How to Survive a Book Signing

Our guide on how to thrive at in-person author events

Book signings are often what authors most dream of, right up there with seeing their book on shelves. But just as that long-waited-for dream is about to come true, we come up with a new set of worries about how we, introverted writers who work at a computer all day long, are going to enthrall a crowd of smart, savvy readers.

Hence, our guide, HOW TO SURIVE A BOOK SIGNING.

We’re going to cover two types of signings, traditional signings where a bookstore or other venue might invite you and handle sales and payment, and a fair-style book signing where you set up your own booth.

Bookstore Event

If you’ve been invited to a signing event (or invited yourself), the store is hosting you. You still need to find out what hosting entails for that specific venue, ideally before you agree to the booking. Be sure to ask:

• If they’re ordering copies of your book

• How they’ll promote the event

• What the format of the event is (are you doing a reading, will there be other authors, etc)

Offer your support for the event as well. Share what you can do to spread news to your newsletter and social media, and offer programming ideas you’re excited about.

Here’s some tips to have the best event possible:

• Looking out at an audience can be a big moment, so plan your opening statement or joke to ease you into speaking.

• If you’re giving a reading, practice aloud several times in the days leading up to the event. Mark the pages with a small Post-It so you can easily find them.

• Research anyone involved in your program. For instance, if you’re doing a Q&A with another author, read their bio and at least the first chapter of one of their books. That will give you something to talk about.

• Be prepared for no one to attend. It happens to every single writer. It’s not necessarily the fault of the venue or the author, but consider what you can do differently next time.

• Be prepared for a full house. If attendance exceeds expectations, have some back up plans for any small group activities or limited swag you planned to give out.

• Breathe. Pause while speaking. It doesn’t make your talk boring, it makes you look in control of yourself.

• Your headspace should be on providing a great experience for every reader who comes—you’ll likely forget any tasks like taking photos. Make plans for someone else to fill those roles.

Supplies to consider: standing banner, water and non-messy snacks, promotional materials, newsletter sign up, signing pen, find out if the venue is ordering your books or if you are bringing stock and taking payment

It's likely the store will stock your book, but double check ahead in case you need to bring your own stock. Here's Rebecca reading from Dangerous to Heal at a signing.

Now that we’re prepared for a bookstore signing, let’s consider the much busier and unexpected fair setting.