For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
The Dreaded Book Signing -- Tips & Tortures
I know from talking to many authors that many are absolutely terrified of book signing events. Even some who have been around the block a few times and have more than one published book can cringe at the thought. So here I'd like us to share some tips for book signings, share some stories (the good, the bad and the oh-so-very-ugly), and perhaps share some ideas of how to get advertising, sponsorship, door prizes and SALES! :)
To start, I'll share an article I wrote on book signings. It was previously published in West Word magazine.
Book Signings Are Your Best Friend
To start, I'll share an article I wrote on book signings. It was previously published in West Word magazine.
Book Signings Are Your Best Friend
Views: 49
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by shirley dicks on
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I am one who hates to do signings alone. Maybe it's because my books are non fiction and on crime and punishment, one on Vietnam, two on death penalty and one on juvenile crime. Some colleges use my books to teach out of, but only a certain few people will be interested in those books.
My life story, A Mothers Torment, www.amotherstorment.com would probably fit for anyone to buy and Road Angels is about women who ride motorcycles so that would fit a lot of the public. www.roadangels.org and then The Choice Is Yours book and DVD should go in schools, homes and churches.
I've sent out press releases on the Choice to thousands of schools but not many have bought it so far....I've tried everything I can think of to sell them from my websites www.shirleydicks.net which lists all of the books to specialized sites for some of them. I'm not good at publicizing myself and I've been on six of the talk shows over the years, with the BBC doing a documentary on my life story for playing overseas.
I've done some book signings with Authors4charity.com where more than one author does a signing in a shopping mall, grocery store, department stores, gift shops etc. Some have music and raffles at the signings and I sell some but not that many.
Perhaps it's because I'm getting too old now and since I'm disabled it's hard to get around much any more. I used to speak at the schools and colleges, but I did it for free because I believed in what I was talking about..violence and the kids, and the death penalty issue....I know you can get paid for speaking out as I'm a member of Murder Victims For Reconciliation and they get paid good money for speaking on the issue.
I can't afford to have a publicist and have tried to do it on line myself....but I'm not having that much luck. I used to have my son and daughter to help me...but I've lost both my sons and my daughter has two kids now and can't go with me to help....
I think this forum is a good thing and we'll all learn a lot through it....shirley
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Permalink Reply by Jordan McAuley on
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Check out this article on book signings as well for some more tips:
www.makeyourbookfamous.com/articles/the_book_signing/
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Permalink Reply by Margaret Guthrie on
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The article was very funny, and great writing - but how did Lazar make out at that signing? Margaret Guthrie
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Permalink Reply by Eliz Joyner on
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Hi- I went to your site and could not find your article on book signings. I don't think the link is working. I have a book signing in Feb and would really appreciate your advice on making it fun and successful.
Thanks.
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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Kaye Tardif on
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Hi Eliz:
Sorry about the link. I gave the one from my old site...which has been re-vamped! :)
The correct link is:
http://www.cherylktardif.com/book-signings-your-best-friend
I've corrected it above too.
All the best!
Cheryl
http://www.cherylktardif.com
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Thanks Cheryl. Great advice. I really appreciate you sending me the link. Your article was really helpful.
Eliz
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You're very welcome. :)
Cheryl
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Cheryl--
I'm a member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc. They put out a newletter and have very active members, and I think your article would make a great addition to the newsletter. If you'd, like I can recommend it to Doris Baker the CIPA president. Let me know your thoughts.
Cordially,
Eliz
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Hi Eliz:
Sorry it's taken me this long to get back to you. I can't believe I've neglected my Ning sites so long.
Since we're heading into prime book signing time, please feel free to mention my article to Doris Baker. Please have her email me at cherylktardif@shaw.ca if she's interested in using it in the newsletter. It has been printed in a number of publications.
I have many other articles on book promoting on my website.
http://www.cherylktardif.com/articles-by-cheryl/
All the best!
Cheryl Kaye Tardif
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