Let’s talk about book signings. I can still remember the days when I toted my print-on-demand book to the local Borders and tried to convince them why they should carry it in their stores. Actually, I didn’t have a lot of trouble because I was writing book reviews for our local paper and sending business their way. But some of my friends didn’t fare quite as well. And even though the bookstores would usually accept my books, albeit grudgingly, there was still the stigma of not being “good enough” to make it out of the “local interest” area and onto the main shelves. Back then, we were convinced the way to “make it” was to get Barnes and Noble to allow us to have a book signing amid their hallowed halls. Heck, we would have been happy if Bubba’s Used Bookstore had set aside an hour for us while Bubba took his daily nap. Book signings were directly related to your success as an author, right?
OK, now let’s leave the Twilight Zone world of newbie authors and enter reality. I’m Nancy Mehl, and I’ll be your host.
My first real book signing was at Waldenbooks. I had a book published by a small press, and I also had a publicist. And . . . the folks at Waldenbooks actually wanted me! (You like me, you really like me!) I showed up, nervous as a calf at a new gate but ready to greet my adoring fans. Waldenbooks had a table set up in the entrance to the store, facing the interior of the mall, with my beautiful books on display. The display was beautiful and showed my books and me off well. When I sat down, expecting the line of eager readers to snake down the mall and block entrances to other nearby stores, I was . . . well, let’s just say . . . surprised. No one was there. Even worse, as people walked past me, I began to wonder if I was trapped in one of those dreams where you begin to realize you’re invisible and no one can see you. (Thankfully it wasn’t the one where you discover you forgot to put your clothes on!) I’m not saying no one stopped. I directed several people to various places in the mall, including the bathrooms. I would say that particular request was the most frequent. Those who actually stopped to see what I was doing and picked up my book, looked at me like I was trying to sell them tickets to a rattlesnake rodeo. After a while I felt guilty about the whole thing. Not sure why, but I did. Thankfully, several friends and family stopped by, had pity on me, and bought a copy of my book. After my very painful two hours had passed and I’d only sold twelve books, I expected the folk at Waldenbooks to tell me never to darken their door again. But they seemed happy!
“Good signing,” the gal said when I dragged myself inside the store, ready to admit defeat. I’m sure my jaw dropped, but I quickly regained my composure and tried to look triumphant. Her reaction should have given me a clue to the reality of book signings. But no such luck. When I got home, I talked the experience over with my husband. Surely this was an anomaly. Future book signings would be better. And they have been. Thanks once again to friends and family. Sigh.
Yes, now that I’m with a large publisher, book signings are much better. I had a great kick off celebrating the release of one of my books. The store went out of its way to support me. Sent out postcards, put my name on the store marquee, had flyers from my publisher on the doors. In fact, they even made a cake with my book cover on it and served food! What more could anyone ask? And we sold lots and lots of books! Mostly to my friends and family-and acquaintances. You see, I’ve learned how to send invitations to everyone I’ve ever met or passed on the street. Sigh again.
That being said there is no denying that the publishing industry has undergone some major changes over the past few years! For example, nowadays, my readers can purchase a copy of my book in an eBook format from my digital eCommerce store. Honestly, I find it so fascinating that we now have the software and technology in place to enjoy digital copies of books. Thanks to the internet, as long as someone has access to the web, they can download and start reading a copy of your book within minutes. Additionally, although printed hardcover books are much loved for their authenticity, eBooks are more functional and can even be edited and updated in real-time! Consequently, releasing an eBook actually saves reprinting costs and the time involved in the publishing process. I suppose what I am trying to say is that if you are thinking of launching an eCommerce store to sell your own book in an eBook format, I cannot recommend doing so enough. Correspondingly, you can learn more about how to sell digital products like eBooks on the FastSpring website.
Anyway, in conclusion . . . my golden rule is that I will not be attending any more signings unless the store specifically asks me or it’s a multi-author event. This advice comes from other authors who have already found out what I’ve just discovered. It ain’t worth it. It doesn’t make you enough money to take the family to McDonalds. In fact, if you want to sell books yourself, sell them outright to your friends and family and pocket the money. It will also save them the trip. Sigh repeated. (Getting a little light-headed here.)
I’ve decided that my publisher can get my books out better than I can. So, I’ll stick to the writing and let them do the book selling.
So, for those of you just starting out, take my advice. Unless your ego needs a beating, put your energy into writing a great book and don’t worry about book signings.
Your friends and family will probably salute you.
Here’s a fun video about book signings.
About Nancy: Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Road to Kingdom series, “Inescapable,” came out in July of 2012. The second book, “Unbreakable” released in February of 2013. The final book in the series, “Unforeseeable,” will be available in September of 2013.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
Readers can learn more about Nancy through her website. She has a newsletter and is a part of another blog, The Suspense Sisters, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.
Hi Nancy, I went to a signing recently and won’t say the name of the author as it was so dissappointing. there was a line of people and the author didn’t actually sign books, she had small plastic insert that had already been signed and was affixed to your book, each went up from the line and got there insert affixed then spoke to author for few min. One of men from publishing company was there also but said nothing to the readers. I think author should have walked around and spoke with people or maybe some questions and answers given to the grp. anyway I came away dissapointed.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Thank you for the honesty, Nancy. I always wondered how other’s book signings went. I much prefer to spend my time researching and writing.
I did a signing–no one showed up. But I made a contact for a speaking engagement. And a doctor said he needed my book (When Love Dies: How to Save a Hopeless Marriage) to hand out to his patients. Was it worth it? YES!!!
I agree with you, Paula. When I do have signings (not very often), I feel I’m there for the readers who show up. I actually sign the books, and I also ask if the book should be signed to a specific person. Although I don’t think book signings are a great promotional tool, I really like to get out and meet readers from time to time. Without readers, authors would be writing…to themselves! LOL!
You’re welcome, Anon. I once went to the book signing of an author much more well known and successful than I am. Almost no one showed up – me and someone she went to school with. AND the bookstore forgot to order her books. Pitiful. That put the lid on it for me. I still do book signings – but I’m careful to pick good stores – and usually it’s just for the beginning of a new series. Also, signing with other authors helps a great deal.
i enjoyed this honest and humorous post so much! Thank you, author Nancy Mehl, and those who commented!
Thanks, Nancy, very interesting post. I did not realize some of the stress authors face with book signings, publishing, and such.