Tuesday, April 17, 2012

How to get a book signing; How YOU can pull in traffic.

    How can you pull in traffic?

    Before pitching a product--or book--to anyone, you need to prove they will benefit from carrying your merchandise.
    I know about this because I used to have a sewing business.  Three years ago it was the fifth largest custom clothing business in the world--isn't that a mouth-full!  But I got there by working hard, being unique and pulling in traffic.  And I found, that's how I got into Barnes and Noble.
    Here are some of my sets from way back when--before I quit sewing to pursue a writing career.

For now, let's get back to book signings.  My hands are cramping just looking at those pictures--sewing started killing my hands and I'm only twenty-nine!  Making seven to twenty-one outfits a week, well, that's bound to take its toll.

    Everyone has something special to offer, whether you're a writer who can deal a mean deck of cards at night, or a housewife who's a mathematician in training.  Somehow USE your gifts together.   I have a friend who can paint.  He went to different churches and while he talked about God, he'd paint a picture.  People never forget him.  Another friend reads her books to kids and then shows them card tricks.
    Now, before thinking about any of this, I asked for a signing at B & N five times!  They kept saying no.  Then it hit me--they had no reason to say yes.  I wouldn't pull in much traffic at that time.
    So, I set up speaking engagements at many places in the area--schools, groups of home schoolers, churches, adults dealing with loss, writing groups etc.  Anyway, if you follow this blog, you know I was terrified to even talk at an elementary assembly!  I brought my violin and it went so well I was shocked.  
    Here's the link to that video if you haven't seen it:

    After I talked at one place, I called a few bookstores and coffee shops AGAIN.  "I'm speaking at many places in the area.  It's going very well.  I'd love to pass out flyers and advertise if you'd giving me a signing at your store," I said.
    "Where are you speaking?"
    I told them about the University of Phoenix and various other places.  They double checked that my book was approved in their system and . . . yahoo, I got some signings.  I'd finally given them a reason to say yes!
    
    Tomorrow, I'd like to talk about being unique.  Now you know how to get a signing at a nice bookstore, let's talk about making that signing a success. 

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19 comments:

  1. Awesome designs, Elisa, and just as awesome advice. Just goes to show you that no matter how deep we get in this digital age, it's hard to top incredible people skills.

    I continue to scribble notes for my own upcoming signing (and reading...no idea how I'm going to pull that part off, I don't exactly write family friendly stuff :)

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  2. Your clothes are beautiful--& your models even more so! You may have doubted you'd be a success as a writer or at book signings, but I NEVER did!1

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  3. This is so interesting to hear about your journey. And I am glad to finally see some of the clothing you used to make--beautiful! Kudos!! :)

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  4. You are doing very well and gave some good advice.

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  5. Very well written article. Helped me a lot. Good luck in everything you do!

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  6. You are so very talented! Those dresses are amazing, and your music is magical.

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  7. Wow very talented indeed that was a mouthful but surely something to be proud off, not sure your fingers would agree though huh?..lol....some great advice, they need a reason and you gave them one.

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  8. I always tell my husband about your posts and he says you'll make it in whatever you decide to do because you work until you get it right! That's a huge compliment from my husband!

    I got your comment, but for some reason when I try to publish it it won't go through. Still technically challenged after all these years!

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  9. Great advice. You are one talented lady. Looking forward to tomorrow's post.

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  10. The clothes are beautiful, as are the little darlings wearing them. Your advice about getting signings is great.

    Love,
    Janie

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  11. Well conceived strategy Elisa. Be careful, you may be asked to speak to marketing students as well--your tips are wise.

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  12. Ok, beautiful clothes and great advice! Something to really think about. I love that you took initiative in a "no fear" kind of way. You are very talented!

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  13. They are some of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen and some great advice you have shared here

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  14. Great advice from a innovative lady. Good luck to you.

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  15. Truly great advice, but I must say - wow! I LOVE your dresses (especially the last one, the black/white/red). Adorable! You are very talented.

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  16. That's a great idea to take the initiative to speak at different places first and give them a reason to host your signing. Great for you!!

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  17. Oh my goodness Elisa! Those dresses are Stunning! I want some! lol :)

    I'm so proud of you and your book signings! You completely deserve it!

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  18. You are a real inspiration- way to go after your dreams! Let me know if you have any signings in San Diego, Ca, I'd love to meet you!

    ~Terri

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  19. I love how the story starts with everybody has a story an that is my favorite line when I say something to someone about themselves!!!! I also love your picture with ya'll in the field with a broken down old timer truck with you looking like a puppet an he may be the master but, somehow I think not an your energy in the picture is very strong with LOVE! Thank you so much for sharing your story an life I feel that you are happy or you would not have posted your family an it is nice to see this for a change girlie!!!!! Thanks again!!!!

    Tauna a very out going gal with 2 gr8 sons that give me that same feeling that your picture gives us!!!!

    mytauna@gmail.com

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