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?