Abouts Books

By Monica F. Anderson

You've spent months or years researching and writing that literary masterpiece. Perhaps, like me, you self-published or you have a book deal with a major publisher. You have a national distributor ready to ship your books anywhere in the country. Online book sales are beyond expectations. Life is good. So why on earth would you go on tour? Why would you stand in a bookstore for 2-4 hours trying to get perfect strangers to buy a book they don't think they need?

Why? One, it's a great way to connect with readers. People like autographed books and they like bragging about meeting you. Two, it's good networking with bookstore owners and employees who will promote your book long after you leave if they like you. Three, let's be honest. You've been dreaming of doing a book signing since the day you decided to be a writer. Amazon sales are great but they don't fulfill that burning need to read your book out loud to glassy-eyed people in folding chairs.

As a multi-published author and veteran of four national book tours, I've gleaned a few tips from industry insiders on successful signing events.

Do...

� Promote the event yourself. Email or call your friends and family in the area. Ask them to attend AND bring friends. Send a press release to local newspapers and radio stations.

� Stand up. Yes, your feet hurt and you're tired but you are selling something! Think car salesman. Are they sitting down, texting on their cell phone? Smile. Greet everyone. Be enthusiastic. Make eye contact. Stand to the side or in front of the table, if possible. It's more personal and inviting.

� Dress appropriately. I know you're a sexy, romance writer, but if it's Children's Story Time, Soccer Mom doesn't want to see cleavage or that tat on your lower, lower back. And Soccer Moms often enjoy reading romance novels during soccer practice.

� Have something to give away. Short excerpts of your book, bookmarks, and post cards with your title information and website work well. Make sure it will fit in a purse or pocket. Even if they don't buy your book today, they may go online and order or come to the store later to purchase your book. I've even had people who walked around the store and returned to my table because they enjoyed the synopsis on my book mark.

� Confirm the signing with the owner or manager a few days before the event. I learned this the hard, expensive way. There's nothing worse than having someone say, "Was that today?" when you walk in the door. Wait. There is one thing worse. No books. Always have a case in the car or bring extra books in a rolling bag if you're traveling by plane. Better safe than sorry.

� Think CIRCUS. Meaning--have something eye catching in your display. i.e. PowerPoint presentation on your laptop, colorful sign, candy in a bowl (lure the kids and the parents will follow), a drawing for bath and body products, a funny hat or music...anything to make them look your way. It's harder to do this when you're traveling out of town, but it works. A table with nothing but books on it does not have much appeal to the typical consumer.

Remember, signings are for sales, publicity and networking. You may or may not sell a lot of books depending on many factors beyond your control. However, if you plant the right seeds, the harvest will follow. Good luck!

Monica "Dr. mOe" Frazier Anderson
http://drmoeanderson.com
info@drmoeanderson.com