Advice from a Book Signing Event Veteran by Donya Claxton

Author AJ Harmon

STEP RIGHT UP!
It’s that time of year!!
You know - BOOK SIGNINGS!!
Oh how I love them. It amazes me how much fun I have and what I learn from going to each one. First, I get to meet some of my favorite authors. Sometimes, I get to see some very hot guys (not that I’m looking – happily married here!). But, my absolute favorite is finding new authors, discovering new books, and meeting new friends.
That’s what a book signing is all about.

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ADVICE TO NEW AUTHORS –

​You may ask yourself, “Will anyone even stop at my table?” “What do I even say to them?”

Well, let me tell you – from a book signing veteran (5 years straight) and an avid reader (what can I say, I’m addicted) – WE WILL STOP AT YOUR TABLE!! And just be you!
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Now what makes me stop at the table – I have to say the covers usually draw me in. Not always, but the covers sitting on the table typically let me know the genre, and I think everyone gravitates towards their favorite genres.  If I can’t buy your book right then – because when there are 60+ authors, I’d go broke trying to buy them all that day – I love taking your cards and swag. Do I keep them? Yes I do! I actually have dated boxes with my “treasures” and I pay attention to them.

I go home and begin looking through all of the "goodies". I'm like a kid at Halloween! For the next week or so, I'm online at Goodreads reading the synopsis for all of the new books I've been introduced to.

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Second reason I will stop at your table – and this is probably the most important thing – is YOUR EXCITEMENT; your excitement to see me the reader, your excitement about your book, and your excitement at just being there at the event. No, you don't have to do cartwheels but talk to me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped at a table just because of an author’s excitement at telling me about their book.  I have many new favorite authors in genres I never thought I would read all because they loved telling me about it. It's your work - BE PROUD OF IT!!

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ADVICE TO READERS –

​Don’t get stressed out! An event is supposed to be fun. I’ve been to events where people get so mad at the least little things – standing in long lines, contests ending too soon, or even the author they want to see not being there. Things happen.

Take a deep breath and go to the next table, talk to someone behind you, find a table with a short line - you may discover an author you never would have otherwise.

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What do I enjoy about being a READER at an event? Meeting new friends! OMG! I have met so many people just standing in line. I mean think about it – they like the same author I do!! Or if I don’t know the author, they usually do; and by the time I meet the author, I want to read their book. It’s amazing!

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Author Chelsea Camaron and Model/Tattoo Artist Jared Cadwell

Another great thing about being a READER is discovering hidden treasures – new authors! Some of the greatest books I’ve read haven’t been on the USA TODAY list or sold a million copies. They are self-published and Indie; and they are fabulous!

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ADVICE TO BOTH  -  

​WATER! You heard me! WATER! Events tend to get crowded - Crowded means hot - Hot means tempers can flare.

Keep yourself hydrated! I'm very serious - Bring crackers, a candy bar, or granola bar - and a BIG bottle of WATER. You'll thank me for it!

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Being an AUTHOR at an event or even being a READER can be exhausting and feel overwhelming. Please remember, an author is just as nervous as you. Sometimes, the author was a reader last year and they were standing where you are.

Yes, it’s that time of year –

HAVE FUN

DISCOVER A NEW AUTHOR
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READ A NEW BOOK

AND MEET NEW FRIENDS!

Photos courtesy of Kristy Louise Photography