask that they pass it on or purchase a book as a gift for someone who is a fan of your kind of book.

·         When it is time to leave once again thank the booksellers. If you don't sell every copy, ask the bookseller first if it is ok to sign the remaining stock and affix stickers that say "signed by the author". Make sure you bring these stickers with you.

·         Signed books do well over the holidays, even if you don't have an official author event. Always call the store and ask if you can drop into a local book store to sign your book that they stock.

·         Don't worry. No matter how much you do, how hard you try; luck still plays a huge part in success.

·         There is no reason a book-signing has to be an unsuccessful event. An author event is the cheapest and most effective way to connect with your readers. Your name is on the book and the more you get involved the more successful your book will be. It's necessary to work hard, but that doesn't guarantee anything.

·         Remember this...

o   Each book you sell at the author event is a book that would not have sold without your efforts.

o   Each person you meet is likely to talk about your book to other potential readers.

o   Each reader who becomes a fan and will be a fan for life!

o   Each bookseller you befriend will sell your books for days, weeks and even years after you have gone.