Monday, April 16, 2012

How to get a book signing

    I just had my second book signing.  It was my first signing at Barnes and Noble.  I'm sooo excited to tell you, it was such a success that the manager said she'll have me back anytime.  She also gave me her personal number so I can use it as a reference.  One of the employees told me that I sold more copies in that store than any other local author he'd seen!
    So, after I got the book signing, messages started pouring in from other authors.  "How did you get a signing?"  "How did it go?"  "Do you have any advice for me?"
    I'm just starting my journey with all of this, but I'll share what I've discovered.  Here goes.

    Now you have a finished book.  It's been polished to perfection.  You've read it so many times you think your eyes might fall from your face.  All of the typos are gone and several other readers and editors agree that it's ready.  You have an amazing cover and are published, this is the time to think about signings.

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    The first step is to get your book into the store you'd like to sign at.  Many places have a customer service number.  Barnes and Noble as well as Costco associates can give you information about submitting your book for review.  It's much like submitting to a publisher. 
   If it's a smaller local place, you might consider making a visit and talking personally with the owner or manager of the bookstore/coffee shop.  Some places might want to buy copies or discuss consignment options.  If you're a very new author, they might talk to you about selling copies only during the signing.

BUT! Before you do all of this, you need to think about something. . . .
    What will motivate the bookstore to work with you?  How will they benefit if you do a signing at their store?  This is business.  If you're a published author, you need to think of yourself as a professional.  They want to make money and pull new customers in.  If you're like me--and not a big name--you'll have to do some extra work to attract those customers.

    I'll write more about this tomorrow.  But I wanted to get you thinking.  How could you personally pull in traffic?  Everyone has something special to offer.  What could make you stand out?  If you'd like to write a book or have written one, who is your primary audience? 

More on this tomorrow, and what I did to show the bookstores I could pull in traffic. . . 

For info about my signing schedule, please go HERE
 

32 comments:

  1. Nice, another thing I have done, is sign up to have a booth when local artists and crafters have markets or craft fairs. I usually know a lot of the people who stop by and I have sold about 6 copies per day.

    Dixie Goode
    new follower from Author Central

    Duffy Barkley is Not a Dog

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  2. I'll be back Elisabeth to check out your advice! Congratulations! And by the way it's Monday Marketing on my blog ;-)

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  3. Awesome that you had such a good turnout. Not sure on any of those questions for me, as a rhyming nut just goes at it at his sea...haha

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  4. Something to keep in mind if I ever get around to actually WRITING the book-lol.
    I'm a new follower so I can recieve future tips and browse earlier posts.

    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  5. Thank you for this post, most helpful. I am in the process of writing chapter 19 of my story, a true story and I am 45k words in and about 75% in....and the cover has just been designed and is looking good, no looking great.....Also I have just followed you here, follow me as well if you wish at http://thewrongplaceatthewrongtime.blogspot.pt/

    Many congrats on your book signing and I hope it is a best seller for you.....and look forward to your other posts regarding your views on promoting book signing.

    Nice to connect......also twitter, @davepperlmutter

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  6. WOW I never knew it took so much to do a signing. But the more you put in will help for a better turnout! Good luck!

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  7. I had a book signing at a Barnes & Noble New Authors Night a few years ago, so if you're a new author, you might want to ask about that, as well. I was scared to death, though--I'm not a public speaker, and didn't realize that I would have to talk about my book!

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  8. Congratulations!! Very pleased you had a wonderful turnout for your book signing. I dabble in poetry, but by no means would I consider myself a writer. However, after reading some of your posts, you have inspired me to think about taking my poetry to a higher level. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, thoughts, and wisdom. Continued success!

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  9. Congrats...and did you and your husband play?

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  10. Wow, congratulations on a great turnout!!

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  11. E, congratulations! I am thrilled for you! It's so cool to watch a fellow VB pal rise to success and what a great idea for a blog post. I can't wait to tomorrow's!

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  12. Look at you inspire people.

    Love,
    Janie

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  13. I always knew you'd be a success! Bigger & better things are in store for you--you are a WINNER, Elisa!!!!

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  14. I'm tired just thinking about that. Ugh.

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  15. Good luck in everything you do, you deserve it! Best of luck!

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  16. I knew you didn't have anything to worry about. Congratulations and I hope this will
    give you the enthusiasm to get into more places to talk and sign. Proud of you girl.

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  17. I am awaiting my copy of "Sword of Senack"! Looking forward to it. Also appreciate your advice posts.

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  18. Congrats on the book signing success!! Wonderful!! :)

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  19. Awesome! I knew you'd have a good night. Congrats!

    I also eagerly await your next few posts on this. Yes,
    I am taking notes. :)

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  20. Elisabeth, I am so happy for your success with your signing! A little later in the year, I'm going to be running a series of posts on my blog about how indie authors may be the future of indie bookstores, and vice versa (although I know this was a B&N). Anyway, if you might like to contribute a guest post, please drop me a line--we would link to your book. etc.

    The other thing I wanted to suggest, since the "Mom" part is clearly a big part of your writing life (and mine) is maybe becoming a part of Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. I started this two years ago and it took off pretty well (Google it, if you get a chance :) It's a great way to relationship-build with booksellers by doing something that helps them and gets kids into their store. And the more kids who know the pleasures of a bookstore, the more bookstores will be there for us to find readers for decades to come!

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  21. Cool! I have my own book which I'm halfway through proofing (again). A friend of mine had just published her third. She related to me that when she was at her first signing, at a book show, she was wondering why no one was lining up. She was parked next to Ken Follett!

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  22. Congratulations!! Glad your book signing was such a success. You are such an inspiration.

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  23. First I just have to say I'm so happy for you Elisa that I have a huge smile on my face and could almost cry!! Congratulations on your wonderful success!! I love the picture of you at Barnes & Noble!!! Your family must be thrilled for you as well!

    Thanks for the great tips. You are an inspiration and I know that when one day I write my book I will be grateful for all the tips you have shared. Much love to you!!!

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  24. I am so happy to hear that the signing went so well! You rock for selling so many of your books at it- yeah! I love the tip that you shared and I cannot wait to read more. Best of luck!

    ~Jess

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  25. Go Elisa! I enjoy how you are unafraid to hurdle whatever obstacle appears.

    Looking forward to tomorrow's traffic tips.

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  26. Congratulations Elisabeth! And I hope I can follow your footstep one of these days. :)

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  27. Congratsss!! I ENVY YOU ! You are living my dreams!

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  28. That's wonderful your signing went so well! Great post.

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