By DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills

Are you a writer who wants a successful book signing, but you’re not sure how to make it happen?

Book signings are an opportunity for the writer to help:

• The bookstore owner.
• The employees.
• The customers.
• The publisher.

For approximately two hours, the writer greets people and enjoys their personalities, drawing them into conversations that are sincere and genuine. Celebrate the people around you. Think of yourself as a guest retailer and recommend books that are not your own.

Our efforts don’t necessarily mean every signing will result in huge book sales, but our hard work can impact a life positively. The number of books sold do count, but relationships are more important. Perhaps this new face may not have purchased a book the day of the signing, but the person will remember you in the future as one who displayed a friendly attitude.

A writer must take charge. Bookstore owners, managers, and sales staff are busy people. We are the ones responsible for making the event the best. Readers want to hear what you have to say about your craft, your subject matter, and the passion of your heart. If public speaking is foreign, then seek out training to sharpen speaker skills.

A writer who sincerely reaches out to her audience forms valuable relationships.

Listed below are helps to organize book signings. Personalize the information to fit your needs.

My Book Signing Procedures:

Name of Bookstore:

Date and Time of Book Signing:

Owner/Manager’s Name:

E-mail:

Address:

Phone:

Website:

Is this is a multi-author event, or are there other authors to contact?

My Checklist

1. Meet with bookstore owner. If you’re directed to a corporate office, don’t be discouraged. Politely share your willingness to be available to their store(s). Discuss an event in which you can speak about the book, research, or passion for the topic.
2. Deliver a press kit and a copy of the book. Include bookmarks.
3. Discuss advertising and ask for a media list – newspaper, radio etc. that the bookstore uses. Unless the writer has a publicist, she/he handles the media advertising. Notify the publisher about the event. Many times they will partner for events.
4. Request the book table at the front of the store.
5. Find out if the bookstore needs posters for the event. Flyers advertising the event are great bag stuffers. A writer may need to create these if the bookstore or publisher doesn’t provide one.
6. Advertise the book signing and event via social media.
7. Two weeks prior to book signing, make sure the store has your books in stock. A savvy writer always has plenty of books in her vehicle.
   Write the announcement for the bookstore’s intercom and request they consider broadcasting every 15 to 30 minutes.
8. Day of signing—Get your smile on and arrive early.
9. Decorate table professionally and use the theme of the book’s genre and writer’s brand. Don’t forget bookmarks of current and backlist books.
10. Bring wrapped chocolate for staff and readers.
11. Stand, don’t sit. Be excited!
12. If permitted, invite a friend to help distribute bookmarks to those entering the store, take photos, etc.
13. Present thank you card to bookstore owner.
14. Take photos with the store’s staff and customers. Request permission to post them on social media and obtain their e-mail or text to forward them a copy. Make sure book cover is in the image.
15. Encourage patrons to sign-up for your writer’s blog or newsletter.
16. Take a moment to ensure other backlist titles are facing out on the shelves.
17. Invest in a door prize. Those in attendance register for the door prize by giving name and e-mail address. Registrants need not be present for the drawing. Item can be left with store manager for winner to pickup.
18. Ask bookstore manager how many books to sign before leaving. If permissible, place an “autographed” sticker on the cover. Sign the book and slip a bookmark inside.
19. Follow up with bookstore owner/manager with e-mail thank you and copy of photo taken that day.

*Hint: Want to make a hit with the bookstore? Request to bring bagels or donuts for a staff meeting. If the meeting is later in the day, have pizza delivered.

Book signing are only as successful as the one planning the event. Look forward to meeting new people. By being congenial, a writer is remembered and invited to return again.

Let’s share tips. How do you make a book signing a success?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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