Book Signing Success for Authors

Successful book signing strategies for first time authors: No more guessing about how to prepare and what to do on the day of; setting up a plan and working that plan even after the date of the book signing.

March 7, 2008 (FPRC) -- Self-Published authors, like traditionally published authors are successfully promoting their books in the marketplace. The key: stay on top of what others are doing; adapt what you think will work for you, remain open to new ideas and don’t stop promoting.

That is exactly what has sustained Blondie L. Clayton since she started her self-publishing journey several years ago.

According to Clayton, “Most self-published authors have no clue what to do once their book is published, particularly at a book signing. A book signing is a time to introduce you and your book content to the reading public, for you to share who you are and to sell readers on why they should invest in your book, what’s in it for them.

Clayton shares some of her secrets to success: Once your book is published, get busy, do a book signing. It can be at a local book store, someone’s business, home, club, organization. Look for opportunities to be invited in to share your book and answer questions about your book, to allow potential buyers to get to know you.

Make yourself a checklist. That list should include a plan of action right up until the day of the book signing. For instance, record the location, your contact person, order books, decide what you are going to talk about, prepare a flyer with your talk topic, if you plan to do one that day, or have either extra flyers, business cards, post cards, something on hand that you can pass out to help promote the event prior to and on the day of.

At the location, arrive early to set up. Don’t stand around. Take your book, walk around and talk to anyone that will give you an ear. Or you can hand them your information and invite them to stick around for your talk, or drop by your table.

Give away something that they have to sign up for with an e-mail or mailing address. Weave the give-a-way into your handout information. That freebie could be a one page newsletter, or other items you choose.

Never rely on the host to do all of the promoting; think of ways to have some input, even if it is announcing it through your network, radio show, blog, etc.

Learn from others. Check your local library there may be an author in town. Check them out. See what they do at their book signing.

Having someone to assist you can help the experience go smoother. If not, prepare to do it all, from introducing yourself, to receiving monies, to signing books and crowd control.

Blondie L. Clayton is a Realization Strategist™, Author and Publishing Coach. You may find more helpful book signing tips at www.blondie2book.com , under “Other Books By Blondie.”


For more information contact Frank Clayton of Changing Lives Publishing (http://www.print2publish.com)
321-637-1128

Keywords: authors, book signing, publishing

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