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.
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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.
