Showing posts with label book signing venues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book signing venues. Show all posts

Monday, February 10, 2014

Pick Your Spots

Last Saturday I went to the first book signing event I've attended in over a year. I definitely had ambivalent feelings about it. On the good side, it was an opportunity to spend time with my local writer friends. It was also a chance to interact with readers in person.

On the down side, book signings can be so hit and miss. The last few group signings I've attended have been less than successful with most of us selling only one or two books. The last two of those signings were in bookstores. So I didn't expect much in the way of sales on Saturday but I dutifully packed my bags and even a second one that I left in the car in case by a miracle I ran out of the few I carried into the venue.

One of the writers in our group, Natalie Damschroeder, had an in at the large gift shop/greenhouse where the staff welcomed us with a great set up. Large crowds surrounded out table before we even unloaded out books. They were interested and many purchased books. Others snapped pictures of our books with their phones for future reference or added them to their Amazon wish lists on their phones. They picked up cards and bookmarks.

I had just about decided to give up on book signings. Instead, I came home from the event energized and enthusiastic for more. A few key things played into the success. The great venue attracted a large crowd. The timing of the event close to Valentine's Day added to the promotion of the event with its link to romance writers. The large group of us involved meant a lot of online promotion. The word got out to a lot of people and the venue did its share of advertising. All combined to make a great day. So I haven't given up on book signings yet.
My pine tree

The really good news was that I did have to out to my car for that second bag.

Bad news. Snow again yesterday. More snow on Thursday. I think the Gourley family motto may have to be changed to the same as the Starks. Winter is not only coming, it's decided to stay.

Don't forget to visit IWSG for the Monday post. Have you made up your mind about A to Z challenge yet? Tired of shoveling snow? Planning something romantic for Valentine's Day?