Creating Book Signing Opportunities
Marketing your book is one of the most difficult aspects of being a self-published writer. Once you’re satisfied with the final draft following endless editing and rewriting, you must determine how to reach as many readers/buyers as possible. You can use all available electronic tools to to spread the word. In addition to those tools, you may want to consider how to set up personal book signings. The following is a list of possibilities.
1. Contact Barnes and Noble in your area. Some of them occasionally have events featuring “Local Writers”. Caveat: These usually are scheduled well in advance.
2. Find out if there are independent book stores (usually boutique) near you. Visit them in person and establish a relationship with the proprietor. Find out if he or she would be open to a book signing. Also ask if you could leave a few books on consignment. If they agree, determine the following:
- Date and time. Try to determine the busiest time of day for foot traffic. The proprietor usually can tell you what the high-volume times are. Usually, a 4 – 5 hour span is sufficient.
- Will the signings be indoors or outdoors? Here in Florida, we sometimes have “sidewalk” signings because the weather often is suitable, except in the summer.
- Determine a method of payment. Typically, the store’s proprietor will scan the sale through a credit card machine. At the end of the day, they tally the sales and provide a check for the author’s portion of the sales. Caveat: the store/author split should be determined in advance of the signing.
- What will you need to bring versus what can the store owner provide, such as a card table, chair, table cover, posters, etc.?
- Make yourself visible. Don’t hide behind the table. Initiate conversations with people who stop to look at your books. Have a dynamite 10 second pitch. Stand your books upright on book stands. Have an item on the table that is eye-catching and ties into your book title.
- If possible, use a full color poster showing your book cover, author name, and the caption “Meet the Author.”
TIP: It is easy to make labels on your computer to put on your books that say “Local Author,” as readers/purchasers like to be aware of and read local talent. Also put the labels on the books you leave with the book store owner on consignment.
3. Local libraries also may be a source for book signings. Some have occasional events involving local author participation where the authors are invited to sign and sell their books. Caveat: Remember to have cash to make change or have a credit card scanner on your cell phone
Note: Most cities have main libraries as well as branch libraries. Each library branch may schedule their own events – separate from the “main” library, so contact the branches as well.
Note: There is a national Indie Author Day celebrated by many libraries around the nation and the world. Local authors are invited to sign and sell their books, participate in panel discussions, and address topics involving writing. It’s usually held in October, so check with your library to see if it observes this event. More information is available at: Indieauthorday.com
4. Book clubs are another source for possible book signings. You may be able to Google book clubs in your area and request to be a speaker and discuss your novel. The same details for time and place and requirements listed above for book shops should be considered.
If you are invited to speak, find out if the club requires members to read the book before the speaker appearance, of if you will be introducing your book and encouraging new readers and fans. Caveat: If the members of the club will be assigned to read your book and discuss it at the meeting, consider offering to provide free copies to them.
A nice gesture if invited to a morning program is to supply coffee, juice, or Danish for the group. This should be determined in advance with your contact.
Please remember to thank your host or hostesses personally for allowing you to discuss your book and follow up with a thank you note.