Promoting Book Signings by Davalynn Spencer

Marketing is a daunting task for authors, so it helps to collect as many tips as we can find. Today, author Davalynn Spencer offers helpful advice about press releases and book signings. -- Sandy

Davalynn: When I worked as a reporter and religion page editor for a small daily newspaper, I saw press releases every day. I received a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul before it went on sale, and I knew about JK Rowling before most people heard of Harry Potter—all because someone wrote a press release and sent one to the newspaper where I worked.

I’ve stayed in touch with my reporter friends, and when I have a new book coming out, I shoot them an email to see if they’re interested in an interview. But I never assume anything and always phrase the request in a way that offers an easy out for them to say no.

Whether I’m promoting online or in print, I always write a press release for my books, tailoring it to the specific area if possible, especially if I’m sending “blind” without knowing the editor.

For example, last year’s book, The Rancher’s Second Chance, was set in the California foothills where I once lived. The release I sent to newspapers in the area focused on the locale and my former residency there. Releases I sent to papers in my current location mentioned “local author.”

Here are a few pointers for the news media:

• Never assume anything – especially with friends. You can be more casual in your approach with friends, but show them the usual courtesy and give them a way out to graciously say no.
• ALWAYS address the editor/reporter by name. If you don’t know them, find out.
• Include “hooks” that will make an editor/reporter want to interview you either over the phone, in person, or via email.
• If you are having a book signing nearby, include accurate information about when and where, and any giveaways or drawings you plan to conduct.

Book signings can be intimidating, but they are a great way to meet readers. Set one up at your local library, book store, or gift shop.

I am always more comfortable if I don’t sit down (unless I’m actually signing a book). I enjoy browsing during the in-between moments. This also gives me an opportunity to interact with people who may not be there to buy my book, though I keep a watchful eye on my book table.

While browsing, I pass out bookmarks—an incredibly inexpensive way to advertise. I get 250 for about $50 from Uprinting.com and I often use them like business cards. My website is printed on the bottom so readers have access to a buy link for the ebook or online suppliers. That way, bookstore owners are not offended by me pushing the book from an online dealer. After all, we need book stores.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Stay on your feet unless actually signing your name. Keep an eye on your table when you’re away from it, but move around.
• Offer bookmarks to people not at your table, with a casual remark like, “May I give you a bookmark?”
• Place a bookmark inside the books you sign.
• If you have more than one book, display copies/bookmarks of previous titles at the corner of your table.
• Send the person who allowed your book signing a hand-written thank-you note. These little gems are becoming quite rare and the effort will make that person feel appreciated.

Do you have anything to add that will be of help to others? Have you sent press releases to newspapers and received interviews from them? Tell us your experience with press releases and/or book signings.

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Davalynn Spencer’s love of writing has taken her from the city crime beat and national rodeo circuit to the college classroom and inspirational publication. When she’s not writing western romance or teaching as an adjunct professor, she enjoys speaking and leading worship at women’s retreats. She and her husband Mike have three children and four grandchildren and make their home on Colorado’s Front Range with a Queensland heeler named Blue. Connect with her online at www.davalynnspencer.com,  www.Facebook.com/AuthorDavalynnSpencer.com and on Twitter @davalynnspencer.

Successful Book Signings - Tricia Goyer

This Writer’s Journey Wednesday we’re going to look at book signings. This past weekend, Annette and I were able to attend Tricia Goyer’s signing of her latest novel, The Swiss Courier, at the Lifeway Christian Bookstore in the Seattle area.

After the signing, the three of us, Amy Lathrop (Tricia’s fabulous assistant), and author friends, Ocienna Fleiss and Judy Gann, enjoyed a leisurely lunch together. While we shared good food and great conversation, I asked Tricia what she believed helped make a book signing successful.

Tips for a Successful Book Signing

* Promote the book signing by using your networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. Some major stores are also connected to those networks and you can utilize them.

* Prior to the signing, check with the store to see if they are using any type of signage for promotion, or if you can bring your own.

* Stick labels with the date and time of the signing on promotional postcards and send them to the store prior to the event. Employees can stick the postcards in bags with items customers purchase.

* If the novel isn’t your first release, inquire prior to the signing if the store would be willing to have your other books available for purchase.

* Include other authors in your signing. It can help build interest and attendance. Not to mention make the day even more fun!

* If you can, hold the signing between 1:00-3:00 pm. There’s generally more store traffic in the afternoon.

* Hold a drawing for a prize, such as a gift basket. But stay away from giving a free book as the prize. People will hold off buying your book, hoping they might win one.

* Slips of paper and pens should be available for people to sign up for the drawing. Include a space for their name, address, and email information, along with a box for them to check if they would like to receive your newsletter (if you write one). If you’re a speaker, this is another area where people can request information. Tricia’s experience has been that 80% of the people will request to be put on the mailing list. This enables her to keep in connected with her readers, and also opens up the doors to speaking engagements.

* Try to avoid just signing your book and sending the reader on her/his way. Engage them in conversation by asking a few questions. Cue in to what they’re saying and if you have the time, give it to them. It shows that you care about them and can make them feel special. (During this particular signing, one reader chit-chatted several times with Tricia, but those conversations led to one more intimate and meaningful.)

* Postcards and bookmarks can be given away to help promote the book.

* If the opportunies are there, talk to both the manager and the sales staff.

* Keep extra books handy in your car. If the store runs out, you can ask if they’d like to use the extras and how they’d like to handle the sales.

* Bring or send the manager a small gift, such as a box of chocolates. Include a handwritten thank you note.

* Don’t worry about numbers—how many people show up and buy books. God will bring the right people there that day.

To find out more about Tricia and her writing, please visit :
http://www.triciagoyer.com/
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/


Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.