Wednesday, April 18, 2012

How to Get a Book Signing; Entertain the Crowd!

Being a homeless street musician in Hawaii taught me three things. . . . 
     Sleeping under a cold park bench in the rain--even with the one you love--well, that sucks.
    "Homeless Park," as the locals call it, is actually even more dangerous than I once thought.
    AND, last but not least, when you're starving and just need one dollar and six cents to buy a big mac (which was on sale at the moment of my demise) it's time to entertain people and pray for money.  Because if one thing seems to be true, it's that people like to be entertained.


    So, what does this have to do with my "How to Get a Book Signing Series?"  Well, the first two things serve only to intrigue you since my newest book--the story of why I ran away to Hawaii--is coming out this Saturday!  It's my shameless plug--gotta love those.  Click here to add "Bible Girl" to your to-read list: 

Photobucket



    The last thing, though, about entertainment, that's what will make your signing a success.  What's the point of going through all the effort to get a signing AND a turnout, if you won't make it worth everyone's time?
    I won't preach to you about what to do and not to do.  Let me just tell you about my humble experience because it made me happy--just like this shirt AND that poster B & N made (how awesome is that; it's bigger than my face and everything)!
Photobucket

    Whenever a kid from an assembly came to the table, I talked to them for a while.  Cade and I gave them a free CD of our music and then played them a song.  I hope it's something they'll always remember and cherish.  This was a moment for me to impact their lives.  I could give them something fun to always hold dear--something they won't easily forget.  I hope that moment will remind them that they matter.  Maybe they'll even remember my words about pursuing dreams--after all, many people said I'd never be a writer, let alone get a signing!
    
    I talked to a bunch of kids about the Tooth Fairy since my picture book is called "How to Lose a Tooth."  I hope those kids will get loads of money when the fairy visits them because I actually sold out of this book at the signing.
Photobucket

   When people talked to me about my memoir, I answered any questions they asked about Zeke--his life and his death.  I even cried with one woman who lost a daughter.  She traveled quite far just to meet me and that meant so much.   
    I wanted it to be special for every person, and you know what, it became even more special for me.  I knew if they were willing to visit my table--I wanted to entertain them and give them something worth seeing.

    I'm still amazed with how well the music aspect went.  If things got slow, we simply played a song and people surrounded the table!  It was awesome. 


    Looking at the success from Friday's signing and things I'll do again, I've decided . . .

    #1 I'll continue talking and advertising at assemblies and other speaking events.

    and . . .

    #2 Cade and I will always entertain the kind people who come to meet us.  


    If I can give you any further advice, I'd like to say, Have fun!  Being an author, finally landing that coveted signing, that's special.  Make it special for everyone else, too.  Maybe you're in this place for a reason.  This is your time to bless others!


   If you'd like to sponsor my upcoming book launch, please go HERE.

For info about my signing schedule, please click THIS
  


    Well, Melynda and I are off to talk at another school today.  It should be fun.  We have a big signing on 4/28 to prepare for.

22 comments:

  1. Sounds like the type of signing I would love to go to but I would love to have one of your books signed for me.........

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We might go to Idaho, Nevada and California in the next few months. If I can make it to your part of the US, that would be so fun to meet you!

      Delete
  2. This looks like the kind of book I should get my daughter, she is so scared of losing her baby teeth. Had to chase her down this friday past to get a tooth that I was scared might fall out during the night and choke her. LOL. Where can I buy a copy of "How to lose a tooth"?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope she'll love the book if you get it ;) Here's that link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_box_?k=how+to+lose+a+tooth+Stilson

      Delete
  3. I think this is fabulous advice, Elisa. A book signing, especially for an indie, shouldn't just be a "To my biggest fan...blah blah blah" thing. It should be all about relating and talking and getting to know people a little bit.

    Sadly, I am musically inept, but since I'll be doing a reading at my first one I figure maybe I'll throw in a little extra dramatic flare. Cue the fake blood! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. First of all, your header today is awesome. It is always great when we can see your beautiful smiling face and being next to your hubby makes it even more special. I have no doubt that your audiences are entertained since I have seen and heard you play. Being multi-talented has got to be a plus. Always know that you are so appreciated and admired for all you do. Keep on keeping on girl.
    Odie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congrats on your continuing success, and may your enthusiasm never wane! I like the new look of your blog today, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like you make them quite entertaining, that is awesome. Sure they love it and it's a great way to go about it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. And it helps to be smart, a really good writer, & adorable. You've been rocking it all.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are so smart! People love to be entertained. It sounds like your book signing was a blast. I have never had anyone play music for me at a book signing before. Having fun with the audience and fans is awesome. What a beautiful picture, too! :)

    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awesome new look--& I agree with everyone--especially FRANKANDMARY!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love your new look, and you know how much I love your new book =) As always, you are Awesome Elisa. Putting your giveaway link on my page. BTW, These new series of yours are great. Not always commenting, but sneaking around in here always.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good job. Pat Conroy would approve of you strategery.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good advice. Music draws people in right away. Smiles and laughter, honesty and tears do, too. It is no surprise to me that you did well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. You come up with the greatest ideas....I'm convinced you are a natural entertainer! I'm going over to buy Bible Girl! Sounds very interesting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the part you said about making it worth everyone's time to come to a signing. Great advice!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I really appreciate how you really try to communicate with the people showing up to your book signing.. and not just be there to literally just sign books. I think it shows you're sincere and you genuinely appreciate them coming out to go to your book signing. I think all writers should pick up on that kind of attitude towards their readers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for your publication. One other thing is the fact that individual American states have
    their very own laws of which affect householders, which makes it
    quite difficult for the the nation's lawmakers to come up with a whole new set of rules concerning home foreclosure on property owners. The problem is that every state has own legal guidelines which may have interaction in an adverse manner with regards to foreclosure guidelines.
    Stop by my blog best online dating sites

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for your publication. One other thing is
    the fact that individual American states have their very own laws of which affect householders, which makes it quite difficult
    for the the nation's lawmakers to come up with a whole new set of rules concerning home foreclosure on property owners. The problem is that every state has own legal guidelines which may have interaction in an adverse manner with regards to foreclosure guidelines.
    My webpage: best online dating sites

    ReplyDelete