BOOK SIGNINGS : Do's and Don'ts by Joy Margetts
Becoming a published author rather unexpectedly, has opened
up a whole new previously unexplored world to me. The whole publishing/marketing
journey has been a steep learning curve, with a few full -blown side swipes
included.
There have been definite highs – like wonderful reviews, and
uncomfortable lows – like the boxes of unsold books. But on the whole I’ve enjoyed
the ride. There have been lots and lots of lessons learned - if I should ever
do this again. It genuinely has been an enlightening and rewarding experience.
This month I encountered another new experience – a real
life, post lockdown, book signing – in a ACTUAL BOOK SHOP! I was excited and
terrified in equal measure, not really knowing what to expect, being so
grateful for the opportunity, and knowing it was something I had to do.
At least once, anyway.
So I thought it would be useful to record for posterity,
some of the things I learned that day, and I am sharing them here in case they
might be of use to any of you lovely book writers and producers.(WARNING: do not take too seriously!)
DO’s
-
Take an extra pen, in case you run out of ink because
of the HORDES* (HOARDS) of people who want your signature (note to self - take spare reading
glasses too, in case you drop a pair)
-
Take plenty of copies of your book, (as well as
postcards and bookmarks to give away), because of the HORDES (HOARDS) of people who are
going to want several copies each.
-
Dress appropriately – go for the smart, casual
look to not overawe the HORDES (HOARDS), but appear professional nonetheless (note to self
- avoid dressing in the style of your hero/heroine, if you write about medieval
knights and monks)
-
Do have a ready smile for everyone, whether they
actually buy a book or not. (You can make a rude face after they turn their
back on you.)
-
Do have a drink handy, or accept refreshments from
your hosts, to keep you voice well lubricated and melodious, and your breath
fresh (mint imperials also advised)
-
Do take time to present your book signing table
well, with appropriate accessories and posters
-
Do situate yourself in a prominent position so
that the HOARDS (see above) can access you easily, and the subsequent queues
will not disrupt the other, less discerning shop customers who have not come to
the shop just to see you.
-
Do have a properly set up card reader for taking
card payments – it will help the queue to move more efficiently (see above –
minimum disruption)
-
Do line up at least two good friends to come and
‘visit’ the shop, to exclaim with surprise to see you there and hang around the
signing table looking decidedly interested.
-
Do remember what your book is actually about…
people will ask you!
DON’T ‘s
- Don't bother taking extra pens if the shop sells pens…
-
Don't bring so many copies of the book that your other
half breaks his back whilst carrying them in, and then breaks his back carrying them out again…
-
Don't worry about what you wear as long as it is warm –
they are going to situate you by an open door, which has to remain open because
of Covid regs…
-
Don't worry about smiling; stick your tongue out if
you like – you’ll be wearing a mask the whole time anyway…
-
Don’t drink the proffered three cups of coffee
before ensuring that the shop has a toilet you can use… (for bad breath – see
point above re masks)
-
Don’t bring lots of accessories to decorate your
table before checking how big the table will actually be (see also - other half’s
bad back)
-
Don’t assume you will be able to choose where
you situate your table (see above)
-
Don’t assume that the shop has WiFi connection good
enough to support said card reader… (note to self – check mobile phone data)
-
Choose your ‘friends’ wisely. One that stands by
the table blocking it from view and stays for an hour wanting to bring you up
to date with Aunty Dotty’s leg ulcer, their disastrous holiday in Rhyl, and how
their digestive system reacted to the Indian takeaway they had last week, might
not actually help with sales…
-
Don’t be discouraged if the HORDES (HOARDS) don’t show
up. They missed out.
I actually had an absolutely fabulous time at my first book
signing. No I didn’t sell hundreds of copies of my book, not even tens of
copies. But I met some wonderful people, including the local MP, and had the
opportunity to encourage an independent bookshop on National Bookshop Day. What
I would say is DO look for opportunities to do book signings, especially in partnership
with bookshops, and DON’T be frightened of approaching bookshops, especially local
independents. My hosts were so grateful that I made the effort to come and sit
in their lovely shop for a few hours. They thanked me profusely, bought several
copies of the book themselves, and even supplied me with free coffee and chocolate. Win win.
* Just had it pointed out that I used the wrong 'hordes/hoards'. So I've put both in now so you can choose! Who actually knows?!
Comments
I am going to keep your "Do's and Don't's" lists for future reference just in case. You never know.