Book signing questions

kasteer · Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:18 am

Good morning... I have my first book signing scheduled for 11/12 at Cafe Caturra here in Midlothian, Va. I'll be there from 8 - noon, or until I'm out of books.

My questions are...
- What kind of signage do I need to bring and how should I word it?
- Any tips for a first book signing?

Thanks!

Avid Reader · Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:45 pm

I’ve been to a lot of book signings, and though I never really paid much attention to the signage, from what I remember the signs are generally standing up on the table and are about 11” X 17” (double the standard 8-1/2” X 11”). They usually have a photo of the book cover in the middle, with the author’s name above it, and something else below, probably the words “Book Signing,” or “Meet The Author,” or something like that. I think I’ve seen some with a photo of the Author on them, possibly to make it easier for people to recognize him/her. Perhaps you could do one with the book cover and one with a photo of yourself, to put on each end of the table. Anyway, that’s what I remember, and good luck with your signing!

kasteer · Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:05 pm


	Avid Reader wrote: I’ve been to a lot of book signings, and though I never really paid much attention to the signage, from what I remember the signs are generally standing up on the table and are about 11” X 17” (double the standard 8-1/2” X 11”). They usually have a photo of the book cover in the middle, with the author’s name above it, and something else below, probably the words “Book Signing,” or “Meet The Author,” or something like that. I think I’ve seen some with a photo of the Author on them, possibly to make it easier for people to recognize him/her. Perhaps you could do one with the book cover and one with a photo of yourself, to put on each end of the table. Anyway, that’s what I remember, and good luck with your signing!

Thank you for the response. I was thinking of printing up the front and back covers for the sign. I like the "Meet the author" idea.

It's been a while since I've been to a book signing... and don't recall the signage.

Karen Fisher-Alaniz · Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:43 am

My book came out Nov. 1st so I'm in the same boat. My publisher made up posters that say, "Meet the Author of..." There is a photo of me and of the front of the book. The poster keeps with the colors and theme of the book and the cover of the book. As far as what exactly to sign, be sure to ask. It's interesting to me that a lot of peple just want a signature. They don't want anything else. And always ask for the spelling of names; I had a Jane that was Jyne. Seriously! Good luck and have fun! I'm also told that customers love bookmarks. ~Karen

kasteer · Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:56 am


	Karen Fisher-Alaniz wrote: My book came out Nov. 1st so I'm in the same boat. My publisher made up posters that say, "Meet the Author of..." There is a photo of me and of the front of the book. The poster keeps with the colors and theme of the book and the cover of the book. As far as what exactly to sign, be sure to ask. It's interesting to me that a lot of peple just want a signature. They don't want anything else. And always ask for the spelling of names; I had a Jane that was Jyne. Seriously! Good luck and have fun! I'm also told that customers love bookmarks. ~Karen

Great suggestions. I am leaning towards "Meet a local author", but I also like your suggestion because it includes the name of the book. ...decisions! I'll be stopping by the printer this evening...

As for fun... I'm planning on it.

Thank you very much!
Eric

Karen Fisher-Alaniz · Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:19 pm

You're welcome!

kelstan · Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:43 pm

How exciting - good luck! Perhaps you will let us know how it goes?

kasteer · Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:37 pm

update: Was at the cafe for 3 hours. Very fun at times, slow at others. Talked with 5 people. Sold 3 copies. One person only had 6 bucks so I gave her the Amazon ordering info and another person talked to me and passed on buying. Staff was very friendly ...and I was given a free cup of coffee.

Karen Fisher-Alaniz · Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:30 pm

Well, that sounds a little depressing. But you never know what connections you've made. Any one of the people you talked to could go tell someone else who is in a position to help promote your book in some way. So, you can't always judge the success of an event by book sales. Just keep working at it. ~Karen

kasteer · Wed Nov 16, 2011 4:17 pm

I don't feel negative about it in any way. I wish I could have had more sales and interactions with people, but it is what it is. It was my first book signing and I hope I have an opportunity to do better next time.

kelstan · Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:14 pm

That's a great attitude, Eric. Don't get discouraged, you'll have lots of folks rooting for you.

Karen Fisher-Alaniz · Fri Dec 02, 2011 11:51 pm

I had my first signing that was in a place where I knew absolutely no one. It was at Costco in Spokane, WA. What an interesting experience and a study in human behavior. Some people responded to just catching their eye and then talking a little about the book. But more often than not, if I made eye contact, people ran for the nearest exit. LOL I don't think I'm very good at this salesperson thing. So, what worked? What would I suggest to other authors?

1. Bring food. I had a bowl of festive candy kisses on my table.
2. Have something on the table to draw people to the table. I had my father's old suitcase with memorabilia in it.
3. Be sure that there is signage at the front of the store and that everyone who works there knows about your book!
4. Offer something for non-buyers to take with them; bookmarks or postcards with book info on it.
5. Place some books a little away from your table, but pre-sign them so that shy people can peruse them without commitment.

Overall, sales were very good. And I got to hear a lot of people's stories about their loved ones - that's always the best part! There are also things I would do differently - live and learn, huh? ~Karen

cassidycornblatt · Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:26 pm

I would like to hold a book signing, but as a first time author I am a little new to all of this. What is the best way to set one up, and do you have any other advice? Thanks.

Lynn Hardy · Fri Feb 17, 2012 5:20 pm

I've done some pretty successful signings. The best piece of advice I ever received was to print out fliers to take with you. Most people like to see reviews - even if they are by ordinary people. So I typed up my favorite reviews, with a picture of my book to one side and the title on the top of the slip of paper. Handing these to people who come into the bookstore is a great way to break the ice and let them know you are doing a signing.

http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Flame-Bo ... 6TWVU5XWC2

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