What I've Learned from My First Few Author Events

Jennifer got the last copy at my first book signing ever.

I've been a published author for a little less than two months now, so I've had a chance to do my first few author events. I've done book signings at my local Deseret Book and Barnes & Noble, had a launch party at a popular independent closer to my hometown, and participated in a panel discussion at a nearby high school. Several people have asked me how those went, so I thought I'd put together a short list of things I've learned.

1. Foot traffic is your friend. The launch party was a more structured event, with a formal reading and question-and-answer period, so I didn't have as much of an opportunity to reach out to individual patrons. Also, the store was kind of out of the way, so they didn't get as many people who were just passing through. Structured events have their strengths--I could see a more established author doing really well in that environment--but I've found that I prefer the less structured stuff. I like being able to greet people as they come in and talk books with random strangers.

2. Stand, don't sit. These are few things less approachable than a forlorn author sitting behind a stack of books. There's something awkward about it that people naturally shy away from, so don't be that forlorn author sitting behind a stack of books! Stand up, stand out, say hi. The least they'll do is smile back and continue on their way, but they just might stop to chat.

3. Bookmarks break the ice. I know, I know, I get it--hand-selling your own book is one of the most uncomfortable experiences on the planet (though slightly less uncomfortable than sitting behind a hulking stack of them). A great way to break the ice is to have something small and inexpensive to hand out to the store's patrons. Bookmarks are the perfect something, since most of the people who frequent bookstores are, you know, book lovers. Now, some people will decline, but most people will take one, and some of those people will stop to ask what your book is about.

4. Be a guide, not a drill sergeant. So let's recap: When someone walks by in a bookstore, you smile, say hi, and offer them a bookmark. If they don't take it, you're done. But if they do take it, your pause and keep smiling your friendliest smile. If they walk away, you're done. But if they don't walk away, you tell them about your book. If they wish you luck and walk away, you're done. But if they don't walk away, they're probably about to buy your book.

In other words, it's like one of those old choose-your-own-adventure stories, but you're just the page-turner (or, more precisely, the instructions at the bottom of the page). You don't have to be pushy or obnoxious; you just have to give people a chance to keep reading the story with you. And some of them will. Then you'll finally get to take a seat so you can sign their book:)