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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?
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!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I have learned to bring more pens than I think I will need.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room
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.
ReplyDeleteTerrific 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.
ReplyDeleteYour 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
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.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you submitted this because I'm going to have to market my mom's picture book soon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSell them all! I like that. Great check list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for contributing to the book.
This looks like a very comprehensive list. Hopefully I can pluck up the courage to do one!
ReplyDeleteThese 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.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first opportunity to visit this website I found some interesting things and I will apply to the development of my blog.
ReplyDeleteabout knowledge management