#IWSG - Eep! A Book Signing


For more info & for a complete list of blogs, visit the #IWSG site
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The co-hosts for November are:
Denise Covey  http://dencovey.blogspot.com/  

Please be sure to visit their sites to thank them for hosting!
***
Today I'm insecure about book signings!

I have an event coming up in a real live bookstore. I've done bookstore events before and I really, really enjoy them-when people show up! Those of you who've had events before know it's hard to attract guests to book signings, plus this one is taking place in a town I don't live in. Even more difficult.

However, even though I'm nervous as all get out, I'm also very excited. I really love visiting with readers and I hope I get a chance to meet some new ones. The event is at Once Upon a Storybook in Tustin, California, on November 17th. If you are in the area, I'd LOVE for you to attend. You can find more info on my Facebook Event page. Please also help me stuff the store with readers by sharing the event with anyone you know in the Orange County area.

Do you have a favorite tip you'd like to share for a successful signing that you've hosted or attended?

Comments

  1. Madeline Mora-SummonteNovember 4, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    Let that excitement show through the nervousness, and you'll be fine. Good luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chrys FeyNovember 4, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    How exciting! I've never done a book signing or an event at a book store and would be worried that no one would come. I bet you're going to do great, though, and have a blast. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 4, 2015 at 9:30 AM

      Thanks Chrys. Luckily I have a handful of girlfriends and a sister who will show up, so I know I won't be TOTALLY alone. Phew.

      Delete
  3. LisaNovember 4, 2015 at 9:23 AM

    First: practice your signature before you go. Second: use only a favorite pen (mine is purple with purple ink!). Third: take a few seconds each time someone comes to your table to look them in the eye, SMILE, and if they don't ask you a question, start talking to them by introducing yourself, then your book. Fourth: breathe. Don't forget to breathe, especially when your heart goes thump in your chest! Good luck and hope you sell a lot of books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 4, 2015 at 9:31 AM

      Breathing. Great tip. I do tend to rush through things when I'm nervous and I'm actually better in front of a crowd than one-on-one. Thanks for the valuable advice.

      Delete
  4. Stephen TrempNovember 4, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    I love book signings and miss doing them. Best wishes for a sashing success!

    Stephen Tremp
    November IWSG Co-host

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 4, 2015 at 9:32 AM

      Thanks Stephen. It is very difficult to book an event at a bookstore these days. Heck, it's difficult to find a bookstore these days!

      Delete
  5. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 4, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    Yep, I always have bookmarks. Even if they don't buy, I like for them to walk away with something from me. Thanks for visiting, Karen.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kelly HashwayNovember 4, 2015 at 9:35 AM

    Bring candy. People flock to the stuff and then you can talk to them about your book. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 4, 2015 at 1:50 PM

      Lol. I'm the only author there. Do I still need to resort to bribery? ;) Thanks, Kelly.

      Delete
  7. M PaxNovember 4, 2015 at 2:05 PM

    Break a pen, Kai! I'm rooting for you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tyrean MartinsonNovember 4, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    I wish I could be there! Try some flyers, ask if you can get a tiny spotlight in a newspaper near there, and then just go for it. Smile, talk books, and have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beverly Stowe McClureNovember 4, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    I second what Kelly said. Bring chocolates. I did my last signing. It attracted attention, not sure it helped with the sales, but people noticed me. :) Good luck and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kristin SmithNovember 4, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    Ooh, a book signing! That sounds so fun! I wish I lived in the area because I would definitely come and bring friends. Good luck and remember to have FUN!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. J.Q. RoseNovember 4, 2015 at 5:38 PM

    Are you doing a presentation or meet and greet. Whatever you do, stand up and talk to people and engage. I hope you sell tons of books, but I bet the best part will be talking to the readers. Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Denise Covey November 4, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Hi Kai! Lovely! I haven't reached the point of a book signing, but I know the events I've attended I always enjoy the wine and some giveaways! I wish you happy times!

    Denise Covey November co-host IWSG

    ReplyDelete
  13. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 5, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    You'll be fine! Take someone with you. They can fake interest and draw people to your books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 6, 2015 at 6:52 AM

      Fake interest?! Alex! Actually that made me snort in a rather unlady-like way.

      Delete
  14. Gwen GardnerNovember 5, 2015 at 1:23 PM

    Good luck on your book signing event. You're going to be great, Kai. Do bring someone you know with you, that'll lend moral support.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 6, 2015 at 6:52 AM

      Great idea. I'll most definitely do that. Thanks, Gwen.

      Delete
  15. AnonymousNovember 6, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    I've never done a book signing so I have no advice to offer, but GOOD LUCK!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousNovember 6, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    Book signings make me nervous because you never know if anyone will come. The best you can do is smile, be friendly, and have a bowl of candy and other swag to give away. People always stop by for candy, even if they're not initially interested in the book. Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorNovember 7, 2015 at 7:28 AM

      Yep, it's that attendance thing I'm most nervous about. Thanks, Lori!

      Delete

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