By Liz DeJesus
So…you’ve written a
book. More than that, you’ve gone through the proper steps to get it published!
Congratulations! Once the moment of euphoria wears off you’ll start to
wonder…what now? If you’re anything like me you’ve looked up every bookstore within
driving distance, called them and scheduled a book signing.
Here are a few useful
tips for your big day.
Do’s
1. Wear
something nice. If you’re a lady, wear a dress or a blouse and pants. If you
are a gentleman, a nice shirt, jeans and a blazer will do the trick. Also, wear
comfy shoes.
2. Smile.
You want to seem friendly and approachable.
3. Invest
in plastic holders. You want people to be able to see the cover of your book
from a few feet away.
4. Practice
your pitch. If someone asks you what your book is about you need to have
something ready immediately.
5. Make
eye contact.
6. Chat
with people. Ask them what kind of books they like to read.
7. Be
yourself! If you’re a smart, funny, quirky person then be that. Unless you can
be a unicorn…
8. Be
prepared for anything. I’m notoriously prepared for any worst-case scenario. I
have a first aid kit, Advil, pepto bismol, lunch, water, crackers, sunscreen,
and an extra dress packed among my stuff. The last thing you want is for your
zipper to break right before a book signing and no way to fix it. And yes, this
has happened to me.
9. Talk
to people about why you write. Share tips on writing. Talk about some of your
favorite books and what inspired you to write your book.
10. Freebies!
Everyone loves getting something for free, whether its candy, stickers,
bookmarks, etc. That’s the best way to start a conversation with people as they
walk by your table.
11. Decorate
your table and have a theme in mind. For example, for my Frost Series, I have
many fairy tale themed items.
12. Have
fun!
Don’ts
1. Don’t
yell at people. Seriously, I’ve seen this happen.
2. Don’t
spend the entire time trying to sell your book. Engage with people. Ask them
what brings them to the bookstore. Ask them what kind of books they like to
read. No one likes the desperate salesman.
3. Don’t
over-decorate your table. People need to see your book.
4. Don’t
be nervous. Relax, have fun.
5. Don’t
write another book while you’re sitting at the table. You’re not a writer on
display as though you’re in some strange zoo. You’ll give people the impression
that you don’t want to be bothered while you’re ‘working’. Save the writing for
home.
6. Don’t
frown. No one wants to talk to someone who looks like they’re having the worst
day ever.
7. Don’t
spend all your time on your phone.
8. Don’t
forget to promote your event! That means create flyers, postcards and advertise
the event on Facebook and twitter. Be sure to let everyone know.
_____________________________________________________________________
Liz DeJesus was born on
the tiny island of Puerto Rico. She is a novelist, freelance writer,
writing coach and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was
capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er
Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 2011) First Frost (Re-realeased through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Glass Frost (Re-released
through Indie Gypsy Summer 2015), Shattered Frost (Indie Gypsy, Summer 2015) and
Morgan (Indie Gypsy, July 2014). Her work has also appeared in Night Gypsy:Journey Into Darkness (Indie Gypsy, October 2012), Twice Upon a Time (Bearded
Scribe Press, Winter 2015) and Someone Wicked (Smart Rhino Publications,
Winter 2013). Her articles have been featured in Southern Writers Magazine. Liz
is currently working on a new novel and a comic book series titled Zombie Ever After (Emerald Star Comics). Liz’s Social Media Links are: http://www.lizdejesus.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lizdejesus http://liz-dejesus.livejournal.com/ https://twitter.com/Liz_DeJesus23
No comments:
Post a Comment