You want to host a book signing event, but how exactly do you go about this? You are, after all, a writer and not a publicist.

The first thing to note is that setting up a book signing event as an independent author can be extremely difficult but not impossible; nothing ever is. So don’t lose heart. Here are a few helpful tips.

Location is key, so think of where you should hold the event. One obvious choice is at the local independent bookstore and library. How do you go about this? The easiest way is to go and meet the staff and manager. Offer them a free copy of your book to read, a press release that you have written, and then tell them you will be back in touch soon. Include on your press release details such as author website, where your book can be bought, and email address.

However, these are traditional places to hold a book signing. What about doing the unconventional such as a café, school or private function?

Another way to get ideas about your book signing is to go to other book signings. Observe the authors and how they interact with the public. You can also find out what types of promotional material they have.

Then ask yourself how you found out about the book signings as again this will give you ideas on how to advertise yours. Was it through the internet, author website, newspaper or magazine posting, or was it simply by word of mouth? Introduce yourself while there and, you never know, you may get even more tips when you mention that you are a fellow author.

Leading up to the book signing, you need to announce the event everywhere, including on your author website, any social media that you use, your blog and, most importantly, issue that press release. Send it to the local media, to papers, television, radio, magazines and book bloggers. You need to do this in plenty of time so people can be made aware of the event and come along. You don’t want to be sitting in an empty room so make sure that people know about it.

Also don’t forget the power that your friends have; word of mouth is key in getting people to attend.

Then you need to think about the actual event, and how that is going to be organised. First, break it down into segments. The first step should be a meet and greet, so you should introduce yourself to people, telling them a little about yourself and the reason why you decided to write your book.

As well as having your book for sale, you may also think about adding extra promotional material. You could have flyers, bookmarks and other related books available for people to take away.

There is a lot of preparation needed when organising a book signing event, but you can do it; just remember to have fun.