After my first book signings, here are some things I learned.

Book Signings

(Lessons Learned)

With the release of my novel OF ICE AND STEEL, I was thrilled to do my first book signing. I made all the preparations just like the 10 or so books I read told me to. I was ready for the disappointment of no one buying my book. I made sure my display was attractive and fun. It turned out okay. Still here are some lessons learned.

1. People are more interested in asking you how they can be published than they are in buying your book.


2. People do judge a book by its cover.


3. Be careful about asking folks how they would like you to sign their book. (Funny story I will tell you about later.)


4. Do not expect to sell every book you have. You might, but don’t count on it for the rent money.


5. Give aways do work.


6. Humor sells (No matter what your book is about find something funny to talk about.)


7. Some folks will give you every sob story in the world to get a free book.


8. Do not be offended when someone walks up to you at your table only to ask where the bathroom is.


9. Keep talking about your book while the potential buyer is looking at it. Make the book seem part of you, and make you something they want.


10. Understand that your masterpiece is not going to be appreciated by everyone, some might even find your work, as innocent as it may seem to you, offensive. Don’t argue. Let them have their say and they will move along.


11. Connection with a potential buyer is everything. Find common ground, and work it.


12. Don’t bring a bad day to a book signing, leave the troubles of life at home. Remember folks might want your book to escape from their bad day. You are in the entertainment business now campers, like it or not.


13. Don’t eat at your signing table. Looks bad and you might get a potential buyer’s book greasy or dirty.


14. Be ready to suggest other books that might fit the customers want better than yours. This shows class and confidence.