Why Writers Don't Do a Book Signing

Whenever someone suggests you do a book signingyour book and can post them, with permission, until
and you do not want to, here are five reasons youyou
can give them:1) It's not worth the time; there's notget print media coverage to add to your display.
enough money in it.2) Speaking is where the moneyPeople
is.3) You have more important things to do.4) Whenare very interested in knowing what other people
you do a book-signing, maybe nobody will show upthink of
andyour work. Create a foam board for publicity. Place
you'll feel foolish sitting there all alone.5) There areon it
other ways to sell books.Then,again, there are fivereviews, readers' comments, excerpts from your
good reasons why all authorsbook, and
should do a book signing and a book-signing tour.Byyour photo. Stand the board on the autograph table
conducting a book-signing you will:1. Gain recognition.on an
When you do a book signing in aeasel so that passersby can see it prior to your
bookstore, you will be interacting with the people whosigning.4. Conduct media interviews. The most
sellsuccessful book
your books to the general public. It's an opportunity tosignings have the most publicity. Since your schedule
develop a rapport with them, tell them about the book,is
andgenerally set up at least six weeks in advance, you
convince them that you are an expert on the subject.have
Thentime to approach radio talk show hosts and
when someone asks for a book on your topic, theyproducers,
are likelytelevision stations, and newspapers to let them know
to recommend yours. Don't settle for bookstores.that
Look foryou will be in their city. A well-thought out Media
places where readers of your book are likely toRelease
gather andis a must. It should contain information about the book,
schedule an event there. That place might be a store,the
craftauthor, and the event.5. Expand your contact list. Book
shop, pro shop, spa, festival, or health care center. Dosignings are a great way
some brainstorming with your staff and friends.2.to expand your mailing list. Use a sheet of paper on
Gather input from readers. When you step into thethe
book-signing arena, you have an opportunity toautograph table with column headings like: Name, Email
interact withaddress, Phone number. Usually, the less information
readers. You are the center of attraction, since youyou
are therequest, the more names you will collect. You can get
author/expert. By providing a mini-seminar ormore
discussion,information as you develop a relationship with these
you give a sneak preview of your book and yourindividuals. It is a good idea to provide something free,
expertise.such as a bookmark, with a quote from the book and
Add a question and answer segment and you willyour
learn whatcontact information on it.Add the adventure of book
interests the readers most. It may be the beginning ofsigning and book-signing tours to your marketing list to
acreate memorable moments that far exceed routine
sequel.3. Have an event that is newsworthy andmarketing methods.Jo Condrill conducted book signings
gather clippings for youracross the US, including one in the Barnes and Noble
scrapbook and poster board. Book signings providestore in Rockefeller Center, New York. Her longest
an eventbook signing tour covered twelve cities. She is the
that is newsworthy. This is especially valuable if youcoauthor of two books: "From Book Signing to Best
areSeller: An Insider's Guide to Conducting a Successful
not yet a celebrity. Celebrities do book signings forLow-Cost Book Signing Tour" and "101 Ways to
primarily the same reasons emerging authors do, anImprove Your Communication Skills Instantly." She also
opportunity to be noticed and quoted and appear inwrote "Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue
theYour Dreams." Her support team developed an
media. Gather comments of those who have alreadyexcellent planner that even does the math for you!
readKarl Moore interviewed Jo from the UK.