As a senior editor at Woodland Press, I am incredibly thankful for possibility to participate in book signings. Usually once a week, I trek out to a local bookstore and sit for a few hours. Sometimes it’s a smash it, sometimes it’s not.
To some, booksignings are a writer’s curse. If you’re not a big draw, you might only talk with a few curious people. If you’re not outgoing, you might talk with less. This leads some folks into viewing booksignings as ego crushing torture, rather than an golden opportunity to reach new readers.
Here are 10 things that might help you at your next signing.
10. Give something away: Free candy, or snacks is a great way to bring people over to your table and start a conversation.
9. Dress right: You might look great in a suit and tie, or a skin tight dress, but being comfortable will allow you to be more at ease with the long sitting times and talking with strangers.
8. Print business cards or fliers: Have a way for cash strapped readers to find you later. Give customers something with your name and where they can find your books.
7. Practice a spiel: When customers ask – “What’s this?” – Have a short pitch ready where you can briefly describe your books. Make sure it is as passionate and entertaining as your books are.
6. Smile: Who wants to chat with the scowling writer with their arms crossed? NO ONE. Smile! Wave! Say Hello! People are attracted to those who are having fun, be that person!
5. Listen: Customers are people too. Ask potential readers what kind of books they like, ask where they’re from, or if they are doing anything special today. Everyone like to feel special; if you’re involved in what is going on with them, they are more likely to be involved with you.
4. Avoid Crazies: You’ll get them – wandering unhinged vagrants, pompous would be writers, and kooky memoir authors – and they all wanting to talk to you about their dream book projects. They will never buy a thing, but will be sure to run off anyone else that might stop by your table. Don’t coddle them, or try to impart good advice, they will only get worse. Try using the phrase “well bless your heart” as a response to anything they say, they’ll get bored after a while and leave to bother someone else.
3. Be nice to the staff: That person behind the counter has it rough, be nice to them. Butter staff up with home-baked goodies and smiles. After you’ve gone they’ll remember you and push your book while you’re not even around. And when the time comes to set up new signings, you’ll get picked over other writes who couldn’t be bothered to even be pleasant.
2. Check out the competition: Take a minute after your done to check out the shelves. See what’s hot in the market and what other writers are doing. Of course it never hurts to pick up a new book either!
1. Sell some books: It’s the whole reason you’re there. Put them in people’s hands and make them buy them.
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See what I’m selling at www.franklarnerd.com
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