It’s not long now until my first author signing event. I’ve never had the confidence to attend one before, but I must admit that I’m looking forward to it, albeit in a rather nervous sort of way. Fifty authors will be attending The Red Rose Steam Society’s Mining Museum, Astley Green, Manchester, M29 7JB on Saturday August 13th. Apart from the signing there will be bands playing in the evening and a barbeque. Ticket sales are going well, and the author / organiser Scarlett Flame has contacted the local media and gained their interest.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/manchester-author-event-gig-2016-tickets-19745695908
I’ve learned how to set up a pre-order form on Google, and have been blessed with quite a few orders. If any UK readers wish to order books before the deadline of July 10th to be collected on the day, please click on the link below. They will be slightly cheaper than ordering them from Amazon.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RHZeyhKEcoAyYhoWyUweqUf5-1fPVB3qIpv-5tCP4zw/edit
I’m not a naturally outgoing person, but I realise I need to be more sociable than I am if I want to get my books under the noses of readers. I am more used to sitting in a room by myself and tapping away at a keyboard, but hey, it might pay to actually come out from under my stone and converse with interested readers! I think it’s one of those marketing schemes that might become quite addictive once I’ve got over first-time nerves.
So, to that effect I’ve ordered flyers, business cards, a banner, a pile of books to sell, and a nice stand to put them all in. Stevie’s all ready for 13th August! All my current pre-orders are nicely bagged up ready for collection, and there’s nothing more to do other than to drive up the M6 on the day.
What is your opinion of an author signing event? Have you ever attended one as a reader or an author? Do you think it’s a good idea?
Bernadette said:
Sounds like you are ready Stevie. Go gt them girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
I’ll try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Léa said:
While it would be a thrill to be asked I am a long way from there. 1. My first book is only in the first edit stage. 2. Most of my work, save a few poems are in English so it is highly unlikely. 3. I live in France. 4. Introvert alert! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
mariaholm said:
So exciting Stevie ! I am a bit introvert myself, but appreciate good conversations with people one at a time. I hope you will be able to get such a “golden moment” or more than one of course. May I ask if you spell “learned” in British English? I thought it was “learnt” and “learned” in American English. I am always trying to improve my language so I just want to know
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
I’m always a bit vague on this one. I always say ‘learned’, but some people do say ‘learnt’. Either one is okay I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
colingarrow said:
These things always seem scarier than they actually are. Just set out to enjoy the day and you’ll be fine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Will do. Thanks Colin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Micki Peluso said:
You’ll be fine, Stevie. Take someone with you if you can. I always take a grand kid or two and have them hand out flyers with their cute little faces lol. And I keep chocolates on my table to lure in the chocoholics. I never went to a conference style one like you but had my own book signings at book stores and most people are really nice. Remember to sell a book you have to sell you. When people like you they are more likely to want your book. Good luck and let us know how it went.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Hey thanks Micki. I never thought of putting sweets on the table, but you’re the second person who has mentioned this. Thanks!
LikeLike
Susanne Leist said:
I haven’t done a signing event yet. I’m afraid no one will attend. Maybe when I release book 2 of my series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Quite a few tickets have been sold, so it all sounds good in theory.
LikeLike
The Opening Sentence said:
Never been to one in either capacity, but it would scare me as well, first time. But the public will only be there if they’re interested so it won’t be hostile or anything; it’s not like an open mic session or public karaoke.
Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Cheers Chris. At least it’ll give me a subject to blog about!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deborah Kappes-Cassidy said:
I like signing events because of the chance to interact with a writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Deborah.
LikeLike
jinlobify said:
Stevie, you are already approaching this as a pro. I have done just one signing event with my first book, and if I knew to prepare well, as you sound, it would have done much better. Relax, and have fun. :).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks. Do you think your event was worth doing?
LikeLike
jinlobify said:
It was! I sold about 20 books that day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Wow. Well done! Hope I’m as successful as you!
LikeLike
D. Wallace Peach said:
Good luck with your signing event. I’ve never sold many books at a multi-author event, but they are great places to network and meet readers. Bring a bowl of candy to draw folks to your table :-). And just have fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Good tip! Thanks for that and for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
D. Wallace Peach said:
Really easy too. I’m all for easy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
joanneeddy said:
I wish you all the best with the event, which sounds pretty awesome to me. It seems like you have done a good job with your prepping…and now just have to endure your admiring public! 🙂 I hope you will find you actually enjoy it! Jo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Joanne. I’ll take lots of photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
joanneeddy said:
😉 Great – love to see how it goes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lisaorchard1 said:
Good luck with your signing! I’m sure you’ll do well! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Lisa – I hope so!
LikeLike
robjodiefilogomo said:
Sounds like you’re well prepared!! Of course I’d be nervous too—but i have to think people are there because they like books, & reading thus you all have something in common!!
How exciting!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Jodie. Yes it is exciting. I’ve signed up for the 2017 event too now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
robjodiefilogomo said:
Good for you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Hawke said:
Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
Scary, but good scary, Stevie! Best of luck on the day & wishing you tons of new fans ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Jan, and thanks also for the re-blog!
LikeLike
Clive said:
Not being an author this is another world to me! Having some nerves is natural and good: it shows that you care about what you are doing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Clive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ksbeth said:
best of luck, you’ll do great. once it’s over, you’ll look back at this and wonder why you worried )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thejuicenut said:
I think the hardest part will be driving up the M6! 😂 I’m sure you will love the event, people will en there because they want to be, they’ll be happy to see you and have their books signed, they’ll be able to tell their families they met you and gain some kudos when you’re very famous 😊 Have fun, it’s very exciting 👍🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
A good way of looking at it. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
franklparker said:
I’ve attended a few launches (not for my own books, unless you count an anthology including a couple of my short stories). Your event, with lots of authors attending and the festive atmosphere created by the other stuff going o, sounds like a brilliant idea. Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Frank.
LikeLike
suzannebowditch said:
I never have but would love to, but I have just one self published book out there and a second one coming out July 10th (also self published) Hope I may in the future – Enjoy your event; sounds good! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Suzanne. Good luck with your book launch.
LikeLiked by 1 person