Book Signing Observations

Last night I attended an author fair and sold 4 books. Not a killing, by any stretch, but not skunked, either. And not bad for sitting there for only an hour.

I noticed that most people are hesitant to approach a table with a nerd sitting behind it. Yes, writers are nerds, though I'm not entirely sure which grouping should take offense.

To defeat that table-approaching fear, I put out bowls of Hershey Kisses as bait. Unfortunately, that worked all too well. One lady kept swooping in and out, snagging Kiss after Kiss. She did not buy a single book. She didn't even hover long enough for me to tell her to knock it off.

Of the several authors that were there, a few of them didn't bother to bring a tablecloth. They simply plopped their books right down on the ol' white plastic folding table. They didn't get as many shoppers. Note to self: keep the Hershey Kisses at home next time. Tablecloth bait works just as well as chocolate.

It's interesting to explain your book to a prospective buyer, especially after they've asked about it, and then receive an entire discourse on how you could've improved the plot. Or how their great aunt once wrote a book exactly like it. Or listen to them name the fifty-two other authors that have written a similar story--only not.

Oh, and here's a little tip for attenders going to an author signing...the author doesn't really need to know exactly how and where your stint was placed. Just sayin'. Maybe think about sticking to the weather if you don't know what else to say, or here's a thought: step away from the table.

On the up side, my favorite thing about author fairs is the diversity of reading material, everything from kids books to self-help. Plus, it's gratifying to purchase a book from an author that you know can use the money. Google author fairs in your area and see if you've got any coming up in your neighborhood. Christmas is just around the corner, and what a fantastic way to support local business.