How to Prepare for a Book Signing

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By Virginia Allain
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Book signings are great promotional events for authors. To make the most of this public relations opportunity, the author needs to make some preparations. Here's how to get ready for a book signing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Get the word out. Don't count on the book store or other venue to do all the publicity. Find out what they plan to do with signs and press releases, then fill in the gaps.
Post it on your webpage and other author sites. E-mail the event announcement to all your friends and relatives. Send it to newspapers and radio stations in the area to post with their event announcements.
Step 2

Verify all the arrangements. Be sure the site has a table and chair for the author to use. Check on refreshments if that's part of the event. Make sure the site stocks in the book or that you have enough to sell to all who attend.
Step 3

Fill a tote bag with essentials to take to the book signing. This should include several pens, a bottle of water, a name sign for the table and anything else that you think you will need. Be sure the pens write freely, don't blot and the ink dries quickly. Use your computer to print out your own name sign for the table or order a banner for the front of the table. Make it large enough to be easily read and make sure it looks neat and professional.
Step 4

If you will be reading from your book or talking about it to an audience, ask a friend to record it with a camcorder. Later it can be posted on You Tube for more free publicity. Have them take still photos of you as well as you talk to fans and sign books. These can be used for future publicity efforts.
Step 5

Check the route to the book signing location. Allow extra time to get there in case traffic is bad or you get lost along the way. It's best to go early and hang around waiting, than to be late for your special event.

Comments

ramblin62 said

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on 10/22/2009 Step #4 is a great idea--recording your reading! I will keep these tips in mind whenever I finally get published. tx!

sullysee said

on 10/17/2009 You thought of everything! Very helpful article. 5*, save.

on 10/16/2009 It works! Our booksigning with two sisters, one daughter and a friend turned out so much better than our wildest imagination could have dreamed up. Might remember to watch for the room's posted capacity for your event.