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Becca and I love the holiday season–everything is colorful and cheery, the house is filled with cinnamon and ginger as we flex up our baking muscles, and we get to take time to tell you just what you mean to us. Seriously, you guys are the very best readers out there! We are so lucky to have you in our world.
Another terrific thing about this season is that we can celebrate the things we love, and around here, that’s all things writerly. This year with the launch of One Stop For Writers, our mantra is “Elevate your Storytelling.” So Becca, Lee & I sat down and listed out the top three books we feel have elevated our own craft beyond measure.
Why? So we can give them away to you!
Of course, this exercise caused some issues. Choosing ONLY 3 books? So hard! Plus, several of our “top 3” book choices were the same. And I don’t want to point fingers, but certain individuals *coughBeccacoughLeecough* STOLE some of my choices.
But no worries, there are so many amazing books out there that have helped us become stronger writers that we were able to sort it out.
With that, I bring you the 9 Wonders of the Writing Reference World:
Want to elevate your storytelling and win a kindle copy of one of these “best of the best” craft books? Of course you do!
To Enter:
Grow your craft with One Stop’s powerful library. Certificates never expire.
1) Post in the comment section with your TOP 4 book choices. (This will be by random draw, and first come first serve.)
2) Tell us what book has elevated your storytelling. We would love to hear what has given your writing a boost!
3) Pay-it-forward by naming a writer friend (first name is fine if you prefer) who has helped you. If you win, we will send them a 1 month Gift Certificate for One Stop For Writers for their own stocking.
Must be 18, no purchase necessary, open to all unless prohibited by law. For the full legal rules and disclaimers, go here.
As always, social sharing is appreciated, but never a condition of our giveaways. Winners will be drawn and announced on Saturday, December 12th!
The post Win, Win, Win! Stuff Your Stocking With Writerly Goodies appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS™.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a book with your name on it. The beautiful cover, the weight of it in your hands, the pages of your creativity bundled into a package for readers to enjoy. It sits o the shelf–maybe a physical one, perhaps a virtual one–but it is there, mingling with other books, rubbing spines with both fresh and established voices alike.
And there it will sit, waiting to be noticed..among not hundreds, not thousands, but a virtual tsunami of books that grows larger each day. Sure, family and friends will buy your book, and perhaps some of your supporters and connections online, too. But unless you do something, it will eventually fade into obscurity, never having the chance to break out and be discovered by the exact people looking to read a book just like yours.
The number one failing of authors (provided they have a well edited, quality book) is an inability to connect with their exact audience.
Traditionally published or self-published, in this competitive market, authors must actively find readers or risk their book dying on the shelf. Many fiction authors try hard, but often miss the mark as far as targeting an audience (promoting too narrowly for example, say only to other writers). Some unfortunately go the spam route, misusing social media to shout constantly about their book, sales, 5 star reviews and even sending “check out my book + LINK” messages to followers. This type of promo becomes “White Noise,” which most ignore. In some cases, people become so annoyed, rather than this strategy pulling new readers in, it pushes them away.
So How Does An Author Find Their Ideal Audience?
1) Know What Makes Your Book Special
While a book’s genre (and sub-genres) help to narrow reader interest, this is only the start of your journey to finding your ideal audience. A Fantasy enthusiast will not be interested in reading ALL types of Fantasy, right? So the first step is defining what about your book makes it stand out from all the other novels like yours. Move beyond just genre. What themes or elements are unique about your book? What are the strongest qualities about your hero or heroine that make them likeable? What concept makes your book pop?
Is your fantasy about a race of nomadic humans who are really shape shifting dragons, but over the generations, have forgotten what they are? Or, does your book have a hero who must solve codes and cyphers to uncover an astrological prophesy? Maybe it involves unusual magical travel…wizards that have discovered they can bottle the scents associated with a location and when a subject inhales it, he travels to that place. Whatever it is, this “special element” is a big part of what makes your book unique, and what will draw readers to your type of story and characters.
2) Make a List of Groups that Tie into this Element
Figured out what makes your book stand out from all the others like it? Awesome. Now it’s time to find out what interests people who think X is compelling, because that’s what’s special about your book.
Let’s take one of my examples. Say your book is the Dragon Fantasy concept above. A book featuring dragons may appeal to people who collect dragon figurines, read dragon-centric books, play dragon fantasy games, create dragon artwork, fashion dragon jewellery, blog about dragons, go to dragon-themed movies, visit forums that discuss dragon culture, etc. Google has 38 pages for “dragon lovers.” In less than a minute, I found a Dragon Museum, Dragon Decor Designs and a ton of forums, facebook groups, and the like. Using Twitter Search, I discovered there is a #Dragon hashtag that brings up people, products and discussions about dragons. All of these people have the potential to be your exact reading audience, especially those who wish dragons were real, but are hiding their true forms. Or Fantasy readers interested in shape shifters and nomadic cultures.
(Don’t forget to look around locally, too. There may be groups, events and activities that tie into your book’s special concept in your own backyard.)
3) Identify Possible Influencers and Opportunities
Now within this glorious pool of Dragondom, there will be influencers: people who blog about all things dragons that really draw an audience, or active forums that discuss the latest dragon films and books. Perhaps gaming communities or even Facebook or Goodreads groups that draw a crowd. All of these help dragon enthusiasts discuss the thing they all love.
Check some of these places out to see if they might be a home for you too. After all, if what makes your book special is the shape-shifting dragon element, I’m going to assume you have a strong interest in dragons, right? Surely you have some things to talk about, links to share, books to recommend, etc. We write what we love, and so we should love to talk about what we write.
You want to find several groups or blogs that offer content to their readers that would also appeal to your readers. See who is discussing dragons on the web. Is there a Twitter Chat about dragons? Also look for people who create tangible goods for dragon lovers (artists, designers, etc.) These are people you want to try and connect with, because opportunities might exist down the road for some cross promotion. Don’t forget other authors with books like yours. Make friends, tweet links to their blog and book. They will notice and most reciprocate, meaning your book might get noticed by their audience.
4) Connect and Engage
Hurray! We have found a slew of blogs, websites, forums and people who are into dragons! Time to join up, follow and send messages about our book, right?
Sorry, that’s not how it works.
Finding out who your audience might be is one thing, but actually (hopefully) turning them into your audience is another. To do that, you need to connect. Interact. Join conversations going on about dragons. Discuss your own collection, the books you read, the movies you watch. Talk to people, find out more about them. Talk about life. Ask questions. Be genuine. Add to the conversation, supply links to things you think others will find interesting about dragons. Build relationships.
Yes, this takes time. It’s work, but if your heart is into it, it’s fun too. In time you will see that these relationships are worth far more than a handful of sales generated from spam promo. Why? Because when you need help, you can ask. Maybe you need reviewers, or have a book launch coming up and need people to spread the word. These individuals who you have invested your time in will often be the most enthusiastic about helping you gain visibility. They become not just supporters, but if we are lucky, fans.
5) Create Book Events to Draw in Your Reading Audience
One of the best ways to gain visibility is to host a big book event online. Thinking very hard about who your exact audience is, and what they would find interesting or entertaining is the key to drawing the right crowd to your event. Online book events like a book launch are the one time when people expect us to shout about our new book from the rooftops. We can build buzz and flash our cover and blurbs, and draw interest. Events are excellent ways to get your book noticed by the right people!
But the trick is to create an event that utilizes Social Media well, and draws the attention of the right people: people most suited to enjoy our book. Unfortunately this has been made harder because of all the “White Noise” of online promotion out there. So, the task is up to us to WOW people enough that they take notice, and don’t dismiss the event as more “book promotion.”
When you create your event, keep your theme or special element in mind. Build around it. Could you do a dragon treasure hunt across many different blogs using street team members? Perhaps add a shape shifting element where participants follow clues to figure out which street team member is human and which is a dragon, so they can find the hoard (giveaway prize) on someone’s blog? Something else? You decide!
I hope these tips help!
* * * * * * *
HEADS UP! If you are interested in learning how to promote better during these big Book Launch or Book Sale type events, Becca and I are running a special marketing webinar on October 13th at 8:00-9:30 EST called The Marketing Marriage: Creative Social Media Solutions to Help Your Book Event Get Noticed.
Becca and I have run many successful events that have generated thousands of visitors, huge visibility and strong sales. In this webinar we will show you how to create your own book event that attracts attention, engages your audience, and rises it above Promo White Noise. It’s not just about getting eyes on your book, it’s about the RIGHT eyes.
Can’t make the webinar date? No worries! Sign up and get the recording to watch at your leisure. Follow this link for more information.
How have you found your readers? Any tips to share? Post them below!
The post 5 Steps To Find Your Book’s Ideal Audience appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS.
The idea of doing a book reading or author signing sort of terrifies me. I don't know why this is, because I love writers--we share the same passions and interests. It's great to chat with them at conferences, see what they are reading, discover what they are writing themselves. I always leave a conference with new friends, and in today's digital world, some faces to go with the names I recognize online!
So WHY should I be so frightened of a book signing? The people there show up because they are interested in my book, and what I have to say, right?
I don't know how to pin down my fears exactly, but if I had to get to the root of it all, it would be to say I am afraid of screwing up, of doing or saying something stupid that I can't undo. Yet,
book events are important to authors and for building relationships with readers, so I need to move past my worries. I bet many of you feel the same!
Lucky for us, my friend
Rochelle Melander, author of
Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) has some excellent words of advice on how to handle such an event! Please read on, and prepare to bookmark this gem of a post to reference for your own next book signing.
GIVEAWAY ALERT! Rochelle is also kindly giving away a copy of her book. Details below!Book Signings that Wow
By Rochelle Melander
Last month, I headed out on a cold Friday night to attend an author event at my favorite local bookstore. Truthfully, I dreaded it. Okay, the idea of having pizza and wine with a friend sounded good. But then schlepping through the snow and ice to sit through a long and boring reading—not so much fun. Unless . . . the event wows. And this one did.
Mystery author Ian Rankin told stories (in his lovely Scottish accent) about how his newest books came about. (I won’t spoil it for you, but know it involved a secret military camp, a rock star, and drinking.) By the time he started answering questions, we’d laughed and shed a few tears. When Rankin signed my book, he asked: “So how was the evening for you? Did you enjoy it?”
You’re probably thinking, “But Rankin’s a star AND he has an accent. How can I wow like he does?” Never fear! Here’s my no-fail plan for wowing audiences at book events:
Get the Right Attitude. When Ian Rankin asked me, “So how was the evening for you?”—I knew he’d approached his talk thinking: how can I make this event work for my audience? Face it—people can spend their night and their cash in a gazillion different ways. If you want to get them to attend your event and buy a book, you need to make it worthwhile for them. Start by asking yourself: how can I best serve my audience?
Promote Your Event. In the days leading up to the book signing for Write-A-Thon, I had a recurring nightmare that no one showed up for my event. It happens. I’ve been the only attendee at more than one author event. When I asked Daniel Goldin, owner of
Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, WI, how to get people to events, he offered great advice:
*Invite people! Ask your family, friends, and acquaintances to come to your event. Goldin says, “The best thing is person-to-person selling, and a personal contact will always be more effective than a bulk mailing. "I'd love for you to be there" is probably more effective than ‘I think you'll like my book’”
*Pursue publicity. Connect with as many local media outlets as possible. Don’t overlook local bloggers—sometimes they can rally a dedicated group of fans better than a spot on a local television show. Goldin says, “Press is light years better than ads. You get the chance to tell what your story is about and why folks would connect.”
*Build good will with other authors. Be the kind of author who supports other writers. Blog about your friends’ books and events. Write reviews of their books and post them online. Goldin added, “Put your money where your mouth is (figuratively) and attend your friend's events too. It's like getting invited to a wedding—they'll support you if you support them.” Plan your event. Don’t be the author who stumbles through a too-long reading while the audience members surf the net on their smart phones. Successful book events appear effortless. The author may sound like he spontaneously sang a few bars of a favorite old drinking song, but I’m sure he practiced. The authors who wow plan and practice their talks.
*Tell stories. I’ve attended more than a hundred events, and I always prefer hearing authors tell stories over listening to them read from their book. According to bookstore owner Daniel Goldin, “You can throw 5 minutes of reading into it, but make sure you're a great reader. One technique that seems to work well is telling the story that leads to how the book got written. If you can expand that to 15 minutes, you've got half your talk.”
*Connect with the audience. When I attend a talk, just like when I have coffee with a new friend, I’m looking for how we connect. Goldin affirms this, “
The #1 reason why someone buys the book at an event is emotional. You connected with them somehow and you're promising that the book is more of the same.” You cannot manufacture connection. But you can give an event that creates connection: be open and authentic. Tell stories that show why you are passionate about this topic or these characters.
*Add Value. Think about the unique ways you and your book can add value to the event for the crowd. At my event, I gave everyone a complimentary bookmark (that was printed with a fun saying and info about my book). In addition, I held a drawing for Write-A-Thon goodie bags, filled with delicious treats and tools for a writing marathon. At other book signings I’ve attended, authors have given out temporary tattoos (Jeff Kinney), brought in artifacts from their childhood (Patricia Polacco), and served cake (Debra Brenegan).
*Keep it short, Sherlock! Give some people a microphone, and they can talk for hours about how great they are. Don’t be that person! According to Goldin, “Leave the crowd wanting a bit more. You will always go longer than you think. Aim for 30 minutes, and never go over 45.” As you plan your talk, don’t forget to include fifteen minutes for questions.
*Practice. Once you know what you’re going to say and read, stand up in front of your family or pets or even a dozen stuffed animals and do it. Then give the talk twenty more times until you don’t feel stupid or, if you do feel stupid, you don’t care!
But what if I’m terrified? Get used to it. Everyone is. For most of us, speaking tops list of things we fear, along with heights, snakes, and spiders. According to author and certified professional speaker
Mandi Stanley, the best way to manage fear is to remember, “It’s not about you, it’s about the audience.” If you need more practical help, she lists several tools in her book
The No-Panic Plan for Presenters: An A-to-Z Checklist for Speaking Confidently and Compellingly Anywhere, Anytime:
*Remember that the audience wants you to do well.*It’s easier to speak to people you know—so get to the event early and talk to people as they come in.*If you have extra adrenaline or nervous energy, go in the restroom and jog really fast for a few minutes. If your hands still shake, Stanley recommends that you don’t hold paper. That way, no one will see you shake! After the event. Go home and collapse. You did it! The next day, send a hand-written thank you note to the people who hosted your event. If possible, send chocolate! Why? Bookstore owners, booksellers, and other event coordinators work hard to promote your event and sell your book. A note helps you to be remembered as that kind author who gave a great talk and said thank you (as opposed to the cranky one who sneered at them). And who knows, that might help you get another signing when your next book comes out!
Your turn: What are your tips for creating book events that wow?Rochelle Melander is an author, speaker, and certified professional coach. She is the author of ten books, including
Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It.
Rochelle teaches professionals how to write good books fast, use writing to transform their lives, navigate the publishing world, and get published! For more tips and a
complementary download of the first two chapters of Write-A-Thon, visit her online at www.writenowcoach.com. (TIP: Rochelle always has great advice, so look her up on
TWITTER &
FACEBOOK.)
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Rochelle is generously giving away a copy of her book to a commenter today, so if you'd like to try your luck, just comment!
We'd love to hear if you've been to a book signing, and what was successful (or not so successful) about it! That way, we all have more ideas of how to do host a great one ourselves!
Today we're back with the talented
Scarlett Rugers, Cover Designer for
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression. As we all know, the cover of a book isn't just important--it's
CRITICAL. Scarlett has more answers to your cover questions!
If you missed yesterday's post, check it out as well. There's a ton of
great info to help authors make informed decisions when working with a cover artist and choosing a design.
I'll get right to the Q & A... Southpaw asked: How do you avoid (or maybe modify) those cliché covers when all the best sellers are using them and selling?
SCARLETT: Best sellers can use cliche covers because readers don't immediately identify with the cover- the identify with the author. A lot of Stephen King book covers are average but you never really consider the cover,
you consider the name. At their best-selling height the name is the gold, not the book.
You have to visualize your book as its own element, unattached to any category or genre. It's its own body. It has its own personality.
That's where you start. So in order to avoid cliche covers I brainstorm. I consider the current standard of design with your genre, figure out what makes it what it is, why it's a cliche, why it's used so often. Then I break from it. I'll always remember what my teacher said when I was at University-
ideas are currency. The more you have, the richer you are. Why people limit themselves on ideas was lost on him. So when I brainstorm something new I go crazy and fill pages. One idea will lead to another and to another and another, just like web pages can lead you on and on and on in to new and disturbing/wonderous topics.
The Golden Eagle asked: What are the best programs to use when creating a cover?
SCARLETT: I have always used Photoshop/Indesign/Illustrator. As a professional I do my images in Photoshop/Illustrator then layout in InDesign.
I understand that can be very pricey. However Adobe has just organized a month-by-month subscription service which is much more affordable.
I've heard also that
Gimp and
Inkspace are good to use for those who can't afford Photoshop. I've also heard of PowerPoint but I say no, please, no!
Don't use PowerPoint. Its purpose is for presentations, not book cover design. You need a program that specifically handles images, text, layout and the right margins/settings for printing purposes.
Traci asked: How close to the description of characters does the cover artist try and get? Do they read the book to get the details or does an author include that description for them?
SCARLETT: Some designers will read your book, some won't. I don't know the percentage of who does and who doesn't though.
I do, because as an author myself I know it's an important step to make sure I interpret the story correctly and can give the cover that absolute personal touch it needs. I also have a
questionnaire that I get the author to fill out so they can give me as many details as I need about the story. Sometimes authors come to me and they haven't finished their book, so I use their description to provide some co
A few weeks back, I put out a call for questions to ask
Scarlett Rugers, the Cover Designer for
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression. She's come up with some very
thoughtful and
insightful responses, so help me welcome her to the blog! *drum roll*
I'll get right to the
Q & A...Bonnee asked: do authors of a book often get to pick or influence the cover their books end up with? Are we allowed to contribute to designing it? Or does it all depend on who we're working with and their own personal terms and conditions?
SCARLETT: The designer you work with should always consult with you at each stage to make sure you are happy with the direction of the book cover. If your designer is pitching concepts to you that aren't in your direction - and continue to stay out of your direction after you provide feedback- you should seek another designer.
It's important for you, as an author and client, to have a say in how the cover looks. This could range from letting your designer know what other styles of covers you like so they at least get an idea of what draws your eye, to showing them font faces, colour schemes, and images that you have considered using.
In return, I would also suggest being open to the designer's advice and suggestions. If you have your eye set on a particular font face and the designer says you shouldn't use it - ask them why. It could be due to the fact it has a bad/cheap reputation, could mislead the design of the book cover, could say the wrong thing, could be too expensive, or any other number of reasons. This is where the balance comes in and when you have to trust your designer. I'm not saying they're right, and if you are 100% on using the font face (as an example) then tell your designer that's what you want, but just be aware this is their field of expertise and it's better to be flexible than be dead set on an idea.
In my situation
if an author wants something specific- like a font face- on their book that I don't believe works, I'll advise them of why but will put the font face on the cover so they can see the example for themselves. More often than not they understand why it isn't working. But at the end of the day it's your cover, you can have whatever you wish!
When I collaborate with an author some of them are happy to take the risk and allow me to provide concepts that are completely new to them.
In the initial questionnaire I ask them if they want me to design something for them that works in alignment with their genre, something 50/50 or something new and unique. New and unique is always a risk from the author's side, I completely understand that. But the feedback I've received from the past writer's I've worked with is that they're happy with the outcome, it's something they didn't imagine but they're excited- and of course as it's a collaboration they give me feedback about the design with what works for them and what doesn't.
They're still included at each stage of the design process so that even if it's something new they are allowed to have their say!
Laura asked: How long does it take Scarlett to complete a cover from start to finish?
SCARLETT: The average process is two weeks, but it can take as quickly as three days or as slowly as three weeks to a month.
The
We're heading into the end of the year already, and I'm thinking of all the books I want to read but haven't yet, and starting that great wish list in the sky, just in case the fairy godmother of Christmas (or the Twilight Zone) wants to send some lovely books my way.
So I accidentally come across this on Art Blog by Bob--the second time in a week my Google search has led me to Bob's blog, where I have gotten distracted to the point of forgetting what I was even researching to begin with!
Um, yeah. I write young adult fiction because I love reading it. Call me immature. So... I want to read it!
Angela's excellent post, combined with my daughter's new pseudo-schedule and a little more free-time, remind me of how much I miss reading. But after my little break, I feel out of the loop. In an effort to keep us all accountable (and drum up some possibilities for me) please tell me what you're reading--doesn't matter if it's YA, adult, fiction, non-fiction. I'm just curious.
The last book I
YT: Sorry, Jess. I wanted to give you a heads up that I've had another one of my little one-click episodes on Amazon. So when the packages start coming in please just call me and I'll take care of them. Don't even bother unwrapping or anything--just leave them on the floor.
Jess: You are out of control. I might have to stage an intervention.
YT: Haha. Editor rehab? They cut off your bun and
Awhile back, I was wandering through the juvenile department of my library, just minding my own business and perusing the selection when I overheard a mom and her daughter who were having some trouble. Mom had a reading list in her hand. Daughter looked supremely bored.
Mom: Oh, look. Here's one from your list. (picks up Shannon Hale's Princess Academy)
Daughter: (yawns)
Me: (gushes) Oh, that's
1. On Writing 2. First Five Pages 3. Self-Editing For Fiction Writers 4. Writing Screenplays That Sell 5. Description 6. Save the Cat 7. 21st Century Fiction 8. Stein on Writing 9. Structuring Your Novel
Oh, to ever be in a position to have a book to be signed - maybe I could sign a few of the magazines that my stories have appeared in! If I ever get to that stage, I shall certainly remember Rochelle's book. Thanks both of you. Wendy from across the pond x
Book signings terrify me too. I'm afraid no one would come. Thanks so much for the advice, Rochelle. You make it seem a little less scary.
I've started to attend local book signings more. I just discovered that Carrie Harris lives in my town and we're having coffee tomorrow. I agree with Rochelle that you have to support others to expect others to attend your signing. Plus you learn from them.
I haven't been to any signings yet, but I'm sure I will be soon. I know it's part of the job, but just the thought of me being in the spotlight at a signing makes me shudder. I am definitely bookmarking this to save for when I'm closer to publishing my own book!
What great advice! I'm printing this off and putting it in my little folder(which is getting bigger and bigger) of writing tips. I'd love to win the book. Now I'm going to hop over to her site.
Hey all, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I've done several signings and many, many speaking gigs...and it still makes me shudder! I think that's normal. :-) And Natalie, I agree--I've learned so much just watching other people read. (And it IS inspiring to watch my colleagues succeed!) -Rochelle
I've never had a book signing myself, but I did attend a wonderful event a few years ago. It was a sort of chew and chat event at a library where an author came in, spoke about her writing and then signed books at the end. For me, the key was humor and warmth. She pulled that off and I left smiling and happy that I took the time to attend.
Such great advice! I'm not exactly in a place where book signings are in the foreseeable future, but if I ever get there, I'l definitely keep this in mind. :)
Thanks for the great advice. I didn't know where to start planning this sort of thing and now I have some ideas what to expect. Thanks.
Though I have never attended a book signing, your article gave me much food for thought.
Like you mentioned in your article, I think being personable and giving guests a chance to know you better as an individual will go a long ways toward achieving the overall atmosphere of a good book signing.
Creating that sense of comradery gives the feeling of spending time with old friends, not individuals you may be meeting for the first time. This sets the stage (literally!) for establishing meaningful, supportive, long standing relationships in the writer's world.
This is a wise investment not only for the author's own networking, but to have as a wellspring of inspiration and confidence for their writing goals and for book signings to come.
I just watched an amazing TED talk on reaching out to one's audience by being authentic and vulnerable...it was just amazing. These tips are right in line with that--a signing event is the chance to connect with people, so we have to make it meaningful and personable. Thank you so much for the great advice! A pleasure to have you here today, Rochelle!
Janel, I agree with you--humor and warmth are exactly what readers are looking for. As well as being personable, as Tyra mentioned. Being authentic, as Angela describes it. By the way, Angela, can you give us the name of the person who did the TED talk? Thanks! -Rochelle
You bet! It was by Amanda Palmer, a musician:
http://www.upworthy.com/an-8-foot-tall-woman-is-destroying-the-entire-music-industry?g=2&c=ufb1
Very inspiring to see the connection she has established with her fans. :)
Yes, the idea of doing these terrifies me. I'm copying this one. Thanks!
I did a signing wearing a full-length pink tutu (the book cover shows a puppy wearing a tutu). I raffled off a t-shirt with the cover of the book on the front, and I gave away bookmarks. The signing was held in a tutu boutique shop that stocks my book. It would have been fabulous had anybody attended! It was advertised at the local schools, but maybe ten kids showed up (and not all at once). I could have used some tips on how not to look awkward when no one shows up. And the cherry on the top was that the one boy who was dragged to the store because of his sister is the one who won the t-shirt. Argh!
Great tips. Hand written notes are an especially nice touch, though it does seem like work:)
I love going to author signings and have been to several,
I haven't been to many book signings (I live in the middle of nowhere) but of the ones I've attended, it's the stories behind the stories and the funny things that happened in the process that I want to hear, not so much the book itself. When one day I have a book to promote *crosses fingers* I'm going for the tell stories, interact, etc. and hoping to avoid reading:)
Jennifer: I love the pink tutu idea! I am sorry to hear that no one showed up (well, at least not all at once)--but now you have one amazing behind-the-scenes story to tell when you give the next talk! I've had my share of empty seats at signings--and the best thing is to chat with the staff and not take it personally. Robin, I agree--we want to hear the secret stuff, like what our favorite author eats for breakfast and such! BTW, I was in my favorite bookstore today, and the owner (quoted in this piece) said many authors are terrified. But, it gets better with practice.
Super ideas here. I love the suggestion for contacting local bloggers. I never would've thought of that, but what a great way to get the word out to locals.
Thanks so much for sharing, Rochelle!
Very helpful, the very idea planning signing has always terrified me.
Especially the reading (it's one thing if you have a Scottish accent.)
I will definitely keep these ideas in mind if i every manage to get to that point in my career.
I really enjoyed your article. Book signings both excite and terrify me. The idea of standing in front of a group of people who are staring at me and then telling them how great my book is makes me shudder. Thinking about it as a different way to connect with my readers helps a lot... as does your suggestion to talk about how you initially came up with your book idea.
I'll definitely remember to run through my talk 20 times.
Two reasons I love book signings: the author is truly famous and I feel some of her glow rubbing off and an author took time to chat with our book club; as you mentioned, it was very personal.
I aspire to be on the other side of the table some day!
Thanks for the kind comments all! Maybe we need to work on our accents? Somehow I don't think my Wisconsin accent is as charming as a Scottish or Australian accent! Pam, thanks for the reminder that book talks are inspiring! We can bask in the glow of authors and hope it lasts until we get back to our desks.
And for those of us who are fearful: remember how many of us are experiencing this. No doubt most of your audience will feel the same way and WANT you to succeed!
This was such great info! I loved this post!! I went to a book signing two nights ago with six big authors. They played off each other's answers a lot, which made it so much funnier. I say when you can, sign with other authors! It seems to make authors much more at ease.
No book signings yet, but I'm sure that will change. My first novel comes out March 29th. Maybe I'll do something a the local library to celebrate?
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Great post, and just in time for me! My book signing/launch party is two weeks from tomorrow *le gulp* It's more of a mix and mingle/open house than anything. Cake, pop, bookmarks (with my book's info and cover art), postcards (same), door prizes, decorations...I hope no one asks me to read, but I'll practice, just in case.
Most excellent tips! Make it an event or book talk. I love hearing the inside scoop as to why and how a book was written. Yes, don't read too much - and practice reading out loud in an active voice. Even the best-planned events may attract few people, or even no one, but be gracious, thank the book store owner or venue manager, and count the event as a great excuse to publicize the heck out of you and your book
Rochelle, I used to be terrified of speaking, but have found that videotaping each event and posting it on my website, has made me a better speaker.
1). I always hold a raffle
2). I have a guest sign-in book.
3). I start with something everyone can relate to, and link it to my story.
Thanks Angela for this wonderful interview, and as I say to myself, "Stay Gutsy!"
Peggy--I love the idea of authors coming together to do a reading/signing. Fun! Kittyb78--I think a book launch party is a great way to enjoy the publication of your book, and the library is a great venue! Beth--good luck! I had cake at mine, too--and it was a BIG HIT! Gutsy living--I love the sign in book idea. Thank you! And I love your phrase, Stay Gutsy!
I am nowhere near being close to doing a book signing (I believe having a book is a prerequisite...LOL!), but I still appreciate the great advice that I hope I can use really soon. :) Also passing it along to a critique group buddy who is now doing book signing. Thank you!