If the book signing is such an important event in book promotion, it definitely pays to attach more creativity, thought and planning to make it a more impressive, innovative, and effective presentation. Let us see how this can be achieved.
The Perfect Setting
Typically, book signing sessions are held at bookstores. However, think about the venue that will be most suitable for the subject of the book. The very atmosphere and venue could make the audience more appreciative, and receptive to the book, making them more inclined to buy the book. The book signing of a book on nature, or gardening, if organized in an open air garden setting, is likely to receive a more fruitful response than in a formal hall or store setting.
Think about a book that is an autobiography or biography of an author or poet. How about planning the book signing session in a bookstore itself, with posters and banners of the book displayed in an attractive manner? It will definitely create more interest in the illustration of the subject itself, thus resulting in a great response in the form of more copies sold at book signing. You can think of such innovative ideas to plan the book signing session in a more appropriate setting.
The right focus
Remember, the author is the star of a book signing session. It will be the author, who will be in the public eye, who will persuade them into buying the book. Make the right impression; engage the audience in the theme with interaction and exchanges on the subject of the book, convincing them to buy a copy of the book. The author's performance should be effective enough to generate an interest, prompting the customer to buy a copy of the book immediately, to grab the opportunity of the brief encounter with the author that a book signing event provides.
Remember, it is a part of the book promotion process
Book signing is a part of the long process of book promotion. It provides the author an opportunity to interact with potential buyers. An author must realize the importance of promoting the services of a bookstore, in order to create an affinity between the buyers and the bookstore. Like the book, if the bookstore is highlighted, more people will visit it and the bookstore staff will ensure the best service to sell the book.
The bookstore sales people interact with the customer on a daily basis, thus creating a kind of bond, and acting as a guide while selecting a book. Therefore, using a book signing session to make a bond with the bookstore people helps ensure still greater residual sales over a period of time. All these things need to be considered while participating in a book signing session.
Book signing is an event that brings together the author and the book loving and buying public. It is important, therefore, to make the most of it by taking care of all the different factors involved for the effective marketing of the book.
Wrong!
For a publicity seeker, a book signing is really the kiss of death. It's not newsworthy. It focuses on the author, not the book buyer. It's boring. And I hate to say it: no one really cares, except for the author and maybe his or her mother.
But you can make something out of this nothing. The key is to make this non-event a real event.
1) Focus on the customer. You know who your target market is for the book, now take advantage of it. Make sure your event is in the part of the bookstore where your market shops.
2) Don't hide behind a desk. Get out there and talk to your target market. Find out their needs and wants and offer some tips to help.
3) Hold a mini-workshop. Offer quick 20-minute workshops (which you can publicize in the media) based on your knowledge and use the book as a reference.
4) Use postcards to promote. Postcards are a hot commodity when marketing a book. But again, think about the customer. Add some tips or advice to the postcard to get them interested; then tell them about the book signing.
5) Create your own holiday. Pick any day and make it your own that relates to your book. For example, the authors of ?Become Your Own Great & Powerful: A Woman's Guide to Living Your Real, Big Life? (including me), got together and created International Tiara Day, which celebrates every woman's leadership capabilities to find her own path to success. Don't forget to share this with readers and the media.
6) Give some books away. During every talk and every event, give at least on signed copy of your book to a lucky participant. It creates good will, and who doesn't want the chance to win something?
7) Don't forget the book store employees. Books do not sell themselves. People sell books. It's equally important to spend some of your time at your signing to schmooze with the people who take the money from the customers who buy your books. Get to know the staff at the bookstore. They can help you continue to sell your books long after you have gone.
Both Victor Epand & Shannon Cherry are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Victor Epand has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Trucks and Interest. Victor Epand is an expert consultant about books. When shopping for books, we recommend you shop only at the best bookstores for ,. Victor Epand's top article generates over 11100000 views. to your Favourites.
Shannon Cherry has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vienna Travel, Public Relations and The Internet. Shannon Cherry, APR, MA helps businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations to be heard. Subscribe today for Be Heard! a FREE biweekly ezine and get a FREE special report. Go to:. Shannon Cherry's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.