We need help

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Morgan Mandel on May 30, 2007 at 8:55am

I wish I could do 10 signings a month, but I have a day job! Also, it's very difficult to get booksignings lined up for print run books that have no returns. I'm lucky to get one per month, but I try to make up for it by lots of Internet promoting.
Morgan Mandel

Permalink Reply by Marta Stephens on June 9, 2007 at 11:13pm

Hey Morgan,

Ah, the day job ... don't I know it. **sigh**. I have my first book signing coming up on June 19. I work at a university and when I approached the manager at our campus B&N about stocking the books, she jumped on the idea of doing a signing. Great! Didn't even have to ask. I've been there 28 years and I know several friends and collegues are waiting to buy the book at a signing. I've sent out close to 100 announcements and will do a follow-up reminder to them. But get this, The book store set the event up during student orientation day. Thousands of students and parents. Madness. Okay, I can do this. After all, I coordinate 3 huge events for the university, my job puts me in the public eye all year long, I'm not afraid to extend a hand to a stranger, and crowds don't intimidate me. But I can just imagine how many eager faces will come up to my table, will ignore my book cover poster, bookmarks, etc., and will want to know how to get to the school of business. LOL Maybe I should include a map of the campus on the back of my bookmarks? What do you think?

I couldn't do 10 a month either. Our public library has purchased copies and is looking to include me in a series of talks this fall. I also plan to attend the Magna cum Murder conference in late October and have arranged for a book signing there. Hmm 300+ participants. We'll see what happens. :)

Permalink Reply by Philip Harris on June 24, 2007 at 7:49pm

It is tough, Morgan. You spend endless hours and you are never really sure if you are making any headway. Have you joined NothingBinding yet? www.nothingbinding.com The intent is to connect authors with readers-still in Test stage but hundreds of members so far-you may want to sign up-the more exposure the better!

Permalink Reply by Morgan Mandel on June 24, 2007 at 9:42pm

Thanks for the tip.
Morgan

Permalink Reply by NikkiNicole on July 5, 2007 at 12:33pm

Do you have any suggestion on how to get more attention?

Permalink Reply by Dennis N. Griffin on August 17, 2007 at 1:55pm

I've made chain store signings a low priority in my marketing strategy. Instead, I'm a frequent presenter at various branches of the Las Vegas Library District. I do talks on what beginners should know about writing a book - including getting started, editing, publishing options and marketing. I also put on programs about the importance of research in writing, and the Tony Spilotro era in Las Vegas. My Spilotro program usually includes showing the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci plays a character based on Spilotro. I've also found coffee shops and community centers can be lucrative venues.

However, I must say that when it comes to marketing i don't believe one size fits all. As individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses, we must each do what we're the most comfortable with.

Denny Griffin