As a publicist I help authors schedule book signings big and small. Typically, a book signing (unless you’re Glenn Beck or Tony Dungy!) doesn’t automatically draw a huge crowd. However, there is a proper way to approach both scheduling and conducting a book signing that can create positive results.

Here are the “top 5” tips that will guide the process.

1.  Be Business Minded

Remember that the bookstore or other organization is serving you by allowing the book signing. Your overall attitude should reflect this.

I cringe sometimes at how first-time authors react when bookstores are not gung-ho about their book.  You have to step back and think in a “business” manner, not from an emotional view. Sometimes this is difficult, because you are passionate about your book’s message. However, if you truly want the bookstore to take notice, keep your emotions in check and conduct yourself professionally. It is a business deal and you both should benefit.

2.  Be Informed

Don’t just go in and put your book on the counter; have a plan. Make sure you have visited the store and if possible even attended an event there. Get to know the places you want to host your book signing. They will appreciate that you cared enough to do your research. And if they don’t then it’s probably not the right place for you.

3.  Be Confident

Just because you shouldn’t insist a bookstore host your signing, doesn’t mean you cannot exude confidence.  Here are some “dos and don’ts” to help you in this area.

• Don’t tell the bookstore owner your life story.
• Do share the success of your book with readers (i.e. consumers that would likely visit their store).
• Don’t brag.
• Do share key points that show your book’s potential, such as key endorsers, community or church support, other events you have planned.
• Don’t take things personally.
• Do present your book as a resource for their customers. If you are informed you can properly present, but be willing to accept a “no” also, without an attitude. You never know, you may write another book and will need to return on a good footing.

4.  Be  Flexible

Make sure you’re willing to work with the store on dates, times, etc. Be ready to adjust your schedule to theirs for the best possible working relationship.

Ask questions like:

• What does your event schedule look like over the next few months?
• How early do you typically schedule events?
• What kind of events have you seen the most success with?

5.  Be Creative

This is a huge key to success. You have to think “outside the box” to serve the store and the consumers.

• Can you teach a class about your book or about writing?
• Could you dress up or read your book to children?
• Is there a musical aspect to your book?
• Are there other local authors that you could share the time with?
• Is there an upcoming holiday that would help promote your book? (You can check out this link to see what’s happening each month: http://www.holidayinsights.com/ )

There are limitless ideas to help pep up your book signing, so be creative and draw in those crowds!

If you do your homework and put the work in, you can have a successful book event!

If any authors have success stories to tell, please send to publicity@winepressgroup.com. We’ll look them over and possibly post your ideas as a follow up to this blog post. Thanks!

Abigail Davidson has worked with WinePress Publishing since February of 2005. She helps promote WinePress authors through radio, television, print and Internet.

She also works closely with other WinePress staff on advertising and marketing to help WinePress authors build a publicity campaign that makes sense for their unique needs.