I had a great time at my Virgin book signing yesterday evening at our fabulous independent bookshop Maria's. Big thanks to everyone who showed up--it was standing-room-only!
For anyone facing their first signing, here are some things I learned:
1) Be active in generating publicity for your event--it really helped that Vestal Virgin received a great review from my local newspaper The Durango Herald.
2) If you plan to read, carefully choose the excerpts, and practice reading them aloud. I chose 3 five minute excerpts from my novel--selected to introduce key characters and their conflicts. The selections varied enough to give people an idea of the range and complexity of the story (without giving it away).
3) Also plan how you will introduce each excerpt. And plan thank-yous! I began the evening by thanking the bookshop and then all the people who had helped me publish the book.
4) Do something relaxing before the reading--I went swimming.
5) Wear something comfortable and professional--even a little glamorous!
6) Bring snacks! And a bowl of chocolate for the table where you're signing. My ex sent a dozen roses--a great surprise--and that also helped my table look nice. :)
7) Bring plenty of books and pens. Make sure you have water to drink.
8) I read standing up, rather than sitting, and I think that really helped.
9) Relax. Relax. Relax. (Breathe.) Make sure you have at least one good friend in the audience if possible.
10) Have fun!
Here is the cool staff from Maria's Bookshop in Durango:
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| On my way to Maria's |
1) Be active in generating publicity for your event--it really helped that Vestal Virgin received a great review from my local newspaper The Durango Herald.
2) If you plan to read, carefully choose the excerpts, and practice reading them aloud. I chose 3 five minute excerpts from my novel--selected to introduce key characters and their conflicts. The selections varied enough to give people an idea of the range and complexity of the story (without giving it away).
3) Also plan how you will introduce each excerpt. And plan thank-yous! I began the evening by thanking the bookshop and then all the people who had helped me publish the book.
4) Do something relaxing before the reading--I went swimming.
5) Wear something comfortable and professional--even a little glamorous!
6) Bring snacks! And a bowl of chocolate for the table where you're signing. My ex sent a dozen roses--a great surprise--and that also helped my table look nice. :)
7) Bring plenty of books and pens. Make sure you have water to drink.
8) I read standing up, rather than sitting, and I think that really helped.
9) Relax. Relax. Relax. (Breathe.) Make sure you have at least one good friend in the audience if possible.
10) Have fun!
Here is the cool staff from Maria's Bookshop in Durango:
8 comments:
Bring water! I like the chocolates idea, but I'm a little surprised a bookstore allowed it ;)
YA: Cheat, Liar, Coward
Adult: Shackled
Yeah, they allowed everything but wine!
Congrats Suzanne. Wish I were there.
Thanks Jeroen. We'll definitely stop by Maria's when you visit in the fall. Did Blake mention that the library will be hosting a (small) Literary Festival while you're here? They'd love for you to take part!
There goes my plan to grow a beard out of the window...
Beards are expected in Durango, Jeroen.
congrats on the signing. sounds like you had a great time, and you posted some good advice.
Thanks Claire. I live in a smallish town, and it was great to see so many people from different aspects of my life. Also, a few fans showed up!
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