Tuesday Tips: Book Signing

Last weekend I did a book signing. I also did a talk for my writers group about how to host a successful book signing. I have sold a ton of books this way and have learned a lot every time I do another one.

Just to make things easier I made a checklist:

• Write some books that don't suck
• I'm serious
• This is a prerequisite
• Tell a pile of people you are signing books
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Online groups
• Make it easy for people to buy your stuff
• Paper
• Kindle
• Audio
• Have fun with it
• People can tell you are having fun
• Be approachable
• Get lots of pics for social media!

Things to bring to make it easy and professional:

Good Signage

• Have more books than you will need.
• Running out is bad
• Have a variety of books
• Your novels
• Anthologies you are in
• Pens to sign stuff
• Favorite pen and backups
• I like Sharpies for signing
• $200 in cash to make change
• A cash box is a good idea as well
• Be able to accept credit cards
• Have a VISA/MASTERCARD plaque
• Test your Square BEFORE the event.
• Add your new titles BEFORE the event.
• Have good signage
• Profession signage draws in people
• QR Codes for Kindle Unlimited versions
• Free books for readers cash for you
• Business cards/book marks
• Keep them in your cash box. Lots of them
• Table cloths
• Makes it look nice.
• Shopping bags
• It's a small thing but people like it
• A folding chair (just in case)
• Even a guest chair for people to chat
• Book stands and racks
• Readers need to be able to see your books
• Downloadable freebies
• Free short stories are nice
• Email list signup sheet
• Collect email addresses
• Bowl of chocolate candies
• Draw them in
• Bottles of water
• You will get thirsty from all the talking
• Food if it's a long event
• Power bars, if not a real bagged lunch
• A case to pack all this inside
• Makes it easy to set up
• More than one if you need em!

Always get there early to set up. It lets you get a good spot. Always be extra nice to your hosts/organizers/contacts. Make friends and have fun. 

Keep in mind that you can be completely prepared, professional and ready and still not sell any books. It's happened to me a couple times. You just need to have the foot traffic. And it also helps if the traffic you get are people from your target audience.