Got Print Books? Have a Book Signing! Part 1 of 3: Easier Than You Think

Do you have a print book? Do you know how to sell more copies of your print book? Have a book signing -- especially during the holidays.

Most of us have print books, or we're in the process of getting print book editions of our popular ebooks.

Why have a print book?

1. Some authors just want a "real" book to put on their shelves. Other than that, here are two reasons why you should have print books:

2. Print is another profit center albeit small for most authors in this digital world.

3. With a print book, it's easier to enter published book competitions.

4. A print book can be carried around and given to anyone who exclaims, "Oh, my! You're an author? Where can I get your books?" Of course, if you're smart, you'll also have a book mark with buy links for your ebooks and print books.

5. A print book gives you something sign or autograph in your local community.

Holidays = Book Sales

The holidays mean many readers aren't reading. They're decorating, shopping for presents, cooking and baking, and visiting friends and family. Most ebook only authors bemoan the lack of sales during this period.

Publishers though bank on Christmas sales. If you're an indie publisher, then you should be doing the same. Today, let's talk about setting up book signings. It may be too late to do this now, but put this idea in your business plan for next year.

Schedule a Book Signing

It's tough to get your book into the big chain stores like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, etc. so I'm not going to address strategies for doing that. Instead, I'm going to mention some niche markets that might welcome you and your book for a signing. The thing to remember here is that small towns may offer better opportunities than large cites.

Small businesses of every description are struggling for their piece of the retail pie so they're open to anything that brings in customers. They'll help you advertise in the hope of bringing in warm bodies.

Where to Have a Book Signing

1. Independent book stores. If you're an author, you should make friends with the indie book store owners in your geographic area. They host authors just like the big chain stores.

2. Your local library. Again, if you're an author, make friends with the librarians at your local branch. Most libraries have a year of events planned in advance. Talk with your librarian about being a part of one of the event. Work with them to help them, and they'll help you too.

3. Your small town grocery store, hair salon, hardware store, pet groomer, clothing boutique, jewelry store, etc. Think about all the places you frequent. They're all possible venues for a book signing that can be a win-win for you the author and the small business owner.

4. Social clubs, organizations for professionals of every career path, and fraternal organizations of every variety. Here are a few examples: church groups, university alumni organizations, fraternity and sorority alumni groups, Lion's Club, Toastmasters, dentists, optometrists, clubs for bridge, canasta, gardening, stamp collecting, coin collecting, etc.

There are hundreds of groups that have one thing in common: they have regular meetings and special events and are always looking for guest speakers including authors who want to sign their books afterward.

Look for Part 2 of 3: How to Create a Book Signing Event

Takeaway Truth

Even if you live in the largest city, it pays to think small when you have a book to sell. Thinking small helps you reach readers on a more personal level.