Wednesday, October 1, 2014

5 Marketing Tips for Book Signing Events

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for:

http://insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

The directed purpose of the IWSG this month is to assist other writers on the journey - providing tips in the areas of writing, publishing, and marketing. I'm thrilled to be a part of this group and contribute to the process.
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5 Marketing Tips for Book Signing Events
by Margo Kelly

You wrote a book, got it published, and now what? Here are five tips in five time periods for book signing events:
 

3 MONTHS BEFORE EVENT:

1.     Research bookstores
2.     Speak with event coordinator in person
3.     Give her an ARC and an introductory letter
4.     Have postcards or bookmarks printed, featuring book cover, short description, industry praise, and ordering information
5.     Have tabletop poster (11x17 with easel back) made featuring cover and industry praise – add a starburst to top that reads: LOCAL AUTHOR

 

2 WEEKS BEFORE EVENT:

1.     Confirm details with event coordinator
2.     Publicize event widely – on FB, Twitter, Community Calendars, etc.
3.     Polish your website so when new contacts visit they’ll be impressed
4.     Buy a new outfit to look and feel confident for your big day
5.     Create an email newsletter signup sheet

 
 
SETTING UP AT EVENT:

1.     Table – typically, the event coordinator will provide this
2.     Tablecloth – solid color
3.     Postcards or bookmarks – be liberal giving these away
4.     Ink pens – one to sign books and one for email signup form
5.     Books – verify how many the store has and then sell them all!



DURING EVENT:

1.     Smile and sit up straight
2.     Greet people and ask them how they are today
3.     Ask people what type of books they like to read – engage them in conversation and describe your book
4.     Tell people you’re a local author
6.     Keep a positive attitude – be nice to everyone, especially store employees, because they’ll be hand-selling your book later

 

AFTER EVENT:

1.     Send a thank you card to event coordinator
2.     Make notes about what worked and what did not for future reference
3.     Blog about the event
4.     Add new contacts to your email list
5.     Email newsletter once a month with book related news


Get your very own copy of my debut novel: WHO R U REALLY? at any major bookseller or by clicking right here!

How about you? Do you have any tips for improving the book signing experience?

10 comments:

  1. I've never done a book signing, but I know I will in the future, so these tips will come in handy. :) Thanks for sharing!

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  2. These are great tips. I have learned to bring more pens than I think I will need.
    Elizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room

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  3. Great list. Every bookseller I've worked with is so helpful and friendly. I've learned not to go into them with too many expectations though my experiences are almost all been very positive and successful.

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  4. Terrific tips! I'm participating in a book festival in Collingswood, NJ on October 11th and a Literacy Event at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY October 18th where teachers across the grade spectrum attend for lectures and book signings.

    Your post came at the perfect time!

    Best regards,
    Donna McDine
    Award-winning Children’s Author
    Ignite Curiosity in your child through reading!
    Write What Inspires You Blog

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  5. I participated in a book signing once but have never set one up. This is good advice. I'm going to hang on to it. Thanks.

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  6. I'm glad you submitted this because I'm going to have to market my mom's picture book soon. Thanks!

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  7. Sell them all! I like that. Great check list.
    Thanks for contributing to the book.

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  8. This looks like a very comprehensive list. Hopefully I can pluck up the courage to do one!

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  9. These are great tips. I'm saving them for reference because my signings haven't been all that great. I'd love to sell them all. :) Thanks.

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  10. This is my first opportunity to visit this website I found some interesting things and I will apply to the development of my blog.
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