For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

Book Signings

Question from Member: How does a fledgling author set up a book signing? I have heard that some new authors bring their own books to Barnes & Noble on a consignment basis.

John's Answer: To set up a book signing, just call the event coordinator at the bookstore. That's the person to ask for. Tell her how many people you can bring into the store for the event. Tell her what you will do with publicity to help get people into their store. Your chances of much success in book signings is very small if you don't do PR.

Some bookstores will require you to bring additional copies of your book to fill the need. They will pay you right then for any books sold (although some stores have to process the payment and will send a check later).

See my blog entry at http://blog.bookmarket.com/2007/08/ book-signings-are-your-best-fri... on doing book signings. I didn't write it, but it provides great info.

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Comment by John Kremer on September 6, 2007 at 9:39pm: Thanks for the additional comments, Teri. The CRMs will answer to being event coordinators so I kept the answer simple. I figured someone would point out the technical differences in what stores call their event coordinators. That's fine with me.

The rest of your advice is also great. Thanks.

Comment by Teri Missildine on September 6, 2007 at 11:26am: At Barnes and Noble, these contacts are called Community Relations Managers (CRMs) and they are within the stores, rather than having multiple locations for which they are responsible.

At Borders / WaldenBooks, they are called District Marketing Managers. They have multiple locations for which they are responsible.

Also, even if you don't have a signing at a store, as an author, it always helps to stop by the stores that are carrrying your title. Get to know the employees (especially managers) and sign the books they have on hand.

Independent booksellers will also be very open to an in-store event with you. Please don't forget the independents. These guys are the bread and butter. Make friends with every independent store owner in the area. Get to know their stores very well. They are great b/c they rarely offer co-op marketing (ie, PAYING $$ for placement of titles), rather they promote what/who they like. Get them to like you and they'll be hand-selling your title in no time.

Good luck!