A reminder that all authors should always sign their books.

There is never a good reason for an author to not sign their book! Never!

Ask any book store manager. If two identical books are sitting side-by-side and one is signed by the author and the other is not, guess which one sells first? Signed books sell quicker!

Don't wait for someone to ask. Just sign it! Many people think because you wrote a book, you are unapproachable. Prove them wrong.

Talk to people. It builds relationships. Be exceedingly FRIENDLY! Book signings are certainly no place to be shy.

If you are sending books for reviews; sign them.

Obviously you are expected to sign your books at a book signing, however you must seize every opportunuty to sign your books.

I often will sign a bookmark for someone who lingers at my table but does not buy my book. Remember your mission: "Spread good will!" Many people will come back to the store and buy your book after you have left.

Give copies of your book cover to everone. Have extra book covers printed. Be sure you sign them! They make great giant book cover "postcards." Sign and send them to friends, clients and book stores. Ask your friends to give (or mail) your signed book covers to their friends.

On second thought. . . sign EVERYTHING!

Print out and give away a FREE "Recommended Reading" list. List several catagories and make sure your book and website are listed in the first topic. Sign your name beside your book title and name to call attention to it. Don't be afraid to list other competing titles.

As an author you should ALWAYS sign your books, even if you sell or give them to your friends or trade books with other authors. (I believe your friends should BUY your books to help support you in your author efforts.) Some people are too shy to ask for your autograph. Sign it anyway! Simply ask, "Here, let me sign that for you. Whose name would you like in it?" Always ask.

By the way, when you sign your book, ever assume the book is for the one who is buying it. In the beginning, I wasted several books by assuming that the book was for them. I also always ask for the correct spelling. Even John can be spelled, "Jon;" "Kelly: Keli, Kellie, Kelley, etc."

If you sell your book by mail order be sure to include a blank on your order form for the person's name to which the book should be signed. Remind them to PRINT the name. I also ask if they would like for me to write a date under my signature. Many people like to remember when they met you.

Authors often trade books with other authors. Remember to sign your books to them and ask them to return the favor.

Come up with a special way of signing your name every time you sign your books. For many years, I have signed books, "Sally & Jim, Celebrate Love! Larry James." While signing, I always mention that my website is CelebrateLove.com; that there are lots of free relationship articles there and I would love to hear from them by e-mail telling me what they thought of my book. I also add, "If you like it, please tell your friends."

Be creative in the ways you sign your books! My friend, Steven Andrew Guerrero, author of "Gentlemen, Start HER Engine," signs his books: "Larry, Always race to win! See you in Victory Lane!"

Adding something special like, "Happy Birthday," or "Happy Anniversary," etc., will also make them very proud to show the book to their friends. Signed books are treasured much more than non-signed books!

Be shameless! You are an author now. Some people collect autographs! Give them freely! Don't be sky. If you proud of what you have written. . . show it!

Sign your books!

Copyright © 2009 - Larry James. Larry James is the author of four books.