How To Organise An Indie Book Signing
To some, being successful means selling tons of paperbacks, signing them and then seeing someone reading them on public transport. To others, just having someone purchase a paperback book you've published is enough. I can't promise anyone will read it in your line of sight, but I can talk you through some really easy (free) steps to arrange a book signing of your own to help this dream become reality.
Step one - Find A VenueYou've written and published your novel and you're looking for somewhere to set up and sell them. Most large book shops or chain stores won't take a chance on an indie author, but local bookshops might. You could approach them, but they would have to stock the book and be making money to agree, which makes perfect sense.So, it's quite well known that libraries aren't doing great at the moment, and it's probably because of ebooks and a lack of funding. My local library is run entirely by volunteers on money they raise via book sales, donations etc, so you can imagine how hard they work. Think aboutyourlocal library. Are you, like me, guilty of neglecting it? You're an author, so it's important to build a relationship with likeminded people and library staff are, of course, on that list.But you're probably asking yourself why all this matters...This event is not just about you and your books.It should be about the venue and those hosting you, too. How can you make this event matter as much to them as it does you? What can YOU do for THEM? How can you help them to raise funds and draw people in?fundraising- when you set up your book signing, have a 'donations' pot, or donate a percentage of your royalties that day to the library. If you're selling merchandise, for every $1 you make, donate 20c to them and advertise this to encourage your readers to help. More sales for you and more donations for the library.advertising- advertise well in advance (and I'm talking months). Set up blog tours, inform local media and tell them what you are doing to help the library and why local media coverage will help. The more people who turn up and the more media coverage, the better the above fundraising idea will work.donating- donate a copy of your book (signed) to the library or give them a few to sell on as and when they deem fit. Those funds can be used to support the library.participating- can you offer your spare time for future events to help the volunteers at the library and ease the pressure? If you're unable to do so on a schedule or a regular basis, give them your contact details and ask them to let you know as/ when they need someone. You can then attend either as a helper or a guest to show your support.Step Two - Event ProposalYou now need to write up an event proposal to explain what you want to do, how much it will costs and the benefits for both sides. The benefits to the venue should outweigh the benefits to you, and you need to be as approachable and present as possible. Provide contact details and if you can arrange this in person rather than by email, look presentable, take your books and provide a copy of this proposal for them to keep and look over. Remember, they may not be able to decide immediately but make a memorable, positive first impression. You're indie but they don't need to know that (and if they do, they need to be amazed by how brilliantly organised you are!).So, what should you write in an event proposal and what should it look like? Use segments or headers, black size 12 Times New Roman font with aligned edges. If you need to use fancy text for your header, so be it. I did (Homemade Apple font in black) and it worked beautifully.A professional headerwith your name and contact detailsThe date and timeof the proposed event and how long you will need to use the venue forHow much the event will costthe venue (hopefully nothing!)What actually is the event- what's going to happen and why?Whytheirvenue?Benefits to the venueBenefits to the authorHow will you market it?Will you notify local media, will there be any special guests etc?A thank youand a reminder of your contact detailsSign itand hand deliver it, or post it if you don't live local and follow it up with a phone call or emailStep Three - AdvertiseNow you need to attract people to the event. You can use other local events to advertise your book signing, for example near-by literature festivals, carnivals, markets etc and prove that it's child friendly. If you're writing erotica, this may not be the case, but lots of people will be out and about with their family on a weekend, so if they can bring their children, they may be more likely to attend.Here are some suggestions:Set up a Facebook event and invite your friends - get them to share itAdvertise on social media platforms with a digital leaflet and use # (hashtags) to expand your reach. Here is my digital leaflet. I designed it for free using Canva and the background image is actually from my book cover (originally from Pixabay, also for free).Approach bloggers in your area and ask if they would be interested in hosting a guest post around that time (blog tours are a brilliant idea to expand your reach).Word of mouthPrint leaflets (Vistaprint are reasonably priced) and ask if local businesses will put them on noticeboardsProvide the library with marketing matierial such as leaflets, posters or, like me, get some personalised balloons made. I got mine from Ebay.Have freebies or giveaways handy - bookmarks are a good idea consideri (I got mine from Stress Free Print for a reasonable price).Notify local authority figures or celebrities via social mediaUse Facebook groups to post an advertisement or your digital leaflet with a link to the bookUse buy and sell social media groups to advertise your book and your eventWrite to a newspaperWrite to a magazineInform local travel and event websites or companies who can inform their followers of ideal 'days out' in their local areaPut it on your website. You will notice I have a countdown clock running for mine which is a free app with Wix PremiumTalk about it on a podcast, vlog, blog or interviewAdd a second venue to increase interest and hype
Step Four - Check In & Chase UpDon't be afraid to check in with your venue to update them with who will be attenting and of any media coverage. You can ask them to let you know of anything further that needs doing or any ideas they may have, but may not be able to action. Be their friend but be professional. If you don't get a reply for some reason, send a polite reminder or pick up the phone. It is always better to attend in person, however. Use an email such as:'Dear Sir/Madam,I would just like to check you received my email about the event I am hoping to host on (date/ time). I have re-attached the details for your convenience and would be pleased to speak to you in person or over the phone at a suitable time. I can be contacted on (telephone number).Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you.Regards,(Your Name)'As always if you need help or clarification with anything from this article, please get in touch. I am happy to talk you through my process.E. Rachael HardcastleIf you would be interested in attending the event, or would like to read the book I'll be signing, please feel free to visitwww.books2read.com/findingpandorawhere you can access various files.
Step one - Find A VenueYou've written and published your novel and you're looking for somewhere to set up and sell them. Most large book shops or chain stores won't take a chance on an indie author, but local bookshops might. You could approach them, but they would have to stock the book and be making money to agree, which makes perfect sense.So, it's quite well known that libraries aren't doing great at the moment, and it's probably because of ebooks and a lack of funding. My local library is run entirely by volunteers on money they raise via book sales, donations etc, so you can imagine how hard they work. Think aboutyourlocal library. Are you, like me, guilty of neglecting it? You're an author, so it's important to build a relationship with likeminded people and library staff are, of course, on that list.But you're probably asking yourself why all this matters...This event is not just about you and your books.It should be about the venue and those hosting you, too. How can you make this event matter as much to them as it does you? What can YOU do for THEM? How can you help them to raise funds and draw people in?fundraising- when you set up your book signing, have a 'donations' pot, or donate a percentage of your royalties that day to the library. If you're selling merchandise, for every $1 you make, donate 20c to them and advertise this to encourage your readers to help. More sales for you and more donations for the library.advertising- advertise well in advance (and I'm talking months). Set up blog tours, inform local media and tell them what you are doing to help the library and why local media coverage will help. The more people who turn up and the more media coverage, the better the above fundraising idea will work.donating- donate a copy of your book (signed) to the library or give them a few to sell on as and when they deem fit. Those funds can be used to support the library.participating- can you offer your spare time for future events to help the volunteers at the library and ease the pressure? If you're unable to do so on a schedule or a regular basis, give them your contact details and ask them to let you know as/ when they need someone. You can then attend either as a helper or a guest to show your support.Step Two - Event ProposalYou now need to write up an event proposal to explain what you want to do, how much it will costs and the benefits for both sides. The benefits to the venue should outweigh the benefits to you, and you need to be as approachable and present as possible. Provide contact details and if you can arrange this in person rather than by email, look presentable, take your books and provide a copy of this proposal for them to keep and look over. Remember, they may not be able to decide immediately but make a memorable, positive first impression. You're indie but they don't need to know that (and if they do, they need to be amazed by how brilliantly organised you are!).So, what should you write in an event proposal and what should it look like? Use segments or headers, black size 12 Times New Roman font with aligned edges. If you need to use fancy text for your header, so be it. I did (Homemade Apple font in black) and it worked beautifully.A professional headerwith your name and contact detailsThe date and timeof the proposed event and how long you will need to use the venue forHow much the event will costthe venue (hopefully nothing!)What actually is the event- what's going to happen and why?Whytheirvenue?Benefits to the venueBenefits to the authorHow will you market it?Will you notify local media, will there be any special guests etc?A thank youand a reminder of your contact detailsSign itand hand deliver it, or post it if you don't live local and follow it up with a phone call or emailStep Three - AdvertiseNow you need to attract people to the event. You can use other local events to advertise your book signing, for example near-by literature festivals, carnivals, markets etc and prove that it's child friendly. If you're writing erotica, this may not be the case, but lots of people will be out and about with their family on a weekend, so if they can bring their children, they may be more likely to attend.Here are some suggestions:Set up a Facebook event and invite your friends - get them to share itAdvertise on social media platforms with a digital leaflet and use # (hashtags) to expand your reach. Here is my digital leaflet. I designed it for free using Canva and the background image is actually from my book cover (originally from Pixabay, also for free).Approach bloggers in your area and ask if they would be interested in hosting a guest post around that time (blog tours are a brilliant idea to expand your reach).Word of mouthPrint leaflets (Vistaprint are reasonably priced) and ask if local businesses will put them on noticeboardsProvide the library with marketing matierial such as leaflets, posters or, like me, get some personalised balloons made. I got mine from Ebay.Have freebies or giveaways handy - bookmarks are a good idea consideri (I got mine from Stress Free Print for a reasonable price).Notify local authority figures or celebrities via social mediaUse Facebook groups to post an advertisement or your digital leaflet with a link to the bookUse buy and sell social media groups to advertise your book and your eventWrite to a newspaperWrite to a magazineInform local travel and event websites or companies who can inform their followers of ideal 'days out' in their local areaPut it on your website. You will notice I have a countdown clock running for mine which is a free app with Wix PremiumTalk about it on a podcast, vlog, blog or interviewAdd a second venue to increase interest and hypeStep Four - Check In & Chase UpDon't be afraid to check in with your venue to update them with who will be attenting and of any media coverage. You can ask them to let you know of anything further that needs doing or any ideas they may have, but may not be able to action. Be their friend but be professional. If you don't get a reply for some reason, send a polite reminder or pick up the phone. It is always better to attend in person, however. Use an email such as:'Dear Sir/Madam,I would just like to check you received my email about the event I am hoping to host on (date/ time). I have re-attached the details for your convenience and would be pleased to speak to you in person or over the phone at a suitable time. I can be contacted on (telephone number).Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you.Regards,(Your Name)'As always if you need help or clarification with anything from this article, please get in touch. I am happy to talk you through my process.E. Rachael HardcastleIf you would be interested in attending the event, or would like to read the book I'll be signing, please feel free to visitwww.books2read.com/findingpandorawhere you can access various files.
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