When you do a book signing at a local bookstore, think of the event as a mission to establish or strengthen your relationship with the buyer and/or manager of the store, so that future events or signings result.

The bookstore will typically buy copies of your book from a distributor (Ingram or Baker & Taylor for general market stores, Spring Arbor or Appalachian for Christian stores).

Sidenote: If the bookstore orders from the distributor or the publisher, your earnings will be minimal. If the store is willing to buy books direct from the author at a 35-40 percent discount off the retail price, your profit should be much better.

Some stores promote book signings more than others, so you never really know what kind of a turnout you’ll get. You can help bump up the number of people likely to attend your signing if you do a local newspaper or radio/TV interview the week preceding the event.

Here’s a creative book signing idea: Ask a friend to throw a party in your honor.

• Think of your most outgoing, enthusiastic supporter who knows lots of people.
• Ask that supporter to host a book signing party for you (you may be able to host the party at your local bookstore).
• Schedule a time for short readings or sharing how the book has touched people.
• Ask the bookstore manager whether they can offer the book at a special price for quantity orders.
• Encourage the attendees to buy autographed copies as gifts for others.

This type of book signing could be most profitable… and fun!