Learning how to organize a book signing event is a skill authors need, not only to sell books or sell themselves as writers, but to connect with their audience as well. Here are a few things you need to know to organize a book signing event.
Know your goal
The first thing to consider in organizing a book signing event is your goal: is it to sell books or meet your readers? Or is it a way to thank them for buying your books? Knowing this will help set your mood for the event. Should you be super friendly or mysterious also depends on how you depict yourself as an author.
Know your audience
When you organize a book signing event, you must consider the audience. Like the first step, this would also set your mood for the event. Are they teenagers, mothers, students, or children?
Connections matter
Commonly, book signing events are conducted at bookstores, libraries, and coffee shops as these are the places readers frequent. Because book signing events are often organized by the author, it requires connections. You can conduct a book signing event alone, but sometimes you can do it with other authors. Not only would it attract more people, it would also help promote your book to a larger audience. Connections regarding the place to hold the event are necessary. It is better if you know someone at the coffee shop, the book store, or the library where you’ll hold your event. Ascertain the date you can hold the event and the costs. Since you have a connection with people in these places, you can ask if you can hold it for free!
Promote your event
Organizing a book signing event also requires promotion. You can promote it online and you can do it the old way—by posters at the place you’ll hold the event. Announcements are also helpful. These are for people you don’t personally know. On your part, it is best to let your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances know that you are holding a book signing event. These are the people who would most likely be there.
Be presentable and at the same time comfortable
Wear attractive and comfortable clothes for the event. You want to appear professional, but at the same time approachable. You also have no idea how long or short the event will be so best to dress prepared for either eventuality.
Prepare promotional items
Book signing events are events for both author and readers. On the readers’ part, it is a way to meet the author as well as to add a personal effect to the book they are holding. On the author’s part, it is a way of saying thank you to readers for their support. Promotional items are necessary because it is a way to advertise at the same time giving gifts to your readers. Promotional items can include bookmarks and postcards and signed posters of your book cover.
Engage with your readers
In organizing a book signing event, it is necessary to practice interpersonal skills as people will talk to you during the event. Don’t be the lonely author who just sits behind the table. Be the personable, engaging writer they anticipate.
