Friday, January 31, 2014

Top tips for a successful Book signing

I've now booked my first book signing of the year - 4th May at Long Marston near York. it seems a long way off, but I'm sure the time will fly by.

From early beginnings when I set of out nervously wondering how to attract peoples attention, and relied heavily on my promotional book marks to hand out and break the ice, I now set out with confidence and have fun at these events. It's just a matter of getting out there and and seeing what works. But in general a simple smile and saying Hi to people will break the ice.

Top tips for a successful book signing: 

  • Set out an attractive display, filling the available space.
  • Have promotional book marks to hand out free - they're a good ice breaker, people like a freebie, and it's a good way to hand out your contact details.
  • Use book stands - even though people usually pick books up off a pile, the ones on the stand can be seen better from a distance to draw people over. 
  • Smile and say Hi - most people will return the greeting, some will stop to talk and look at your book.
  • Tell people what you are doing - even with a book signing notice on your table, not everyone will be clear that you are the author.
  • Have bags on offer, unless your signing is in a book shop where the shop will use their own.
  • Take more than one pen with you.
  • Have a float tin to give change.
  • Spread the word about your book signing on social media.
  • Enjoy the event and encourage people to pick the books up and look through them. After all you're proud of your books and want people to see them.
  • Have a suitable table cloth.
  • Try a gimmick - when I added knitted sheep - the characters from one of my books, they proved very popular and certainly attracted attention and comment.



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