Book Signing Tips

If you are a writer and have published something, you will probably want to do a book signing at some point. I recently did a book signing and thought I would share a few tips. I’m going to explain some individual items, but I will also include a checklist at the end of some different items in case you would like a print-off to assist you for the big day.

Assistant – You should find someone to act as your helper. This person can help you get everything set up. Tell them ahead of time how you will want things. It is possible you will get busy talking to some people, and it will be beneficial to have someone who knows what is going on and can work to make things happen even if there are some delays. While you are busy signing books and socializing with people, this person can handle the money and, if necessary, write receipts. If you have a mailing list sheet, this person can invite people to write their names on it after they pay for their books.
Arrival Time – I would recommend trying to arrive at least forty-five minutes early. There could be unexpected issues with parking, and it may take some time to move your books and supplies from your car to the book signing area. It is better to sit and talk to your helper for thirty minutes than it is to feel rushed by early birds or due to unexpected problems.
Candy Bowl – If you are doing a program that has a reception with snacks, then you probably won’t need this. But if you are doing a book signing alone, then this will encourage people to stop by your table, and you can chat with them. If you can include candy that is relevant to your book(s), then so much the better.
Blank Paper – This could have a variety of uses. You might have someone who writes a receipt. You might make a networking connection and find the need to write down contact information.
Books – Obviously, you don’t want to forget these! I would recommend you bring at least 20 of each book. If you are doing a book signing in a place where your family is well known, you might want to bring 30. Any extras can always be sold later. You should also ask the person you are coordinating the book signing with what number of books they recommend.
Mailing List Sheet – You might want to consider putting a mailing list sheet out for people to sign up to receive updates from you. You can sign up at MailChimp for free. Unfortunately, you need to include your mailing address, which must be included on any emails you send (due to U.S. laws). If you don’t have a P.O. Box, you might want to consider this one carefully.
Pens – Obviously, you will need to sign books with a pen, but you might also have need of some to put with things like the mailing list.
Sharpie – You might want to bring a Sharpie or two to be safe. You might need to make an impromptu sign, or you might have someone who wants you to sign the front cover of their book.
Gift – Chances are you have probably had several communications with the person you have been coordinating the book signing with. For putting up with you, they definitely deserve a small gift.
Book Order Form – If you run out of books, there may be someone who expresses interest in ordering some. Create an order form with columns such as: First Name, Last Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Book, # of Copies, Signed (Y/N), and Total ($). If you are going to be mailing books, then you will obviously need a mailing address as well. You might want to look into how much an envelope and postage will cost so that you can charge appropriately.
Pricing List – People need to know how much your books are going to cost. Make an easily visible list by the books. Print this on cardstock.
Book Stand(s) – You might want to have your cardstock pricing list up on a little stand to help with visibility. You might also want to have a copy of each of your books up on stands for visibility.
Scissors – You never know when you will need these. Maybe you have a string hanging off your shirt; maybe you had a tag on something that you forgot to cut off. Bring a pair.
Calculator – If you are good at mental math or simply prefer scrap paper, then you don’t need this. But if you have different books at different prices, this can be helpful.
Tape – If you need to make an impromptu sign, this could come in handy.
Guestbook – You might want to later remember who came to your book signing. If you start a guestbook, you can have that information at hand (which will include approximate numbers, though everyone won’t sign).
PowerPoint – If you are doing a program (and not just a book signing), then you should consider a PowerPoint with some pictures. Since copyright issues can be tricky, you might try to stick with clipart and non-copyrighted images. It is good for the audience to be able to look at something other than you, and there are some things that just work best when shown. When you create your PowerPoint, don’t just put everything you’re going to say on the slides. PowerPoints are meant to be guides and have headers of your major points; the rest needs to come from your brain (and mouth). Most slides probably won’t have more than like 5-10 words on them. If you are merely reading from the slides, it’s boring for the audience.
USB Drive – If you have a PowerPoint, then you need to bring it on a USB drive. This is another reason why it would be good to come early, as you will probably need to get the PowerPoint set up.
Thank-You Notes – This isn’t something you will probably bring with you. But after the fact, you should send thank-you notes to everyone who helped you out.

 

Book Signing Checklist

Candy Bowl
Paper
Books
Mailing List Sheet
Pens
Sharpie
­Gift
Book Order Form
Book Stand(s)
Pricing List
Scissors
Calculator
Tape
Guestbook
USB Drive with PowerPoint Presentation