BookTalk.org

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!

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!

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.

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

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

You're welcome!

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

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.

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

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.