The Second Signing
Harmonica: [facing three men] And Frank?
Snaky: Frank sent us.
Harmonica: Did you bring a book for me?
Snaky: Well... looks like we're...
[snickers]
Snaky: ...looks like we're shy one book.
Harmonica: [shaking head] You brought two too many.
*(Spoof on movie quotes from ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’)
Since having recently written Byte #91: “A Shift in Focus,” where I cite my short-lived writer’s depression for experiencing a no-show at my first book signing event at one of my local libraries, I’ve had a turnaround.
The “Second Signing” took place on January 18th from 7 – 10 PM at Barrington Public Library with four in attendance, two of whom purchased an autographed paperback of my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, AN ENLIGHTENING QUICHE.
While far from the glitzy extravaganza of New Jersey housewife, Teresa Giudice’s cookbook signings where attendees wait in a line wrapping around a bookstore, I’m calling the shots for success on an Indie author’s terms. When one of the four gals stated she intended to sign out my book and I mentioned having gifted a copy, the Community Services librarian pointed out that the library also ordered three copies, and all four are on hold for readers!
Since my novel takes place in northern Rhode Island and the plot is infused with its historic landmarks, geographic entities, and regional culture—I am achieving my dream of creating a ripple effect of interest in local communities. Thus far, I will be hosting six more book signing events throughout the months of January and February.
Besides celebrating a turnaround by tempering my definition of success, I’ve also come up with a foolproof method for hitting the road:
*Folding shopping cart for transporting 12 books in their original box to preserve each book’s integrity. Even though I think packing 12 is excessive, I won’t travel with less. I don’t unpack every book on site as it looks too presumptuous. Should demand ever exceed supply, I will record the name and address of potential buyers and mail them a copy without charging a shipping fee.
*Large tote bag pre-packed with swag and staples:
Small plastic bin containing bookmarks and signing pens
Informational flyers folded and sealed inside a Ziploc bag
Pad
11 in. x 14 in. acrylic sign holder (encasing a photo of my book cover) for placement on a table. At the ready for group author signings, I have a laminated poster to call attention to my table.
Medium-sized change purse to store cash payment, and coins to make change
Bottled water
Reading glasses
Book-Signing Inscriptions: I preface each with— (Name), thank you for acquiring a copy of my novel. I personalize the second paragraph by referencing some aspect of my book, such as—May you enjoy your stay in northern Rhode Island’s fictitious mill town of Beauchemins.
*Always, no matter what—verify the spelling of the person’s name!
Book-Signing Protocol: I always follow up with a thank you note to the librarian who orchestrated the event to show my appreciation for everything they’ve done to assure its success—informing the media, creating flyers, corresponding with me, and offering their hospitality.
In closing, a shout out to all librarians and bookstore managers who support Indie authors!
Snaky: Frank sent us.
Harmonica: Did you bring a book for me?
Snaky: Well... looks like we're...
[snickers]
Snaky: ...looks like we're shy one book.
Harmonica: [shaking head] You brought two too many.
*(Spoof on movie quotes from ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’)
Since having recently written Byte #91: “A Shift in Focus,” where I cite my short-lived writer’s depression for experiencing a no-show at my first book signing event at one of my local libraries, I’ve had a turnaround.
The “Second Signing” took place on January 18th from 7 – 10 PM at Barrington Public Library with four in attendance, two of whom purchased an autographed paperback of my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, AN ENLIGHTENING QUICHE.
While far from the glitzy extravaganza of New Jersey housewife, Teresa Giudice’s cookbook signings where attendees wait in a line wrapping around a bookstore, I’m calling the shots for success on an Indie author’s terms. When one of the four gals stated she intended to sign out my book and I mentioned having gifted a copy, the Community Services librarian pointed out that the library also ordered three copies, and all four are on hold for readers!
Since my novel takes place in northern Rhode Island and the plot is infused with its historic landmarks, geographic entities, and regional culture—I am achieving my dream of creating a ripple effect of interest in local communities. Thus far, I will be hosting six more book signing events throughout the months of January and February.
Besides celebrating a turnaround by tempering my definition of success, I’ve also come up with a foolproof method for hitting the road:
*Folding shopping cart for transporting 12 books in their original box to preserve each book’s integrity. Even though I think packing 12 is excessive, I won’t travel with less. I don’t unpack every book on site as it looks too presumptuous. Should demand ever exceed supply, I will record the name and address of potential buyers and mail them a copy without charging a shipping fee.
*Large tote bag pre-packed with swag and staples:
Small plastic bin containing bookmarks and signing pens
Informational flyers folded and sealed inside a Ziploc bag
Pad
11 in. x 14 in. acrylic sign holder (encasing a photo of my book cover) for placement on a table. At the ready for group author signings, I have a laminated poster to call attention to my table.
Medium-sized change purse to store cash payment, and coins to make change
Bottled water
Reading glasses
Book-Signing Inscriptions: I preface each with— (Name), thank you for acquiring a copy of my novel. I personalize the second paragraph by referencing some aspect of my book, such as—May you enjoy your stay in northern Rhode Island’s fictitious mill town of Beauchemins.
*Always, no matter what—verify the spelling of the person’s name!
Book-Signing Protocol: I always follow up with a thank you note to the librarian who orchestrated the event to show my appreciation for everything they’ve done to assure its success—informing the media, creating flyers, corresponding with me, and offering their hospitality.
In closing, a shout out to all librarians and bookstore managers who support Indie authors!
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
J.B.
(new)
Jan 24, 2017 10:08AM
Despite the unlucky circumstances of your first signing, Eva, I had - and still have - every reason to believe in your continuing success! "An Enlightening Quiche" is an exceptional novel, penned by an extraordinary author. There are few novels that have conjured up the strong emotions and feelings of nostalgia I experienced reading your book. Being raised in tiny mill town similar to Beauchemins puts one in the position of blending two heritages - Canadian and American - through which is born a unique ethnicity. You've not only succeeded in familiarizing the reader with that theme, before long anyone who has an interest in the history of our region or its Canadian heritage will be clamoring to get their hands on this exceptional work of art!
reply
|
flag
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment, J.B.! One of the women at the second signing mentioned to me that so little is written about our French-Canadian heritage, so she was eager to acquire a copy of my novel. I'm honored and humbled that you enjoyed reading it as much as you did!
