How do I get book signings?
Please don’t laugh; my answer might shock you.
You have two options:
- You pick up the phone
- You drive to the book store
I know this sounds simplistic, but believe me, once you’ve tried, it’s quite easy.
- The secret is to be confident and come across as a pro.
Here’s how I do it. I start off with a small intro, and brag a little.
“Hello, my name is Sonia Marsh, and I’m a local author. I was interviewed on the front page of the OC Register, and my memoir was mentioned as a “hot read” in OC Metro. Who do I speak to regarding a book signing at your store?”
- I never tell them I’m indie-published, and they never ask.
Depending on the response, I either e-mail the person in charge, or set a date to drop off some books and sign the consignment form.
My e-mail consists of a similar introduction, short synopsis of my book with links to my press kit+videos, reviews, and a short bio.
Whenever I have time, I stop at indie bookstores and introduce myself. I ask for the manager, and compliment them on their store and ask if they would like to keep some copies of my book on consignment. So far, I’ve had no problems leaving copies at various book stores in California, and booking events.
Barnes and Noble, stores are more difficult to get into, unless you started your own publishing company and can therefore offer them the 55% discount rate they “expect” and make the books returnable. This I did thanks to Linda Austin, and the advice she gave to our Facebook group (please join us) for all indie authors and writers at “Gutsy Indie Publishers.” She has put together several helpful documents on her site’s resources page.
- I believe the purpose of book signings is to meet people, and not just to sell.
At my last book signing at Chaucer’s, a beautiful book store off State Street in Santa Barbara, I only sold one copy, but I still considered it worthwhile.
Unfortunately, I picked the worst rainstorm night to do a signing, however, here’s why I consider it a success.
Two wonderful authors, and workshop leaders, Marla Miller, and Marcia Meier, whom I met several years ago at other conferences, showed up and we chatted and brainstormed about writing, publishing, promotion, events, contests, etc.
Chaucer’s Books has amazing staff, including Erik and Scott.
- It’s all about word-of-mouth, and I met 3 women who wanted to share my story with their friends, and took several bookmarks
- I met the co-founder of OneSpiritDancing.org, a man who purchased my book and shared the purpose of his organization with me which is:
“OneSpiritDancing connects women, children and teens in rural West Africa with their counterparts here in the United States. By focusing on movement, song, dance, communication and leadership skills.”
Since I lived in West Africa, and have a desire to help, this was such an unexpected chance meeting.
- You never know what new contacts may lead to in the future.
- Chaucer’s book events are advertised on a local Santa Barbara radio station for several days, and mention the author’s name and book.
- Chaucer’s event planner, advertises the event in local papers.
- I can always ask for another event when it’s sunny.
- I stopped at Apostrophe Books in Belmont Shores on the way to Santa Barbara to was asked to leave some books on consignment.
- My son is at UCSB, so I managed to have lunch with him.
- Chaucer’s sold some books before my event and kept 5 extra copies.
- I never get tired of meeting people, and sharing stories.
What about you? How do you get book signings? Have you tried?
***
Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?
NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our Anthology. Please contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.
Please read and share our first February’s 2013 story by Sandra Bornstein, our second by Anne Loney, and our 3rd by Diane Danvers-Simmons
You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here
It’s in reality a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Boyd. I see you are involved with travel in Turkey.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..How do I get book signings?
This piece of writing is truly a good one it assists new the web viewers, who are wishing for blogging.
Thank you for your comment. Where are you located Cathern? Visited your link, but could not find information.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..How do I get book signings?
Sonia,you are so good at this book-marketing business! Your confidence and positive attitude are real assets. Wishing you lots of continued success!
Miss Footloose | Life in the Expat Lane recently posted..Expat Romance: The Real Deal
Hi Miss Footloose. It’s been ages since we “spoke.” I think the secret is to keep going. I spoke at a writers’ group yesterday and said, “When I feel like things are slow, I say, just keep going, Sonia.”
Look forward to our next conversation.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..How do I get book signings?
way to go sonia! so much in life is about attitude (and a bit of hard work thrown in for good measure 🙂
Amanda recently posted..Goddesses in the Dust: Time for a Female Pope
Thanks Amanda. How is your book coming along? I haven’t been in touch. My apologies.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..How do I get book signings?
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was conducting a little research on this. And he actually bought me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this matter here on your web page.
Question: I live in Louisiana, I have publish a cookbook with all my own recipes, How do I get them in the book stores? Someone help me because I want to do a book signing party.
You made some decent points there. I checked on
the internet to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along
with your views on this web site.
Rod recently posted..Rod
Woah this blog is usually spectacular i adore understanding your content regularly. Continue the truly amazing artwork! You understand, a lot of folks are searching all over with this info, it is possible to guide all of them tremendously.
Hey superb website! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of
work? I’ve absolutely no knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyways, if you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I just had to ask. Thanks!
Kris recently posted..Kris
At this time it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out there
right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Shanon recently posted..Shanon
Shanon, No I’m not using it. What does it offer?
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Liz Burgess
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to provide one thing again and help others such as you aided me.
cara menjaga gigi recently posted..cara menjaga gigi
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It’s always interesting to read through content from other writers and use a little something
from other websites.
บีฮิบ recently posted..บีฮิบ
For hottest information you have to pay a quick visit world wide
web and on the web I found this web page as a most excellent web site for newest updates.
google plus api recently posted..google plus api
Superb blog here! Furthermore your web site loads up fast!
I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours. Thanks for sharing with us your wonderful
ideas using your blog.
My web page :: baking soda acne
baking soda acne recently posted..baking soda acne
You must take part in a contest for among the very best blogs on the internet.
I will suggest this web site!
Feel free to surf to my web page: best tea tree oil for acne (Donette)
Donette recently posted..Donette
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your
site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
bright clear concept
Battle camp ios cheats recently posted..Battle camp ios cheats
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome,
nice written and come with almost all vital
infos. I would like to see extra posts like this .
Also visit my web site :: kid ceiling fans
kid ceiling fans recently posted..kid ceiling fans
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
I’ve learn this publish and if I could I want
to recommend you some fascinating issues or tips.
Perhaps you could write subsequent articles
relating to this article. I want to learn even more things approximately it!
Luke recently posted..Luke
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear
and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but
I had to tell someone!
long hairstyles 2013 pinterest recently posted..long hairstyles 2013 pinterest
For hottest information you have to pay a quick visit world wide
web and on world-wide-web I found this web site as a most excellent web page for hottest updates.
Here is my blog – Cheapest Car Insurance In PA
Cheapest Car Insurance In PA recently posted..Cheapest Car Insurance In PA
Hi there, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is
sharing data, that’s in fact fine, keep up writing.
My web page :: http://jabong.couponmaya.in
http://jabong.couponmaya.in recently posted..http://jabong.couponmaya.in
Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic.
I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart.
I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.
my site … 300 rise of an empire telecharger
300 rise of an empire telecharger recently posted..300 rise of an empire telecharger
Whats up very nice blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
I am happy to seek out a lot of useful info right here within the submit, we need work out more techniques on this regard,
thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Also visit my web site; les chiens errants telecharger
les chiens errants telecharger recently posted..les chiens errants telecharger
It’s awesome for me to have a web site, which is good for
my experience. thanks admin
Also visit my web-site :: 47 ronin telecharger
47 ronin telecharger recently posted..47 ronin telecharger
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images
on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Here is my web site … john doe vigilante telecharger
john doe vigilante telecharger recently posted..john doe vigilante telecharger
Hi, just wanted to tell you, I liked this blog post.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
Review my website – haunt telecharger
haunt telecharger recently posted..haunt telecharger
This similar potential market is expecting the likelihood to download new and old reserve apps into their sparkly new iPads.
The second category features chargers that are fold-able.
It has three main parts, pages for your documents, keynote for your presentations, and numbers for charts and graphs, making it an ideal app to handle day-to-day business document editing and processing
with much ease and convenience.
my web site … uninstalling iphone apps (Leonard)
Leonard recently posted..Leonard
Your method of describing the whole thing in this paragraph is really nice, all be
capable of easily know it, Thanks a lot.
Green Coffee Beans recently posted..Green Coffee Beans
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to
come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
your theme? Excellent work!
eventbrite.com recently posted..eventbrite.com