Successful Book Signings - Part 2

If you missed yesterday's post on book signings, specifically where to have the best book signing possible, you'll also want to read this post. Today I'm going to talk the other ingredient to a successful book signing.



When it comes to selling books, besides having a terrific (perhaps even a 'non-book' place to sell your book), it's good to make sure the venue has great foot traffic. I have had sorrowful signings because there simply hasn't been enough people walking by my booth to sell much of anything.

On any given day you're going to have 'lookers,' 'buyers' and 'not interested' people strolling by for a little 'look see.' If there are only a few stragglers making their way to your signing, expect to sell very few books. When you consider that most folks have to see your book multiple times (some say 7) before they purchase it, it's no wonder that the numbers will really matter when it comes to sales.

If your booth is outside, and the day is stormy, that's another consideration, though one out of your control. I prefer getting a table inside to prevent the stress of last minute storms. A fine storm may still slow down the crowd a bit, but at least you'll not get rained on.

Consider the numbers who attend craft shows and other big events in your city. Think about the holidays and what your city does. Yes, some of the booth spaces are pricey, but there are others less so. Do some checking at least six to eight months ahead of time - many of these spaces will fill up fast.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're unsure about how many folks attended the particular event you're interested in signing at, ask. Another option is to attend the event you're interested in one year, and if you like what you see, set up a booth space the next.

An important thing about doing a signing at any event is that you man the table at all times. Some events allow you to display your items, leave the event, and return later to restock. I have been to shows where the author has left the table, only to return with the same book count. You need to be at your table, not only to sign autographs for interested readers, but to speak about your book and answer questions that may not be able to be answered by simply reading the back cover.

You need to do all you can to get the word out about your book - and this means not being afraid to talk about it.

Good luck!

Kathryn

7 Things You Can Do For a Successful Book Signing

Since I'm preparing for my book signing on Saturday, my mind has been on how to best make it successful.

And I've come to the conclusion that:

1. People like to be spoiled. Don't just sign your book, give a free gift to go along with your book.

2. Make sure you have plenty of food and that you give yourself plenty of time to put it all together. I will be cooking my heart and soul out the Friday before, and frosting the cupcakes the morning of the signing. We've decided on Sprite with raspberry sherbet for the drink, and that's going to take some continuous scooping the day of the event.

3. Get help from friends and family members. You need to be focused on greeting your friends and family; get others to focus on the food and prizes.

4. Yes prizes! I have decided to do a few fun prizes during the signing, and will be giving away t-shirts and other cupcake related fun. You don't need to spend a lot on the prizes, but keep in mind your book's theme as you decide on what to get. Some of my prizes are donated, others were purchased at Michael's and the Dollar Store.

5. Don't give away your book as a prize; you want your visitors to purchase a copy. But you can give your visitors a discount on the book if you'd like. I'm doing a discount on Conquering Your Goliaths and The Feast. If the reader buys one of each they save $2. And make sure you have plenty of cash on hand to work out transactions.

6. Keep it light. It's important that your visitors feel comfortable and not pressured into buying your book. If you make it fun, and make it about them more than about you, you will see success. (Besides, they are probably coming to your signing anyway because they want to purchase a book).

7. One more thing. Send out invitations! I used VistaPrint to put together my postcards, and mailed them so that folks would get them a week before the event. It's a good idea to talk about your event on your blog, on Facebook and on other social media networks, but it's also nice to give the personal touch. Add your phone number to the card and make sure you keep a tally of those who say they are coming. You will never get a call from everyone, but you should get a good idea of how many to plan on. If you send out 200 invites you should get a pretty good crowd. Even 100 invites is good; remember the more you send out, the more visitors you'll get.

And don't forget to have fun.