By Weslynn McCallister writing as Jamie Cortland

If you are booking your own event you will want to do the following:

Call the Community Relations Manager (CRM) at least two months in advance to set up the event.

Ask the CRM if they will be ordering your books or if they would like for you to bring your own copies. If they plan to order them, inquire a week or so before the event and ask if your books have arrived. If not, plan to take a box of books along, just in case.

Ask the store for a media list. Send out press releases. Call radio and TV stations at least a month in advance to set up interviews. Furnish them with a press release and an invitation to your book signing.

Send the Chamber of Commerce and any other local organizations that might be interested in your book a press release, a review and an invitation.

Enclose an announcement or invitation in every bill you pay and every letter you mail. Invite your friends and group associations.

Have an announcement prepared for the bookstore.

Have your book cover enlarged to an 11X17 laminated poster mounted on poster board with a stand on the back. Kinkos will do this. You may also want to add a professional color photo of yourself to the poster.

THE BIG DAY…Dress professionally. Be there fifteen to twenty minutes early to set up. Bring your poster and any promo items you may have. Make eye contact, smile, be friendly and have fun. If your customer shows interest in your book, place one in their hands. If they purchase one, ask to whom they would like it autographed to. (It may be a gift.)

Ask your customers if they would like to be on your mailing list. Have a Polaroid camera with you. Have a photo taken of you with the bookstore manager. Perhaps a customer would like to have their photo taken with you.
Ask.

If you do not sell any books, do not complain or show your
disappointment. Remember the object is to sell yourself!

Thank the CRM or manager and give them a small gift...something like a rose or a box of chocolate. Remember to send a thank you note.