Tom Blubaugh's Blog, page 10

Is There a Myth Surrounding Book Signings

What stops writers from stepping out on their own and creating their own book signings? A myth that writers need a book store or a writing event to sign books. The truth? All a writer needs for a book signing is a table, chair, pen, space, sign, and some books.

I've had garage sales. Only once, that I recall, did I do any advertising in the newspaper. Every other time I placed signs, with my address, at the two closest main streets. I had a steady flow of buyers.

It doesn't have to be complicated.

I haven’t tried this with a book signing, but I’m willing to bet it will work. I will probably try it—put up the signs, sit at a table on my driveway, and see who shows up.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What I have tried does work.

I recently set up a table at a friend’s garage sale and I sold five books. More books than I’ve sold at any book store signings. Granted, I have done better at speaking engagements, but by time I add up the expenses, the net profit would probably be comparable.

My cost for the friend’s garage sale was a dollar a book. This price was my idea, not his. This is much more profitable than a book store signing where I’m signing out of their inventory.

Some Saturday morning load your car trunk with a card table, folding chair, sign, pen, books, and a bottle of water. Drive to the nearest quality garage sale; introduce yourself; give the owner a signed copy of your book; ask for permission to set up your table for a percentage of the sales; and see if it doesn't work for you.

You won’t be competing with other authors; rows and rows of books; or selling out of someone else’s inventory. You will meet a lot of nice people, have some interesting conversations, and sell some books.

If you take an interest in the people, you may meet some teachers, book club members, social club members, and other interesting people that might offer the opportunity of speaking engagements.

Give it a try and let me know your results. I challenge you.

Change something today to make your tomorrow better.

Tom
Literary Strategist
417-812-6110

Is There a Myth Surrounding Book Signings?

What stops writers from stepping out on their own and creating their own book signings? A myth that writers need a book store or a writing event to sign books. The truth? All a writer needs for a book signing is a table, chair, pen, space, sign, and some books. I’ve had garage sales. Only […]

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What does self-publishing really mean?

Self-publishing no longer has the stigma it once had, but what does it mean to self-publish? How would you answer this question? The simple answer is—it means to publish one’s own book. Well, yes, but doesn’t it indicate an author is actually taking on the role of a publisher? Yes, but even more. Here is a list of activities one […]

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