Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Your Book-Signing Cheat Sheet (or: How To Stay Sane While Everyone Seems To Ignore You)

By Bonnie Randall 

Special Guest Author


Caveat: I have not done hundreds of signings—just a couple dozen or so (thanks mostly to the SENSATIONAL Strathcona Chapters in Edmonton, Alberta), yet my limited repertoire of experiences has already planted some don’t-leave-home-without-‘em tips for YOU to tuck into your back pocket. Here we go:

1. Frivolity First—Make It Look Good


Do you have a lovely linen table cloth? Preferably in a solid color that contrasts in an aesthetically pleasing way with your book cover? Bring it. Same goes for one (or two, not more) props that relate to your story. (And be creative! Your props will be conversation pieces!) Aesthetics sound superficial but they matter. You need to employ everything you can to draw people to your table because:

2. Shoppers Will Treat You Like That Time-Share Salesman They Avoid On The Vegas Strip


Readers have no clue how introverted writers are, and they don’t know it’s killing you to be out in the unforgiving public eye. The fact that bookstore shoppers think we have high-pressure sales tactics that will leave them feeling like a used teabag who’s just been bullied into buying our book is as laughable to us reclusive writer-types as it is to imagine ourselves wearing the persona of Vince from the Sham-Wow commercials—or, worse, when he sells the Slap-Chop (“You’re gonna love my nuts!”). So, moral of the story? Don’t take the avoidance personally; shoppers think you’re gonna go all used car salesman, and people hate having to say no. Also:

3. Sometimes Readers Are Intimidated By You


You seem like a mysterious species, writer. People don’t know how to engage with you or what they’re supposed to say. So sometimes they avoid eye contact and even ignore your pleasant “Hello.” (Which leaves you feeling perplexed and vaguely hurt). Rejection sucks. But again—it’s not you. It’s what you do. Most people don’t understand it so they’re either intimidated to talk to you or freaked out that you’re going to trot out the high-pressure sales pitch (oh, and if you do have a high-pressure sales pitch? Stop. Using. It. Right. NOW.). And get ready, because….

4. Everyone’s a Writer Who Will Tell You All About Their Project


These folks truly don’t care about your book. They are just so stinkin’ happy to see someone who they believe is like them they cannot help themselves: they spill every detail about their own stories, ideas, and plots—most of which they’ve never actually written (they’re not like you; they don’t have time ), but nonetheless, if they did write their idea, it would most certainly be a best seller. These folks will range from the sweetly naïve to the breathtakingly obnoxious (I had one guy—who told me he’d written A WHOLE SIXTY PAGES(!) of a novel—also add that there was no way he’d buy my book because he would “just spend the whole time editing it, and that would only hurt your feelings.” Uh…thanks?) So bring your sense of humor. And along with it:

5. Bring a Sweater, Cardigan, or Dress Warm


You’ll likely be placed near a door. That means drafts (here in Canada it actually means hypothermia). You’ll also be parked all afternoon, without much to get your blood pumping. Dress accordingly. Have a travel mug or thermos of hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You don’t want to be a frozen writerscicle whose teeth are clacking together too hard to carry on a conversation. Also:

6. Pack a Snack! (said Granny)


No one is at their best when they’re hungry, but….no apples, salads, or anything that might wave like a flag once it’s wedged between your teeth. But do try granola bars, grapes, or maybe a few wedges of cheese. Take care of your body! It’s the best machine you’ll ever own.

7. Know Your Books! 


Take a look at the titles on the tables or shelves around you. Have you read any? Maybe a few are on your to-be-read list. As readers are browsing, strike up conversations about books they pick up (if you’re familiar with the titles). It’s a great way to break the ice with a potential customer, and even if they don’t buy your book but purchase the one you’ve been chatting about, that’s fantastic—because the store will appreciate your efforts immensely, and a huge part of getting opportunities to sign at stores is to develop excellent relationships with the booksellers themselves.

8. Swag Sells! 


Everyone loves a freebie. Bookmarks, business cards, or similar swag provide the contact information many readers who approach you will want to know, and that’s: “Do you have a twitter account? What’s your web page? Are you on Facebook?” and the like. Best part? You can design some swanky looking swag for very cheap, and business cards / bookmarks come in boxes of hundreds.

9. Take It Easy On Yourself: Adjust your expectations. 


Chances are you’re not going to have a line of fifty to a hundred people waiting to get a signed novel (but if you do WAHOO!! Way to go!). Yet, even a few sales are still sales and you should be proud and thrilled that you put yourself out there and made personal contact with booksellers and readers. Why? ’Cause it’s nerve-wracking, scary, and you feel a little ridiculous and a whole lot conspicuous as you sit at your table all afternoon, well afar from your comfort zone. Pat yourself on the back for your efforts and remember: even if you only sell ONE BOOK, one book is typically read by MANY PEOPLE (and you know that’s true—how many books have you both borrowed and lent in your lifetime?)

10. Don’t Think It Will Never Be YOU As The Author At A Signing


Stay positive. Keep writing, querying, reading, and getting your name out there. Connect with booksellers. Gift them a copy of your book. Chat libraries up. You want this—and you can have it! Believe. (And pack a sweater, some granola and a whole lot of humor).

Okay! That wraps up what I’ve learned so far. Anyone else have some Signing Savvy to share? A horror story or two? A time when you’ve had to manufacture a smile you felt far from feeling? Share!

Bonnie Randall is a Canadian writer who lives between her two favorite places—the Jasper Rocky Mountains and the City of Champions: Edmonton, Alberta. A clinical counselor who scribbles fiction in notebooks whenever her day job allows, Bonnie is fascinated by the relationships people develop—or covet—with both the known and unknown, the romantic and the arcane.

Her novel Divinity & The Python, a paranormal romantic thriller, was inspired by a cold day in Edmonton when the exhaust rising in the downtown core appeared to be the buildings, releasing their souls.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Divinity & The Python


Divinity - Where deception and desire both hide in the dark...

The Cards Forecast Work

Shaynie Gavin is so much more than the sexy siren who mixes cocktails at The Python. A carpenter with a business plan, Shaynie is trying to amass enough funds to launch her own dream - Divinity, a place where up-cycled furniture from the past is sold alongside Tarot readings forecasting the future - and all in a setting that could not be more perfect: a former funeral parlor. Shaynie's belief that Divinity is attuned with the passions, the loves, and even the lies of its departed souls, allow her to feel satisfied when the cards she draws there reveal Wands, the Tarot's symbol for work. And yet...Shaynie would be so grateful if the Tarot would also, just once, illuminate a Hellnight from her past. A lost evening whose scars still slither over her skin, Hellnight haunts Shaynie. Yet when she calls the question of that chilling evening into her deck...

The Cards Forecast Love

...and love appears in the form of pro hockey star Cameron Weste. Weste is haunted by scars and superstitions of his own, and he wants Shaynie's Tarot to answer far deeper questions than she first guesses this sexy Lothario to be capable of. Who knew Weste was this intense? The Tarot, apparently. And yet...

The Cards Forecast The Devil

When Cameron Weste lands in her life, a stalker surfaces too, dropping clues to a connection between Shaynie, Cameron, and her lost, brutal Hellnight. Suddenly every card warns of deception, and nowhere feels safe. Shaynie and Cameron have to fight for their love - and their lives - as The Devil, their stalker, is determined to turn the Death Card for them both.

23 comments:

  1. Thanks for this! I am about to battle this thing called book marketing myself. What a beast. This is great advice!

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    1. Have fun with it and above all: keep your sense of ha-ha!

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  2. Thank you! Great tips!

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  3. Allison Collins9/02/2015 10:25 AM

    Great tips and reminders. My first book signing is coming up in a couple of months, and I'm already stressing about it. Excited, but still stressed. Love the idea of decorating the table w/ a couple of items that reflect your story or stories.

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    1. You truly will have lots of fun and yes - trick your table out. And take pics, share them on your social media. (and pack a granola bar and thermos and sweater ;) )

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    2. Get there early and look around the store. If someone asks you where the bathroom is, instead of saying, "I don't work here."
      Help them out.
      I helped a girl find Jodie Picault once. She had the wrong name and wrong title but we talked and I figured it out and helped her find the book. The store managed LOVED ME! I've gone back many times. I figure if they sell ANYTHING because of me--not just my books--they're glad to have me there.

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    3. Great advice and I've done the same; "oh, I see you're reading ___. Did you know you might also like ____?" And the manager was all "Hurray!" And now has me on a regular roster!

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    4. Great advice and I've done the same; "oh, I see you're reading ___. Did you know you might also like ____?" And the manager was all "Hurray!" And now has me on a regular roster!

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  4. Fun tips. I can't wait for my shot at this. Thanks.

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    1. Believe and achieve. That's the right order in which to place your thoughts. Cheers!

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  5. Know where the bathroom is. That will be the question many ask you who think you work there. Also, be able to recognize those who do work there. That will be the second most asked question.

    Also have friends, family, or fans stop by at regular intervals. An author chatting with others is not so intimidating. If no one is buying books, make sure they do so you will be invited back later. Reimburse them if you must.

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    1. Yes! The always-asked washroom question! And what a great idea, to have friends and family drop by. Not only does it make you look approachable, it also breaks up what can turn into monotony

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  6. I have stood in front of a picture of myself, with a big sign saying BOOKSIGNING HERE TODAY and I'll be holding one of my books and I've learned to say, "Hi, I'm doing a book signing here today. This is my book."
    Because they don't get it.
    Oh, OH that's YOU? You're doing a booksigning?
    Just accept it. They didn't come for you. But that doesn't mean they might not buy a book. (it probably means that, but maybe not!)

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    1. They really don't get it! And yeah - they aren't there for you. Awesome advice

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  7. For bookstores that are taking my book on consignment, but only ordered 2-4 books, I've gone out on a limb and had the printer send a box of 25 to the store. I agreed to take anything that didn't sell. I did it because if I had to mail them the books myself, I'd lose money on every book sold. I have no idea if this will turn out well for me.

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    1. Hey, it's worth a try, right? And it shows the bookseller you believe in your book and that you have the integrity to buy-back the unsold merchandise just like the Big Six publishers do. Great strategy!

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  8. I've participated in a couple of book signings and can add some ditto to what you've shared here. Thanks for this :-)

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    1. You're welcome - thanks for the dittos! ;)

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  9. I'm going to my first book signing the day before Halloween. I hope that's not a bad omen. I LOL'd at your tips. Unfortunately, you made me more nervous, but I will do every one. Thanks!

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    1. Oh, no! Don't be nervous; the staff will be fantastic (they always are), you'll be surrounded by books, (what's not to love about that?) and the folks who will buy *your* book will make the entire experience 100% worth it. Guaranteed.

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  10. I loved your signing tips Bonnie, thanks for sharing, ( and with such humor :-) too ) and I enjoyed reading the comments.

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  11. Great advice i hope to use some day.

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