Book signing tips and how tos for beginners book riot. As a new published author, i had no idea how i should handle autographing my books at my first books signing. Knowing how to prepare for your signing can help you stay focused, confident, and ensure your event is a success. Now lets talk about book signings for those who arent familiar with book signings or are attending their first one soon, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind, in order to have the best time with fellow book lovers and an author that you admire. Get the most of out of every book signing event by bringing a tool kit with everything you need to succeed. I usually bring my best friend or mother to book signings because they are both readers, like me, and love attending these types of events. When i published my first book, breathing god, through a print on demand company called publishamerica, i was actually able to set up two book signings at walden book sand borders with some ease. Though i had sent marketing materials in advance the store manager hadnt put any of them out. A book signing with multiple authors can draw a larger crowd, and larger sales for all authors involved, but we will save the. Apr 23, 2019 a bookstore generally needs to be stocking your book before it is going to want to have you for an event, or your reason for having a signing needs to be very compelling. Cheltenham literature festival or world book day, you might like to write world book day 2015 rather than just the date, to make it a memento of the event. For the event, enlarge your books cover to poster size, and then get it laminated and mounted.
I know from experience that these 11 tips are crucial for a successful signing. But how do you approach a bookstore to set up your event. Confirm details from event coordinators about how long youre scheduled to speak, the venues location and additional steps you can take to promote the signing. My top tips for getting the most out of a signing event i recently met olly murs again at his latest album signing in cardiff and with so many people talking online about how they missed out on the opportunity because they werent aware. May 24, 2015 if youre signing at a big event or on a special occasion even more special than your book launch.
When you have only a minute or less to talk to someone you admire, every word counts. Dec 09, 2012 setting up a book signing as an independent author is harder than ever. I also want to say that new yorked is a terrific book. It was very pecially the tips on sharing via social media. This is a trade show featuring resources for all of your hunting, fishing, camping and hiking needs. In some cases, you may want to sign the front cover, though this is rare and would probably only be appropriate for a coffee table book or something that will be on display. How to set up your instore author event and what to do while youre there. Cattapan will be signing books at a special meet the author event at tealula in park ridge on thursday, july 23, from 6 to 9 p. I couldnt help but wonder what else could have been done at the book signing in lieu of what is usually done. Of course, if you are a celebrity author, there will likely be a number of other issues with which to. If you are new to the book world and signing events, it can be overwhelming. And while this has merit, there is nothing quite like an inperson event. How to make kickass author swag and promotional materials for your book signing or event duration.
Keep in mind that every piece of your marketing plan must be a strategic way to tell the public about you and your book. The write channel with nicola monaghan 853,676 views. Welcome to your most valuable resource for book signing events around the country. I was happy that they were well informed of my book signing event that day. By adam ellis september 11, 2017 tips for the self publishing author. Getting published 3 kindle edition by butts, dianne e download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Though you have to collect sales tax when you sell books at a local event, adding tax into the equation can complicate the process. Time the call to within about a month of your signing. A bookstore generally needs to be stocking your book before it is going to want to have you for an event, or your reason for having a signing needs to be very compelling. Book signing central is an event information service brought to you by and has a focus on author events, book signings, and autograph expos. Eleven tips for a successful book signing litreactor. He set the event up at the local borders, collected raffle prizes, invited everyone he knew, and even hired a live. Jul 25, 2018 get the most of out of every book signing event by bringing a tool kit with everything you need to succeed. If youre signing at a big event or on a special occasion even more special than your book launch.
While i do not attempt to do all of the suggested tips at every. Market yourself to media well in advance of the event. After youve made the decision to host a book signing event, the first step is to choose. Book signings and readings are effective tools for marketing your work after youve done the hard work of creating your book.
A few weeks ago there was a book signing event i was incredibly. Oct 31, 2018 as authors, we spend a lot of time online, or locked behind our computers. How to host book signing events in bookstores to promote. Tell them about your signing and book and request an interview. Once you get the confirmation that your book signing has been scheduled, now you can start inviting people to show up on the set date and time. As recommended in the excellent bookpromotion reference, 1001 ways to market your books, bookstores arent the only places to schedule an event. My top tips for getting the most out of a signing event all. This article will give you four easy steps to hosting your own book signing. How to set up a successful booksigning event you can set up and star in a successful booksigning event even if youre not a natural at marketing yourself. Organizing book signings, readings and public appearances is a vital element of an authors marketing campaign as well as an influencer on the authors level of success. Each book store has its own distinctive personality.
When you promote the release of your book to friends, colleagues, and family, youre going to make some sales. If you can, bring a friend or relative to a book signing. Authors often ask me for book signing event advice. And while getting a book event booked seems like half the battle and it is, now its time to figure out how to start selling more books at events, regardless of the event youre doing. How to sign a book for fans alliance of independent.
Bringing a buddy to a book signing also gives you someone to chat with as you wait for the event to begin. See more ideas about book signing, book launch and invitation examples. Your first book signing is an important part of your books marketing plan and an exciting. Because instore author book signing events often fall to authors to plan or at least request, its essential to understand the factors that make them a success. Get to the signing early in order to claim a good seat. The first step to planning a successful book signing is securing a fitting venue for your books audience. How to host book signing events in bookstores to promote your.
Book signing event tips for self published authors toughnickel. Send a press announcement to the local newspapers about your signing. Book signing events and bookstore outreach tips smith publicity. Home signing tips the most popular topic on my blog seems to be book signing tips. After youve made the decision to host a book signing event, the first step is to choose a venue. Mar 14, 2020 mark warren will be presenting at the gainesville 2020 outdoor expo. Hosting local author events in nontraditional venues. I learned this the hard way during my own book signing years ago. For info on how bookstores and book fairs choose their authors and practical tips like what to wear on the interview, learn everything you need to know about author appearances. From how to find author signing events to getting the most out of the experience once you arrive, here are some book signing tips for beginners. Tips to ensure your book signing is a success author marketing. This is one of the ways that an author connects to the reader is by making the book signing a unique and an enjoyable experience.
Jul 02, 2015 i know from experience that these 11 tips are crucial for a successful signing. I will usually drop one or two off at the store prior to. Attending your first group of authors book signing. Get agreement in writing with any person or facility hosting the book signing. Mark warren will be presenting at the gainesville 2020 outdoor expo. Book signing table ideas book signing party, book release. I arrived fifteen minutes early and introduced myself to store staff. Nov 21, 2016 my top tips for getting the most out of a signing event i recently met olly murs again at his latest album signing in cardiff and with so many people talking online about how they missed out on the opportunity because they werent aware. Here are some tips and suggestions that have helped me increase the number of books sold at a book signing. Dec 11, 2019 since then, ive been to a lot more book signings. Book signing central is an event information service brought to you by and has a focus on author events, book signings, and autograph expos welcome to your most valuable resource for book signing events around the country. Its been over a week since i returned from book bonanza, and the hangover is real. In this article, authorhouse offers five tips for arranging a book signing at.
Phil will be signing copies of his latest publication the dizzy and daffy dean barnstorming tour. Thinking back, it would have been great to have some tips to mentally prepare and be ready for what was to come, so here are the tips i wish i had been told. I typically start the conversation by encouraging them to first think beyond bookstores so they plan events where their target audience is already gathered. Its a chance for you to reach your readers on a personal level, to become more than just a name on a book cover. Your first book signing is a major milestone in your journey as an author. Why book signing events are a waste of time for authors. Feb 19, 2019 if you can, bring a friend or relative to a book signing. Book release party book table graphic quotes book launch book signing launch party event decor corporate events new books author a. I will share who should have a book signing and where, and what you should do in the months prior to your book signing event to ensure that its successful and much. Only once did i have a reading signing at which nobody showed up. Nov 08, 2016 book signings and readings are effective tools for marketing your work after youve done the hard work of creating your book. Only once did i have a readingsigning at which nobody showed up. I like to sign my books on the title page, which is where most books are autographed, though you can also sign the inside cover.
Five steps to a successful book signing dan koboldt. Book events and signings are magical for a myriad of reasons. Even if you dont have a publicist and your book is not traditionally published, you may want to consider not only getting your books into brick and mortar places, but creating a book signing promotional event as well. I still get nervous about the facetoface meetings, but over the years, ive learned a few book signing conversation tips. How to handle selling your books at events nonfiction.
They brought a table, chair, tablecloth, book racks and acrylic poster holders. Creative writing tips, advice and lessons from bestseller stephen king duration. Theres nothing more exciting than getting the chance to attend a book signing and meet an author you love. Your position when planning an event is to sell to the public that you are the author, this is the book and here is where you can find it. Aug 21, 2019 its been over a week since i returned from book bonanza, and the hangover is real. When i published my first book, breathing god, through a printondemand company called publishamerica, i was actually able to set up two book signings at walden book sand borders with some ease all i did was walk in with a copy of my book, asked to speak with a manager. One great way to tell the world about your book is to meet them in person at a book signing event. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading book signings.
How to host a successful book signing westbow press. The bookstore may do this, as well, but best to take matters into your. How to have a successful book signing event youtube. For example, if the store publishes a newsletter, offer to write a brief article about your event, book marketing consultant penny sansevieri advises in publishing basics newsletter. Setting up a book signing as an independent author is harder than ever.
See more ideas about book signing event, book signing, book launch ideas. Your position when planning an event is to sell to the public that you are the author, this is. How to host a book signing event designing and implementing a marketing plan can be a selfpublished authors worst nightmare or dream come true. Here are 4 ways you can make a great impression and sell more books at your first book signing. Your book is just another book in the hundreds of new books theyll see that year. Here are some important tips you can use to make the day go smoothly. Seeing that most in attendance already purchased the book, the notion of selling the book at the event was redundant. Consider rounding up your retail price and then paying the tax yourself. How to set up a book signing as an independent self. Ideal for the book collector or if you simply enjoy meeting your. Fortunately, the bookstore staffers were more mortified, and i didnt take it too personally.
If, for example, your novel has a medieval or pseudomedieval setting, and its release coincides with a renaissance faire, dont hesitate to contact one of the vendors. Market yourself to media well in advance of the event and then again in the couple days leading up to the event. My top tips for getting the most out of a signing event. One of our authors, bob quinlan, held a big book signing event to launch his book. Dec 29, 2016 this book might be your baby and the event your big day, but for the bookstore its just another wednesday night. Boost a post from your page with the event, or even better, a video of yourself inviting people to come. Provide tips for brilliant social media marketing that has worked well for you.
Here are some tips and suggestions from myself and previous book signing attendees to make your experience stressfree and memorable. Author book signing events at your local bookstore, creates awareness for your book, lets you. Hollis lance liebman january book signing book signing. The best place to hold a book signing holon publishing. As recommended in the excellent book promotion reference, 1001 ways to market your books, bookstores arent the only places to schedule an event. Here are some tips on how to have a great event to help bring together existing fans and drive new readership. Cattapan signs books at tealula event july 23 amazon bestselling author a.
64 1304 1295 1110 61 316 212 1420 300 1061 1490 84 930 458 1016 20 820 655 1185 1232 673 1289 1554 134 1091 151 1038 1422 14 28 1083