As Christmas approaches, I've been thinking about a gift that I could give to new authors. Starting today, I will give away on this blog two tips per week.
# 59 Drive-By Book Signings
Discuss with your publisher prior to organizing a series of bookstore drive-by signings where you literally “drive to and stop in” to sign the bookstore’s stock of your book. Many stores may not have a copy of your book or multiple copies to make it worth your while. Some publishers will take the lead by arranging these drive-by signings for you. The publisher may also, give you approval to handle this interaction with the bookstores on your own. If you’re managing these signings, start calling the bookstores within a 30-50 mile radius of your home or wherever you’ll be traveling during the publication window of three months time.
In order to create a targeted list of potential stores look into the following:
http://www.newpages.com/bookstores/default.htm#index , http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/ , or http://www.borders.com/online/store/LocatorView
When you contact the store ask to speak with the bookstore’s event organizer, manager or manager on duty. Tell them in 10 seconds or less who you are and why you are calling. Let them know you’re going to be in the area and ask if you can stop by to sign their store stock. If they say yes, arrange a time and contact person. Be gracious and commit to the appointment. Sign whatever book stock (3-10 copiees) they offer. The bookstore will place “autographed” stickers on your book’s jacket, drawing attention and added value to would-be book buyers.
If they say no, to you dropping by to sign store stock, respect them and move on. The absolute worst behavior is to be “pushy” and intolerant to their refusal. If you persist, they will contact your publisher and it could adversely affect the sale and placement of your book in their store.
Pass along the list of bookstores you are signing stock in to your publisher so they can ensure the bookstores will have your book on hand for your arrival. As with all of your appearances, virtual or otherwise, timing is essential. Signed copies sell best early on in your book’s release (first six-eight weeks).
Tip #63 Book Clubs
“There are approximately four to five million book clubs in the United States and the number is growing,” according to Ann Kent, founder of Book Group Expo, an annual gathering of readers and authors. (The New York Times/December 7, 2008)
How are books selected for book clubs? Bookstores, libraries and individuals arrange book club meetings. The books are chosen by a submission process from the potential readers/members and the book club leader. Publishers also make recommendations to bookstores and libraries, but the final choice is up to the book club members and leaders.
I know authors who have appeared, virtually at book clubs via the phone and in person to chat about the topic of their book. An author’s “live” voice can add to a dynamic discussion and keep the readers interested in finishing the book and possibly considering another book by the same author. As an author trying to have your book selected for a book club, visit your local bookstores and libraries, offering to enhance their book club’s meetings by appearing or calling-in.
All book club members buy, borrow or check-out the book from their library for their own copy, so it’s almost a guaranteed sale. The size of the clubs may vary from a handful to 20-30 people.
Book clubs, at the very least, serve as additional promotion for your book.
http://www.pjcampbellwriter.com/
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