Book Signs

You either love them or hate them!! As an author you’re so proud to see your books in print, you could burst. But when it comes to doing a book sign, suddenly you turn into a gibbering wreck. But if you get it right and do your homework, nothing can go wrong. So I've got some ideas to share that worked for me.

1.First of all you need to get the stores to hold your books. That’s a feat in itself. Especially the bigger retailers. So you need to write a letter similar to this.

Dear Sir/Madam
I am a local romance author living in......... I often use your store and notice you carry a wonderful selection of novels. I was wondering if you might be interested in carrying my novel. It is a contemporary romance with paranormal elements, which is currently being sold on Amazon and ...........

I am a multi published author with literary credits worldwide (this can mean anything from a published poem to a novel ) I am prepared to do all the advertising before the book sign and contact the media, I do not expect your store to do anything except provide me with a table and chair.
I look forward to you reply.

2.Whichever store that you decide to approach, find out the managers name, if you can’t, address it to ‘The events Co-ordinator’ Address the envelope professionally. Preferably typed. Send it out to EVERY local store that carry's novels, BY POST, First Class. DO NOT hand deliver letters. It looks unprofessional and will lead to any Joe Blogs opening it and it being binned.

3.If you get a positive response, it will usually be by letter with an invitation to visit the store’s event’s organiser. Take with you a small portfolio of how you’re going to advertise the event. IE Laminated posters of the book sign that you hope to distribute around the store. Idea's for a Newspaper advertisement and a publicity photographer. Book marks, free gifts for the public. Goodie bag samples. Anything you can think of that will advertise your book.

4. When the date is confirmed spread the word, via the internet and in the free newspaper ads. Print off a few leaflets and distribute them the night before. Contact the local paper as tell them where you will be and the time. Invariably they always send a photographer for local events.

5. Make sure the book sign is at the front of a store, NOT hidden at the back. Sit at the book signing table and look friendly. Get a friend to give out a few leaflets at the shops entrance introducing you. Offer a free bookmark with every book or a goodie bag. People love a free gift! If you can, bribe a friend to dress in costume to give out the leaflets. IE for an Historical, hire a period dress/suit. Paranormals, use your imagination. Romance, hire a ballgown. Not only will it draw peoples attention to you, the publicity will help to sell your books and make the day successful.