Got Print Book? Have a Book Signing! Part 2 of 3: How to Create the Event

Exactly how does one go about getting a business to schedule a book signing?

(This is Part 2 of 3 of Got Print Book? Have a Book Signing! To read Part 1: Easier Than You Think, click here.)

Here are 10 simple steps to get you started. Let me know if this works for you.

Setting Up a Book Signing

1. Plan the book signing and promotion event well in advance so you can take something specific to the businesses I listed.

2. Tailor the event to the business you target by working the business's field of interest into your plans. With bookstores, it's easy. For businesses other than bookstores, think about the elements of the business and figure a way you can tie you and your book to the business.

For instance, if you're targeting a pet groomer and you have pets, take an author photo of you and your pets. You hold your book (or book cover art poster) while your pets do what they're best at--looking adorable. Be creative.

3. Buy your own books and bring them in.

4. Know what kind of sales revenue split you can offer the business owner and be flexible.

5. Offer something free to the business owner, i.e., a tee shirt with a witty design that promotes you/your book/your brand and, hopefully, the business name. Make it so cute the owner loves it,

For instance, using the pet groomer as an example, a tee shirt with a cute graphic showing a dog reading a book, cute text and the business name: Fido's favorite author is Paige Turner & his favorite groomer is Buttons N Bows.

There's a reason tee shirts like hotcakes at just about all venues! You can order 1 to multiple tee shirts at a CafePress shop you set up or on VistaPrint and other similar websites for about $10.00.

6. Offer something free to the customers. Print out coupons with a Smashwords free book code or something similar. Give one to every customer.

7. Bring refreshments or treats. (Discuss in advance with business owner.)

8. If necessary, bring your own table and chair as well as a stand-up sign.

9. Work with the owner in advance on advertising and clear all promotion offers with the owner.

10. Bring along a friend who can "talk you up" to customers or to strolling traffic if you're in a mall or retail center.

Takeaway Truth

Let me know if you set up a signing. I'd like to hear all about it. Join me on Friday, Dec. 12, for Part 3 of 3: How to Have Fun at the Book Signing.