Book Signing Etiquette

It's that time of year again when I get busy doing book signings, and while my intent with this post is not to sound preachy, I would like to point out that we authors can sometimes let our enthusiasm get the best of us. Please consider this a gentle reminder that we all need to mind our manners at book signings.

Looking back, I think the worst experience I ever had was while I was signing books down in Tombstone, (Arizona). It was one of their big event weekends, and the bookstore had me, as well as another author, seated outside on the boardwalk in front of the store. Unfortunately, the author they'd seated next to me was a non-stop talker. He talked and talked and talked to me about anything and everything. Yak, yak, yak, yak yak. He just wouldn't shut up, not even while I was trying to talk to potential readers about my books, or trying to close a sale. As if this wasn't bad enough, he started blabbing about a rather controversial book he was planning to write concerning his religious beliefs. So, not only was I stuck with him yapping my ear off as I'm trying very, very hard, to talk my customers, he's quoting Biblical scripture, chapter and verse, in a very loud voice, in a very public place!

Please don't get me wrong. I have nothing against religion and I strongly believe that everyone should be free to practice their faith.  However, there is a time and place for a religious debate, and it is never on a sidewalk in front of a secular bookstore, at a secular event, where other authors are signing non-religious books! People were not only not stopping by my table, they were practically running away because this other author was, honestly, sounding like a nut. Instead of a successful weekend, as I normally have at Tombstone events, I had a disaster. I hardly sold any books.

A book signing is where authors come to connect one on one with their readers, although there may be other authors at the same venue. And while it's nice to meet and network with other authors, please remember to keep it brief and try to limit the conversations to those times when there are no customers around. Most importantly, keep your mouth shut while other authors are talking to a potential buyers! Nothing is more unprofessional than interfering with another author's sale.

My tip for the day.

GM

Book Signing Essentials

Book signings are a strange animal.  While they are a lot of fun, they're also about as predictable as the weather, and one challenge I've frequently encountered is getting passers-by to even notice that I'm there in the first place.

My static display skills aren't bad, and I learned a lot about how to make attractive displays and signage when I was leasing a booth at an antique mall.  However, there is more to a successful display than just a pretty arrangement.  The trick is to make your display stand out against the competition.  Competition isn't necessarily other authors signing their books at the same venue.  Grouping authors together is usually a benefit as the multiple book displays tend to stand out more.  The competition is the usually rest of the "neighborhood" where the venue is being held.  This would be the non-book vendors, brick and mortar shops, restaurants, and, at the Old West venues where I often have my book signings, gun fight shows, musicians and costume competitions.  A good display is a must if you want to successfully sell your books.

If you're just starting out, or, if you're like many of us and have a limited budget, getting everything you need to put together a successful display may seem daunting.  However, you'll find many of your basic display items are inexpensive, and can be found at Wal Mart, Target, or Micheal's.  

First, you need a nice tablecloth.  Solid colors work best.  If you prefer a tablecloth with a pattern, find a simple one.  Think of your tablecloth as the backwash in a painting.  Loud, busy fabrics are out.  You want the public looking at your books, not at the intricate printed patterns on your tablecloth.  I also like to use a small table runner.  For most signings I use a simple, ivory lace runner, and I also have a festive Christmas table runner that I use during holiday book signings.  If you don't have a lot of money you can find used tablecloths, or even used draperies, at thrift stores or yard sales.

Next, you need some small display easels for propping up your books.  I've found some really nice ones at Micheal's.  Try to avoid using the three-legged plate holders.  They are unstable and your books will keep being knocked over.  If you have the funds, a large book rack is a really nice display tool.  They can be pricey, but they're a darn good attention grabber and well worth the investment.

You would think that a good book display would be enough for people to understand you're selling books, but, as someone once told me, some mothers have them.  That's why you also need good signage.  If you don't have a lot of money, you can start out by printing something off your printer and putting it in an attractive photo frame.  If you have the tools and the skills, have a have a poster or banner printed at Kinko's and attach it to a piece of foam core board.  You should be able to do this for a very reasonable cost.  If your funds will allow it, I highly recommend investing in a good quality retractable banner, but keep in mind that retractable banners are not suitable for outdoor use.

I found a sign shop here in Tucson that got me a good deal on a sandwich board.  These boards are suitable for outdoor use and they can really take a beating.  The signs themselves are easy to remove, so I can swap out different signs for different venues.

And finally, not all venues will provide a table a chair.  I found a lightweight, aluminum folding table in the camping department at Wal-Mart for a very reasonable price, along with a couple of cloth folding chairs that are comfortable as well as easy to carry.  That, along with a small dolly or wheeled cart to easily move everything around with, should cover about just about everything that you will need.  These items may also be found at thrift stores, yard sales, or Craigslist.

Book signings can be fun, and they are one of the best tools out there for promoting and marketing your books.  However, as the old adage goes, you will have to spend money to make money, and you should be able do it without going broke in the process.

My tip for the day.

GM

Tucson Festival of Books -- A Class Act

Finally, this year I made it to the Tucson Festival of Books.  What a class act.  My publisher and I were very, very impressed with this event.  I think what impressed us the most is the fact that the Tucson Festival of Books is still "the new kid on the block."  This was only the third year for this event, but whoever is in charge of this event has really done their homework.

First, they selected a very good venue.  It's held  on the University of Arizona campus during spring break.  This is when Tucson has some of the nicest weather all year, and, with much of the student body away for the holiday, it doesn't interfere with campus life.  It's also very well publicized, as demonstrated by the huge turnout.  In fact, it appeared to me to be a much larger event than the San Diego Children's Book Festival, which I attended back in 2009.  My publisher is talking about making this a regular event, and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Kudos to the folks behind the Tucson Festival of Books for an outstanding job.

GM

Old West Steampunk--an Interesting Fusion of Genres

Last fall, while doing a book signing at an Old West festival in Glendale, (Arizona), I was approached by a couple of men who invited me to their upcoming Wild Western Festival at the Old Tucson Studios.  It sounded intriguing, and certainly a change of pace from all the other western events I've attended over the years.

Steampunk is an interesting concept.  It's the fusion of two entirely different genres--historical fiction--specifically western and Victorian romance, and science fiction.  Steampunk pays homage to Jules Verne, and the modern interpretation has actually been around for sometime.  The earliest examples that I can think of would be the book and movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the television series, The Wild Wild West.  Both came out of the 1960s, and, interestingly enough, Ian Fleming, of James Bond fame, was also the author of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

As I talked to some of the people I met at this event I came to the conclusion that steampunk is big with science "nerds" and "geeks," meaning its followers are well-educated.  It also appears to a big hit with the Goth community.  Definitely not the traditional followers of western books and movies, but nonetheless, many of them seemed to have a genuine interest in the history.

I spent a great deal of time talking to one of the event organizers at a promotional book signing the week before their convention.  It seems I share a common goal with many in the steampunk crowd, and that is using historical fiction as a vehicle to teach young people.  They use it to teach science and engineering, while I wrote my Luke and Jenny books to teach history.  And even though this steampunk convention didn't appeal to the true Old West followers, I found it to be a fantastic venue for introducing the real Old West to a whole new audience.  And that's a good thing.

GM

If You're Looking for Books About the Occult You'll Have to Look Elsewhere

This past weekend I was signing my books at the Wild Western Festival in Glendale, Arizona.  It was a nice, family-friendly Old West event, and a lot of families stopped by my table to say hello.  One person, however, was a bit unnerving.

She was looking for a book suitable for a pastor's daughter.  My Luke and Jenny books are indeed family-friendly, and along with teaching young readers about history, they also teach lessons about morality and doing the right thing.  However this woman decided that they were "occult" books because some of the characters are ghosts, so she refused to buy them.  I'm surprised she didn't tell me I was going to burn in Hell for writing them.

Let's set the record straight here and now.  The Luke and Jenny books do not, in any fashion whatsoever, endorse witchcraft, the occult, or devil worshiping.  The ghost characters in the books are the catalysts who take the children back in time, and they act as guides to help teach the youngsters about the life and times they lived in.  Hey, I do living history presentations, and that's what I do with my historic personas.  Gee, do you think this could be a coincidence?  I think so.

I've been careful not to endorse any particular faith, religion or sect in my books because I want readers of all different faiths and religions, including Christians, to read and enjoy the books.  They are meant to teach history and good old-fashioned morals and values.  If some want to be closed minded that is their loss, however there are other good Christians out there who have read and appreciated my books. 

So if you're looking for a book to teach you're kids about the occult you'll have to look elsewhere.  Occult teachings are not included in the Luke and Jenny books.

GM

It's Official--I Won't be Going to Helldorado Days This Year

No, I'm not mad at anyone in Tombstone. It's because I unfortunately do not have a clone, or even an identical twin, and I simply can't be in two places at the same time.

A few weeks ago, when I received my Spirit of the Old West Alive Award, a representative with my publisher was there. Short story long, it turns out the folks to do the Spirit of the Old West Alive Award know DR Buck Montgomery, who is doing the Wild Western Festival in Glendale the same weekend as Helldorado Days. As much as I enjoy Tombstone my publisher and I both agreed that a change in venue would be good thing, especially since I've been signing my books at Helldorado every year since 2006.

The event will be held at Historic Sahuaro Ranch, a site that's always been near and dear to my heart because back in 2001, when I first starting doing living history interpretation, I was working with the museum. I spent a year with them interpreting the main house as the WWII housewife, and I had a blast doing it. The museum is on a restored farm that originally dates back to the 1880s, with some of the buildings being renovated as late as the 1930s, so there's a nice time line for historical interpretation. The staff and other volunteers were good to work with too, but then the person in charge of the living history program took a job out of state, and that was the end of their living history program. Unfortunately, staff turnovers and changes in programs are an occupational hazard when working with museums. Since that time the City of Glendale has taken over Sahuaro Ranch, so I the people I knew back in 2001-2002 are no longer there. But from what I hear the city is doing an outstanding job running the place, and they've also done a major restoration of the historic buildings, so I'm really looking forward to going back for a visit.

GM

Kudos to the Town of Tombstone

I just completed a book signing down in Tombstone, Arizona, and it looks like the town may be building up a new major event--Salute to the Buffalo Soldiers. This is only the second year for this event, and it is gaining a following.

There is a Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club comprised of military vets and police officers with chapters throughout the country. Members came from as far away as New Orleans and Florida to participate in the parade this year, and all had a great time and plenty of good things to say. Some of the ones from the eastern part of the country said they didn't even know that they town of Tombstone was real, but they did say that they would be back again.

We also had Buffalo Soldier reeanctors with displays on Allen Street, and many passersby stopped and took a look. Overheard one of them say he made the comment to a young serviceman that he was "old school" army.

Needless to say this event will be back again next year, and more is being planned. The organizers say they want this event to be as big as Helldorado. We'll see. Meantime it's nice to see more military history in Tombstone. I doubt if many people realize that without the support of the Buffalo Soldiers moving and settling in the west would have been a far more difficult and dangerous proposition.

GM

It Was a Bittersweet Kind of Day

Just returned from my very last Festival of the West. It was a bittersweet kind of day.

I've gone to this event nearly every year since 2001, and this one wasn't like the others. It smaller and more subdued. There were quite a few people queued up to get in the gate when we first arrived and it looked like it would be a big day, attendance wise, but sometimes looks can be deceiving. Fewer people attended, fewer vendors were there, and it seemed like there were fewer celebrities as well. That was kind of sad. I have to agree it's the economy. It costs $14 a pop just to walk into the gate. Want an autograph? Expect to shell out about $20 apiece. Hungry? Expect to pay nearly $10 for a sandwich with chips and a soda. That all adds up in a hurry, especially for a family, and in uncertain times a lot of folks just aren't willing to spend that kind of money. In my humble opinion dropping the admission down to say $5 would have probably brought out much bigger crowds.

It wouldn't have been Festival of the West if I didn't run into lots of folks I know. I saw Bob Boze Bell and said hello to him. I also spent some time with my good friends The Cross Town Cowboys. My book signing went well. Sold about 4 books in a two-hour stint, which is actually quite good, and even handed out some copies of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to a couple of the celebrities who were there. They were very appreciative and enjoyed someone giving them something without expecting anything in return.

I will miss Festival of the West. It was an event I rarely missed and it was always one of the highlights of the year. I honestly don't think the waning attendance is due to a decline of interest in the Old West. I think it was because they simply priced themselves out of the market.

GM

You Have to Draw the Line Somewhere

People, especially kids, can say and do the funniest things at book signings.

Book signings are one of an author's tools for selling and marketing books, and for the most part they are a lot of fun. It's a great opportunity to meet the public and introduce prospective fans to your work, but sometimes you have to be careful about what you do.

Back when I was first getting started in this business I did a book signing at a historical event that school kids would be attending. They got curious and stopped my my table, and when I explained that I was an author signing my books they looked at me like I had two heads. I always hand out free bookmarks at my signings, so I gave them each a bookmark. One kid came back a few minutes later and asked if I would sign his bookmark. Being inexperienced and naive at the time I signed it, and my way of being thanked was for dozens of kids suddenly surrounding my table all demanding that I sign their book marks too. Needless to say, none bought a book as I had just killed the incentive for them to buy. It was a real learning experience for me and a mistake I will never make again.

While you always want to be on your best behavior at your book signings you do have to draw the line somewhere when dealing with the public, otherwise people can and will take advantage of you. There are some requests which you simply have to firmly but politely say no to.

At a recent book signing at a school I again had several youngsters come to my table and asking for autographs. I smiled and told them if they bought one of my books I would certainly be more than happy to sign it for them. I also offered them some bookmarks, which were, of course, not signed. Turned out they didn't want to buy any of my books--they just wanted a free autograph. So I explained that I could only give an autograph to those who purchased a book, and yes, some of them got a little ticked off, but that's too bad. I'm there to sell my book, and it's not fair to the person buying my book if someone else gets my autograph for free.

So my advice to other authors out there is to have plenty freebies; candy or bookmarks or what have you, but don't sign anything for free. Likewise parents and teachers please explain to youngsters that when an author is signing their books it is very bad manners to ask for a free autograph.

GM

And That's What Makes it All Worthwhile

I had to go to Casa Grande last night for a book signing at a literary night event at the middle school. (Casa Grande is a little town roughly half-way between Phoenix and Tuscon.) Book signings are one of the crazy things that come with the territory of being an author. Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. Sometimes the event will be well attended and you'll sell a lot of books and feel like a movie star at the end of the day. Other times you'll spend a few hours twiddling your thumbs while the handful of people who actually showed up at look at you like you have two heads, and when it takes you over an hour's drive to get there you really, really hope it won't turn out to be the latter. Most of the time however I've found it usually ends up somewhere in the middle.

This event turned out to be one of the slower ones. It was from 5 to 7 pm, the time of day when most kids are home having dinner and doing their homework, so not that many showed up. There were a few teachers there, and they were all enthusiastic about my books. A few even bought some. That's always a good thing. But here's the really encouraging part. As has happened before, I found that many of today's youngsters like the old west. To them it's new and different and interesting.

Along about 6:30 I had decided to start packing up and bugging out early. One of my buddies in Casa Grande was there and we were going to go get ourselves a steak dinner. And I wasn't feeling well that day so I was anxious to get back to Tucson as soon as I could. And that's when the really good thing happened. A gentleman walks in with his granddaughter in tow and is asking where the author is.

It turns out his granddaughter is a 10-year-old budding author, and she wanted to know all about how I write my books and how I get them published. So I gave her as many tips as I good. Her little face would light up and her eyes would round like a pair of saucers. It's really kind of neat seeing a kid get all excited like that. We hear so much in the news about all the really rotten kids out there that we forget about the good ones, like this young budding author. I'm sure she would have loved to have hung out with me for the entire evening, but before long it was 7 o'clock and time to shut down. Before they left her grandfather bought her a copy of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War. I'm sure she'll treasure that book for years to come. That little girl made my trip from Tucson worthwhile.
GM

Treat Your Authors (Write) Right

Sometimes the folks who arrange book signings for authors, particularly those who are arranging book signings in venues other than bookstores, don't always understand what authors expect and need.

First and foremost would be a good, steady table. Books are heavy, and people stopping by will inevitably bump the table. A shaky table is, at best, annoying, especially when trying to write. At worst it can tip over, damaging books and potentially causing injuries.

Along with the table a good source of light is crucial. We have to be able to see what we're writing.

Is the book signing going to be outdoors? If so, it's best to have the book signing table in the shade so the authors don't get too hot or sunburned. And if there is a lot of wind it's best to move the book signing indoors. Too much wind will blow books and other display items off the table, causing damage and possibly injuring someone.

Does the venue charge admission? How about charging for parking? If so, be sure to either arrange for free passes for your authors, or offer to reimburse them once they arrive. Remember this is a quid pro quo. While you are providing a venue for them to promote their books they are providing you with a means to help draw the public to your event. Chances are they're coming on their nickel, so reimbursing them for any parking or admissions cost would be common courtesy.

And finally, little niceties can go a long way. If it's an all day event try to provide snacks or lunches. It doesn't have to be fancy. I've been served a lot of homemade sandwiches at book signings. (The Hollywood Book Festival ordered in some of the best pizza I've ever had.) If the venue can't afford lunch then at the very least provide coffee and water and make sure the authors are made aware that they are responsible for providing their own lunch.

If you do everything possible to insure your authors have a positive experience at your event chances are it will be successful and you can build a following.  However, it can be hard to come back should the authors have a bad experience due to oversight or negligence.

GM

Wish I Could Take Credit for This One

Having a table at the Tucson Old West Round Up was a great learning experience. Sharing my table with my publisher and selling some of their other titles was like having my own miniature brick and mortar bookstore for a few days, and a great opportunity to observe buyers.

All the books at my table were top notch. Five Star Publications is very selective about the authors they accept, so every book on my table was high quality. That said, there were titles that stood out and got buyers attention, while others went virtually ignored. Part of it was the venue. This particular trade show was for Old West/western collectibles, so the books related to the theme got the most attention, while those unrelated to the theme went virtually unnoticed. With one exception.

There was one non-western themed book that got plenty of attention. It was a cookbook titled Potluck Survival Guide. But what really hooked potential buyers was the subtitle, The Care and Feeding of the Athletic Supporter. Great play on words, and several of the people who stopped by commented about it. This cookbook is aimed at people who get together at potluck events, including school and athletic events. It has a wonderful variety of recipes from entrees to appetizers and desserts, and you wouldn't have to go to a potluck to enjoy them. But it was about as removed from a western theme as you can get.

What made this book stand out was its title. While a well designed book cover is a must, a unique, descriptive book title is equally important.

GM

Book Signing Venues

Sometimes we authors have to be creative with our book signings. Not that there is anything wrong with having a book signing at a bookstore, but bookstores are certainly not the only place to sign books.

I like to have book signings at trade shows. For instance, since my Luke and Jenny books are about Old West history, I do a book signings at trade shows, such as the Tucson Old West Round Up, for cowboy or western collectibles. These venues are a lot of fun and a great place to network and meet other contacts. The other day at this show the dealer at the table next to me suggested looking into selling at signing my books at gun shows, and I'm going to follow up on that.

One final caveat about trade shows. Don't expect to make a lot of money at these events. You will probably have to pay for your table or booth, and there may be other expenses too, such as meals, and maybe even lodging. Sometimes you can offset some of your costs by sharing a table. For instance, my publisher, Five Star Publications, is sharing my table with me. And again, these are pr events, which means you may not see the results until sometime after the show is over. At this particular trade show I met some fans of my books who asked me when the next Luke and Jenny book will be released. (Later this year.) And I met and was even interviewed by a gentleman there who has a nationally syndicated radio show. I'll let you know when the show airs. Trust me, this made the cost of this book signing money well spent.

GM

It's Book Signing Season Once Again

The New Year means new opportunities for book signings. Book signings are a funny little quirk that comes with being an author. For the most part they are a lot of fun, and you feel a little bit like a celebrity. Some authors think book signings are only done for selling books and only for selling a lot of books. And yes, selling books is one of the reasons for a book signing. But not all book signings result in a lot of sales and that can be an issue for some authors. I've been to many a book signing and listened to other authors complain, sometimes quite loudly, when things weren't going their way. But they've missed the point of what book signings are really about.

Book signings are actually publicity events. They are a means to get your name, and your books, out to the public. If you're signing your books at a book store chances are they will have a sign up in their window about you and your book days in advance. And while you're signing your books you're meeting people and talking to people. Even if they don't buy your book at least give them a book mark or other promotional item. This could result in a sale later down the line.

Most importantly, have fun. Writing (and book designing) can be a lonely profession. Celebrate a chance to be out around people for a little while. You may also want to check out my Book Signing Manners post. It too contains some helpful tips for better book signings.

I list my upcoming book signings on my main website. Just click on the "Calender" tab.

GM