How To Avoid The Mistakes Other Authors Make At Your First Book Signing

PRLog (Press Release) – May 18, 2008 – Self-Published authors, like traditionally published authors are successfully promoting their books in the marketplace. The key: stay on top of what others are doing; adapt what you think will work for you, remain open to new ideas and don’t stop promoting.

That is exactly what has sustained Blondie L. Clayton since she started her self-publishing journey several years ago.

According to Clayton, “Most self-published authors have no clue what to do once their book is published, particularly at a book signing. A book signing is a time to introduce you and your book content to the reading public, for you to share who you are and to sell readers on why they should invest in your book, what’s in it for them.

Clayton shares some of her secrets to success: Once your book is published, get busy, do a book signing. It can be at a local book store, someone’s business, home, club, organization. Look for opportunities to be invited in to share your message, answer questions about your book, so that potential buyers can get to know you.

Make yourself a checklist. That list should include a plan of action right up until the day of the book signing. For instance, record the location, your contact person, order books, decide what you are going to talk about, prepare a flyer with your talk topic, if you plan to do one that day. Have extra flyers, business cards, post cards or something on hand that you can pass out to help promote the event prior to and on the day of.  
     
At the location, arrive early to set up. Don’t stand around. Take your book, walk around and talk to anyone that will give you an ear. Or you can hand them your information and invite them to stick around for your talk, or drop by your table.

Give away something that they have to  sign up for, with either an e-mail or mailing address. Weave the give-a-way into your handout information. That freebie could be a one page newsletter, or other items you choose. This is one way of cultivating a potential relationship which could lead to future sales.

Never rely on the host to do all of the promoting; think of ways  to have some input, even if it is announcing it through your network, radio show, blog, etc.

Learn from others. Check your local library, see if there are any authors scheduled; attend their book signing to see what they do, or see what not to do.

Having someone to assist you can help the experience go smoother. If not, prepare to do it all, from introducing yourself, to receiving monies, to signing books and crowd control.

Blondie L. Clayton is a Realization Strategist™, Author and Publishing Coach. You may find more helpful book signing tips at http://www.telecafepublishing.com or http://www.blondie2book.com