Hold a Book Signing Event that Promotes

 

As things have become normal again and people can gather for in-person events, you can add signings to book marketing plans. When many authors and book publicists think about how to market a book, signings are on the list. It's because they can be useful ways to get out the word about a book and connect authors with their target readers. If you've written a book and are thinking about holding signings, book marketers have a list of dos and don'ts that will help make them successful. The events need not be complicated, but they need some planning and structure to maximize their potential.

 

The first consideration is event promotion. Ideally, it is a partnership between author and venue, which is often a book store. If publicists are involved, either from an agency or publisher, they also can provide support. Because not everyone who is invited will attend, it's crucial to notify as extensive a list as possible – within reason. With most promotions today occurring online, websites, blogs, and social media posts are excellent. Also, invite the local or trade media and send an e-newsletter announcing the event. Reach out to everyone in your address book and ask them to forward it to their friends.

 

The event also needs some promotional materials to support outreach. Bookstores and libraries can hang posters and announcements at their locations. Include an image of the author and the book cover on the posters or flyers. The author, publicist, or publisher should make high-resolution images of the author and book cover readily available. If a retailer or library makes its promotional materials, the pictures will be needed. Also, promote it as an event, not a book signing. Non-fiction authors can make a brief presentation or, for fiction, read an excerpt, and interact with attendees.

 

It's crucial to engage those who attend, and the presentations and readings give people much more than standing in line for an autograph. Being proactive, communicative, and offering people information always makes a more memorable impression. Making sure to prepare in advance is always helpful. Practice your talk, record yourself, stand in front of a mirror; all are good ways to practice what you will say and see how it will come off to others. You or the store should have copies of your book available for purchase because many people will buy one. It might sound obvious, but bring several pens in case one runs out of ink in the middle of the signing. With a little planning and preparation, you'll have success.