Finding places for book signings can be such a hassle. The possibilities of sales are risky. When I wrote my latest release New Duet I placed it in Aurora, Illinois with the intention of garnering a fan base from my hometown. To gain those readers I had to have book signings locally. Which required me to leave my writing cave. One of the settings in my book is an Art gallery frame shop called If These Walls Could Talk. The owners support the arts. My heroine Isabella goes there to view the artwork and gains inspiration for her life.
When I approached the owners about having a book signing they were excited. Aurora has entertainment every first Friday of the month from April to October. We agreed First Friday in August would be the perfect time to showcase me. Each First Friday has a theme. In a city of 200,00 there are activities at various venues down town.
If These Walls Could Talk arranged to have the block in front of their store closed off for an Artist Block Party. The artist set up on the block to sell their wares. Many created pieces during the night. One woman held an art class for passersby. There were no other authors there.
Notice the easel, paints and military items. These represent the characters of Isabella and Dan in New Duet.
The shop offered light refreshments and a wine tasting to those who came by to see the art inside. Jennifer is a smart marketer. She displayed my books in her window for two weeks before the event and they will remain for two weeks after. My book trailer played on a loop in the window.
I sold more books then I have at any event. Patrons came in and I mention my book was set in Aurora and this shop was one of the scenes. That intrigued them. (Key marketing point: Talk to people don’t just sit behind your table and hope to sell books.) I had copies of my historical romance Secrets & Charades on the table and those sold as well.
People who wouldn’t normally buy inspiration romance or shop in a Christian bookstore purchased New Duet. I found avid readers who were thrilled to get an autographed copy from a local author. The art community is a great supporter of one another. Often we forget writing a novel is an art form.
I met ladies who are part of a book club. Who knows I may get featured there.
Getting my face out there in a non-typical book signing setting was fun and hopefully brings me new fans.
I offered a chance to win a $10 amazon card if they signed up for my e-newsletter.
I’d do another event like this in a heartbeat.
How about you? What venues were gold for you?
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Great article! I, too, write stories set in my hometown of Lake Geneva, WI. (Surprised by Love in Lake Geneva and Safe Refuge). I have held signings at a popular gift shop there and at the local museum. I also have a canopy at a local authorfest every year and I do sell quite a few books. Last year my contemporary novel Second Chance Love, which is set at an actual rodeo that takes place in downstate IL, came out. Last Labor Day Weekend I was featured by the town during the rodeo and I set up my canopy at their street sale. People love to read stories set in towns they know. I totally agree that to simply sit behind your table does not help sell books. You have to be standing and, if possible, be in front of your table to engage with the people. I’m pretty gregarious, but I know for some that is a hard thing to do. Believe me, it’s well worthy it, if you can overcome your fear and do it!
Thanks for sharing your experience. You’ve given me new ideas.
Great idea Cindy! And yes writing is a form of art.
Cindy this was a wonderful article and has helped me think of places to market my books. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us!