Author Booksignings
Today I'm heading into Boston for a booksigning. The New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA) is hosting a trade show at the Hynes Convention Center, and Harlequin called and asked me if I would like to participate. I was thrilled, since this is the first booksigning I've participated in that doesn't involve RWA. Harlequin even offered to pay for the steep parking fare!
So I took the day off from work, and my husband and I are taking the train into Boston for the day. The booksigning itself is only an hour, but I plan on spending the afternoon browsing the conference and hopefully snagging a few autographed books of my own to bring home. Of course, my fear is that I'll sit there for an hour and nobody will stop by to check out Overnight Sensation, or request an autographed copy, and I'll feel like a complete loser. So that got me thinking...
Do you, as readers, enjoy having autographed copies of books? Does having an autographed copy automatically make the book a "keeper," or can you pass it along to a friend without any regrets?
What about booksignings and readings? If there is an event in your local area, how apt are you to attend? I've gone to several readings and have really enjoyed them, but it's usually because I'm already a big fan of the author and I've already read the book. I have a writer friend who is a huge advocate of booksignings. She spends a lot of time coordinating with local bookstores to host multi-author booksignings, and always asks if I'd like to participate. So far, I've declined. I guess my feeling on this is that I'm still a new author and have not yet developed a loyal readership. I've always considered booksignings as a way for the author to sort of give back to their readers. It's an opportunity for their fans to meet them in person, tell them how much they enjoyed such-and-such a book, ask questions, etc. I'm not convinced that booksignings actually get your name out there or significantly improve book sales, but maybe I'm all wrong about that. What do you think?
So wish me luck today! I won't be posting until later today when I return, but I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about booksignings.
Okay, I just got back from the booksigning; here is a picture!
Happy Friday!
I love autographed books!
I love to have autographed copies. I tend to keep books and those with autographs are just treasured more. I don't usually go to booksignings though. I don't like crowds.
Hi ArkieRN! I completely
Hi ArkieRN! I completely understand about the crowd-thing, not being a huge fan of them myself. At the RWA National conference in San Francisco, there were hundreds and hundreds of authors doing signings, and hundreds of people buying their books. It was completely overwhelming.
I always keep autographed
I always keep autographed books! And because I attend conferences and joint booksignings, I have quite a collection. I do booksignings, too, but find them sort of nervewracking. Fun, but nervewracking!
M
Me, too!
Megan, I also keep my autographed copies; my sister used to live in Bangor, ME, and she has a first edition signed copy of many (if not every) Stephen King books!
Good luck Karen!
I haven't done a booksigning yet, and I've only been to one for a romance writer -- it was part of what put me off, since the audience was me, the bookstore manager, about 4 people from the local chapter and her mother, LOL. Oh, and one of her teachers. ;)
I think it's a good idea to do it at a place that's not just focused on romance, and I will probably do them if I go to a conference, or if I sell the mystery, but I don't know that I would ever do the bookstore romance signing, unless it was with a group. I think you're right that it's a place to get to know you're readers, but our readers are all over the place geographically, and I would never expect them to travel a long distance just to see me at the B&N, though it also has to do with how "big" you are I guess -- people will travel for more famous authors, though I never have.
I kind of consider things like Cigars as an ongoing book tour, in some ways, LOL. We meet our readers, talk with them, and they get signed books! :)
Still, you are bound to meet new people today, and I think it's a good idea to do it at a show or a conference, or in a group, if you are going to do it at all. I hope you have a great show of interest today!
Sam
Sam, you're right; having a
Sam, you're right; having a diverse group of writers was very cool. We talked with one guy, Andrew Beahrs, who came all the way from California to promote his book, The Sin Eaters, and another author from Cape Cod who wrote a non-fiction book about a massive rescue at sea that took place in the 1700's. Because the books were giveaways, there was no pressure, and everyone seemed happy to get a free, signed book. Except this one woman who didn't realize I was the author and when I asked if she'd like a signed book, took one look at the cover and made a horrible face and said, "Oh, God, no. I hate that crap, although it sells really well in my store." O-kay....
OMG!
I cannot believe that happened -- what did you say? I think I might have burst out laughing for lack of any better response... Unbelievable...
Glad the rest of the day went well, though...
Sam
Rude Booksellers
Sam, I didn't know what to say! I was so taken aback, but then just shrugged. However, in the next instant, the Harlequin rep (Laurie) stepped right in and made sure the woman knew that I was the author. The woman was absolutely mortified, and that was pretty humorous to watch, and in the end, she took two signed books to bring back to her bookstore as giveaways.
LOL!
Wow, she doesn't know what she's missing!
You look fabulous, Karen! Glad you had a good time! And how cool that you met a cover model's dad...
LOL, Karen -
That's hilarious. I mean, really. You might as well laugh as cry, right? ;)
I loved the literacy signing in SF. I met you and Tawny and Toni Blake and I just love the chance to go fan-girl on authors I admire and enjoy. That said, a signed book doesn't matter that much to me. I did stand in line for almost 4 hours to get a signed copy of Fearless Fourteen but it was for a good friend, not for me.
Autographs...
are very cool! I'm trying to keep fewer books (ha! still a long way to go in this area) but it's definitely harder to let go of an autographed copy... I haven't actually been to an author signing before, but hope to someday--it sounds like it'd be neat to actually meet an author in person! Hope you enjoy your experience today! Can't wait to hear more about it!
I love autographed copies of
I love autographed copies of books and keep them on a special shelf; but I have never been to a book signing. Of course part of the reason is that for some reason I never hear about them until they are over. If I had a chance to go to a book signing at a convention I might be more inclined to go if I read a lot of the authors.
Autographed Books
Have fun today, Karen!
I love autographed books!! And, yes, that instantly makes them keepers for me! I have a shelf dedicated to autographed books (and the related books that go with them).
I get my Barnes & Noble newsletter each month and scan to see who might be there for a signing. I love meeting authors!
And, once, I went to something in Seattle that featured Sherrilyn Kenyon for a Q& A and signing. There were a bunch of other authors there. Some I knew (and was delighted to meet) and others I didn't. I made a point saying hello to everyone, especially if I noticed they weren't being sought out. I couldn't afford to buy from all that day but took notes on books that looked good to me so I could buy later.
One very sweet author gave me some goodies even though I explained I couldn't buy her book that day.
ani
Hi Ani!
I'm sure you're wondering if you're going to be able to add another book to your shelf, right? I've been remiss in not getting to the P.O., but tomorrow--I promise!
Oooh, pretty!
Karen, I love your necklace! Could you tell me what stones they are?
No worries about the book. I'll be thrilled when it arrives!
Thanks, Ani!
I think the necklace is made of jet; is that right? Or they may just be black glass, i can't tell. But they're big, chunky black stones, with some smaller crystals, on a thick silver chain. I got it a couple of years ago at Coldwater Creek and yes, it's one of my favorites. Thank you!
Hey Karen--If I did a book
Hey Karen--If I did a book signing, I wouldn't expect anyone to come--that way, if someone did come, it would be a pleasant surprise. After years of being a vendor at rodeos, it wouldn't bother me, either. It's not personal. People either aren't familiar with you or are afraid they'll have to buy something if they stop to chat, or they've come to see one particular person. I was at the Literacy signing last year (where we met, which was sooo cool) and didn't sell a single book. But I had a blast talking to people and Sherilyn Kenyon's hunks were right across from me, so I got to ogle them for a couple hours.
I do keep autographed copies. I mean, how can someone not treasure an autographed copy?
Hope you had a ball at the signing,
Jeannie
Jeannie, I used to sell my
Jeannie, I used to sell my crafts at shows, and it never bothered me if people shopped but didn't buy, so I also understand that. One cool thing...I met a man who said his son is a romance novel cover model...he said he's been featured on many covers, so I'm off to Google his name (David Forman). His dad was pretty good-looking, and he even took a copy of my book!
I live in a small town with
I live in a small town with no book store.It is 70 miles to the nearest brick and mortar book store, so don't get to many signings.
I love autographed books and I keep every one of them.
I kept trying to post earlier
but some of my questions have been answered. I am going to go to my first book signing in October and there will be 5 authors there for sure. 2 I really want to meet and the other 3 write for lines I don't read as a rule. All are Harlequin authors. Thanks for confirming that I don't have to feel like I need to buy a book from each of them. I really wouldn't want to insult any of them as I know they are all well thought of.
I have just acquired my first few autographed books and yes they are keepers but they would have been keepers without the author's signatures. Ellen Hartman's and Jeannie Watt's first novels are two of them. Thanks again Jeannie.
I Love Reader Contact
I think most writers need the shot of writer-energy endorphins that occur when a reader stops by and says she loves your books. Writers have bad days and slumps and sometimes the publishing world is cruel, so those little golden bits from a reader who actually is interested enough to want your signature are truly...golden :)
CaitLondon.com
http://caitlondon.blogspot.com
Great picture
I just popped in to see the new comment and realized that you had posted a picture. Very impressed.