Emma Michaels's Blog, page 66
May 1, 2011
Project to Published: Keys to a Successful Signing
Keys to a Successful Signing
My very first book signing was at one of the largest book festivals in California, the OCCBF (Orange County Children's Book Festival). Although I had already received notice, I was still competing against a lineup of other authors, some well known and others who were newcomers, just like myself. Each of us had our own unique approach to how we conducted our individual signing.
Honestly? I was terrified of my first signing. I wondered if anyone would show up to see me and if they did, would they buy my first book. I was only given so many hours before another author would get to have my booth. I was also given a large box of my books from my publisher, in addition to what I had brought with me, for 'just in case'. I was very glad they did that before my day was half over.
I talked with the other authors and they told me about some of their past experiences, ideas that worked and ones that didn't. On the internet you will find a wide assortment of blogs and articles that other authors have put together about their signings and how to make them successful. Here is what I personally discovered and learned during the OCCBF.
1. Early bird catches the worm
2. Don't be a Bambi
3. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate!
4. Speak up and make eye contact
5. Don't be afraid to try something new
It is an old saying, but the quote "the early bird catches the worm" fits any signing perfectly. I arrived early to my signing and the first thing I did was to talk to everyone there. I spoke to volunteers, employees, other authors and even the group in charge of our lunch (this last one wasn't because they had free chocolate available... honest!). I learned a great deal from speaking to each person and I knew everyone by their first name before the signing began (even if I was terrible at remembering those names so not all of them stuck). This is important because your signing isn't just about the people who buy your book and ask for your autograph - it's about the ones who help to make the signing happen.
Don't be a Bambi means that you shouldn't allow yourself to be caught like a deer in headlights. If you freeze up, take a deep breath and jump into doing something no matter what it is. Organize your swag and books in front of you, turn to someone new, smile and say hello, go wash your hands, straighten your hair and look yourself firmly in the eyes, telling yourself that you can do this - that you will make it happen. My fiancé, who went with me to the signing, impressed me the most because he is naturally introverted, but he dived right in to speaking to everyone when he noticed I froze my first few minutes. Seeing him do that made me smile and I was ready for anything.
Collaborating is important. Collaborate with friends, family, volunteers (there for you and the event), and most importantly, other authors. We're all in this together and by sticking by one another, not only can we help each other but together we can do what one person alone could never hope to accomplish. Success isn't just about one person doing well - it's about all of us sharing what we accomplished together. It's good marketing, it benefits everyone, and we help each other as a team.
This one I learned from my psychologist fiancé - speak up and make eye contact. Michael once told me he felt that authors should take business etiquette and marketing courses. I never understood what he meant until my first signing. He is right (but shhh! don't tell him I said so) because while we may have a group of people who are coming to see us as authors personally, it is the groups of people who did not expect to see us that we also want to reach. We have to look a person in the eye and say "Hello! Would you like to see what I have to offer?" (Not in those exact words, remember you aren't a used car salesman.) Our books can sell on their own, but in order to encourage people to give them a chance, we have to open the door before they will step inside.
This last one I can't stress enough - don't be afraid to try something new! The world's greatest concepts and inventions were not created because of commonplace, average ideas. They came to be because someone had an 'off-the-wall' idea that succeeded because they made it succeed. Listen to any tape or read a book about being successful in business and what is the first thing they tell a person? It is the person who takes an outlandish idea and makes it successful. We, as authors, have everything we need inside of us to be successful - we just have to let our ideas flourish.
Yes, I do have more tips if you would like them. If you are a starting author (like I am, I am just sharing my journey and knowledge as I learn, hopefully for many years to come.) never hesitate to e-mail me and let me know what posts might be helpful for you! Or for readers who have questions! Anyone wanting to submit an idea or question feel free to e-mail me at: Emma_Michaels@hotmail.com anytime.
Yes I will be going again this year and here is a picture from last year:
So many people were there last year! I can hardly wait to go this year on Oct 2nd! It will be a blast!
http://kidsbookfestival.com/
Sincerely,
Emma Michaels
My very first book signing was at one of the largest book festivals in California, the OCCBF (Orange County Children's Book Festival). Although I had already received notice, I was still competing against a lineup of other authors, some well known and others who were newcomers, just like myself. Each of us had our own unique approach to how we conducted our individual signing.
Honestly? I was terrified of my first signing. I wondered if anyone would show up to see me and if they did, would they buy my first book. I was only given so many hours before another author would get to have my booth. I was also given a large box of my books from my publisher, in addition to what I had brought with me, for 'just in case'. I was very glad they did that before my day was half over.
I talked with the other authors and they told me about some of their past experiences, ideas that worked and ones that didn't. On the internet you will find a wide assortment of blogs and articles that other authors have put together about their signings and how to make them successful. Here is what I personally discovered and learned during the OCCBF.
1. Early bird catches the worm
2. Don't be a Bambi
3. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate!
4. Speak up and make eye contact
5. Don't be afraid to try something new
It is an old saying, but the quote "the early bird catches the worm" fits any signing perfectly. I arrived early to my signing and the first thing I did was to talk to everyone there. I spoke to volunteers, employees, other authors and even the group in charge of our lunch (this last one wasn't because they had free chocolate available... honest!). I learned a great deal from speaking to each person and I knew everyone by their first name before the signing began (even if I was terrible at remembering those names so not all of them stuck). This is important because your signing isn't just about the people who buy your book and ask for your autograph - it's about the ones who help to make the signing happen.
Don't be a Bambi means that you shouldn't allow yourself to be caught like a deer in headlights. If you freeze up, take a deep breath and jump into doing something no matter what it is. Organize your swag and books in front of you, turn to someone new, smile and say hello, go wash your hands, straighten your hair and look yourself firmly in the eyes, telling yourself that you can do this - that you will make it happen. My fiancé, who went with me to the signing, impressed me the most because he is naturally introverted, but he dived right in to speaking to everyone when he noticed I froze my first few minutes. Seeing him do that made me smile and I was ready for anything.
Collaborating is important. Collaborate with friends, family, volunteers (there for you and the event), and most importantly, other authors. We're all in this together and by sticking by one another, not only can we help each other but together we can do what one person alone could never hope to accomplish. Success isn't just about one person doing well - it's about all of us sharing what we accomplished together. It's good marketing, it benefits everyone, and we help each other as a team.
This one I learned from my psychologist fiancé - speak up and make eye contact. Michael once told me he felt that authors should take business etiquette and marketing courses. I never understood what he meant until my first signing. He is right (but shhh! don't tell him I said so) because while we may have a group of people who are coming to see us as authors personally, it is the groups of people who did not expect to see us that we also want to reach. We have to look a person in the eye and say "Hello! Would you like to see what I have to offer?" (Not in those exact words, remember you aren't a used car salesman.) Our books can sell on their own, but in order to encourage people to give them a chance, we have to open the door before they will step inside.
This last one I can't stress enough - don't be afraid to try something new! The world's greatest concepts and inventions were not created because of commonplace, average ideas. They came to be because someone had an 'off-the-wall' idea that succeeded because they made it succeed. Listen to any tape or read a book about being successful in business and what is the first thing they tell a person? It is the person who takes an outlandish idea and makes it successful. We, as authors, have everything we need inside of us to be successful - we just have to let our ideas flourish.
Yes, I do have more tips if you would like them. If you are a starting author (like I am, I am just sharing my journey and knowledge as I learn, hopefully for many years to come.) never hesitate to e-mail me and let me know what posts might be helpful for you! Or for readers who have questions! Anyone wanting to submit an idea or question feel free to e-mail me at: Emma_Michaels@hotmail.com anytime.
Yes I will be going again this year and here is a picture from last year:
So many people were there last year! I can hardly wait to go this year on Oct 2nd! It will be a blast!
http://kidsbookfestival.com/
Sincerely,
Emma Michaels
April 29, 2011
Follow My Book Blog Friday
To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { http://www.Parajunkee.com + http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
3. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
4. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
5. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
6. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
7. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
Happy Follow Friday!
Follow it up with your twitter address if you want to get that one out!
*********
Stop by the host sites for the lists!!!
April 28, 2011
Book Trailer Thursday: Before I Fall
Here comes Book Trailer Thursday!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
I love the way this trailer makes you think about everything around you. I have the book on my shelf waiting for me since the trailer caught my interest. It keeps you interested and in some ways proves a point. It makes you turn around and look at your life wondering if maybe you are missing something too and sometimes everyone needs that. A lot of us have someone in our life that we take for granted. Here is to hoping that the book is as good as the trailer!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
I love the way this trailer makes you think about everything around you. I have the book on my shelf waiting for me since the trailer caught my interest. It keeps you interested and in some ways proves a point. It makes you turn around and look at your life wondering if maybe you are missing something too and sometimes everyone needs that. A lot of us have someone in our life that we take for granted. Here is to hoping that the book is as good as the trailer!
April 20, 2011
Book Trailer Thursday: Paranormalcy
Here comes Book Trailer Thursday!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/ ) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I LOVE this book and the trailer that goes with it. The music is what really caught my attention but then as I read what it was saying I started to want to get to know the main character because it is like a little sample of her attitude. Definitely a great book and I hope the trailer caught your eye like it did mine!
Looking forward to the sequel; Supernaturally!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/ ) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I LOVE this book and the trailer that goes with it. The music is what really caught my attention but then as I read what it was saying I started to want to get to know the main character because it is like a little sample of her attitude. Definitely a great book and I hope the trailer caught your eye like it did mine!
Looking forward to the sequel; Supernaturally!
April 14, 2011
Book Trailer Thursday: Hearts at Stake
Here comes Book Trailer Thursday!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I like this one because it actually touches on the plot and is visually something that catches your attention. There are a lot of trailers out there that just focus on the gloom and doom of something coming but don't actually touch on the plot enough to grab your attention. This focuses on the plot while still showing enough conflict for you to wonder what will happen. It is also set up very intelligently. First you find out about pressure she is under, then you find out that through everything she is someone who sticks with her friends, then as the icing on the cake you find out... wait did she just say vampire princess? Love it!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I like this one because it actually touches on the plot and is visually something that catches your attention. There are a lot of trailers out there that just focus on the gloom and doom of something coming but don't actually touch on the plot enough to grab your attention. This focuses on the plot while still showing enough conflict for you to wonder what will happen. It is also set up very intelligently. First you find out about pressure she is under, then you find out that through everything she is someone who sticks with her friends, then as the icing on the cake you find out... wait did she just say vampire princess? Love it!
April 10, 2011
Review: Night World No. 1 by L. J. Smith
Novel: Night World No.1: Secret Vampire, Daughters of Darkness, Spellbinder
Author: L. J. Smith
Pages: 752
Genre: YA (Fantasy)
Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.
In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy's only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World.
Fugitives from Night World, three vampire sisters leave their isolated home to live among humans in Daughters of Darkness. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend.
Two witch cousins fight over their high school crush. It's a battle between black magic and white magic in Spellbinder.
(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)
Okay, since there are three stories in this one novel I will be talking about each. I love Poppy! And her story is amazing and heartfelt and you come to enjoy her… though there is one moment that I don't get as much as others who are actually able to use candles might. Poppy was lovable and her story is wonderful.
Then you have the sisters of darkness who are all lovable in their own different ways and in some ways not as lovable but I still loved them each. The main girl is wonderful and a pleasure to read about especially because it is finally a character with a head properly attached to her shoulders and a strong mind even included! Which shows true in the second story. Even her brother is lovable in his own way. You even start to not hate one of the characters as much as you may have previously. (Nener Nener not going to elaborate you just have to read it!) The last story finished it off with a unique magical battle and Overall I think that L.J. Smith has done another wonderful job on another collection of short stories that are well worth your time.
1st story: 5 stars!
2nd Story: 5 stars!
3rd story: 3 stars!
Would I suggest you read it:
Yes! You will want to read the first story if you are going to read the second so that you will understand specific points in the story. If you enjoyed 'The Vampire Diaries Series' then you will likely enjoy this as well, though maybe not as thoroughly as Stephan and Damon fighting over Elena. It is also great if you are wanting something to read after having finished what is out so far of 'The Vampire Diaries Series' and want it to have the same dark, alluring feeling yet enjoyable in every way.
Author's Website:
http://www.ljanesmith.net/index.php
Extra Information:
The Author L.J. Smith is also known as L. Jane Smith and has an interesting gallery of images that were made for or by her of her characters. http://www.ljanesmith.net/gallery.php and there is even an image or two of her including her most well known image of herself hair flowing behind her and her hand stroking a unicorn made by Jan Sovak. There are images from this novel including of Poppy as well as from her other novels such as "The Vampire Diaries Series'. Hope you enjoy!
April 8, 2011
Follow My Book Blog Friday!
&
To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { http://www.Parajunkee.com + http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
3. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
4. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
5. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
6. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
7. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
Happy Follow Friday!
Follow it up with your twitter address if you want to get that one out!
*********
Stop by the host sites for the lists!!!
April 7, 2011
Book Trailer Thursday: Nightshade
Here comes Book Trailer Thursday!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I love this trailer because while it is a lot simpler than other trailers in terms of what it reveals it is mesmerizing and the movement of the color is more complex. You get caught up in the music and the way the colors move across the screen. Now that I have read the novel I really feel that the trailer suits it. The book had so many complex layers but the overall emotions of it are almost primal and addictive while still holding true to everything around them. Love the book and love the trailer! Definitely would suggest it to anyone and will be making my list of 5 stars in a future review!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I love this trailer because while it is a lot simpler than other trailers in terms of what it reveals it is mesmerizing and the movement of the color is more complex. You get caught up in the music and the way the colors move across the screen. Now that I have read the novel I really feel that the trailer suits it. The book had so many complex layers but the overall emotions of it are almost primal and addictive while still holding true to everything around them. Love the book and love the trailer! Definitely would suggest it to anyone and will be making my list of 5 stars in a future review!
April 4, 2011
Teaser Tuesday: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read • Open to a random page • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser:
Before Bod could speak, the Seer's voice spoke, echoing through the chamber. THIS IS THE PLACE OF THE TREASURE. THIS IS THE PLACE OF POWER.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman– page 279
• Grab your current read • Open to a random page • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser:
Before Bod could speak, the Seer's voice spoke, echoing through the chamber. THIS IS THE PLACE OF THE TREASURE. THIS IS THE PLACE OF POWER.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman– page 279
March 30, 2011
Book Trailer Thursday: My Soul to Save
Here comes Book Trailer Thursday!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host: http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I love this series and while the faces in the video are not what I imagined while reading it really drew me towards My Soul to Save! Hope it will do the same for you!
Every Thursday we (all who wish to join and the wonderful host: http://quillcafe.blogspot.com/) welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the awesomeness that is book trailers.
To participate, on a Thursday you post an entry in your blog with an embedded book trailer of your choice (note: the trailer can be fan made but please no movie trailers of book adaptations) with your thoughts and comments underneath. It can be a book you have read, want to read or have never even come across before.
My book trailer for this week is...
I love this series and while the faces in the video are not what I imagined while reading it really drew me towards My Soul to Save! Hope it will do the same for you!
