How Xulon Press Taught Me to Host a Successful Book-signing

Book signings can be great for launching a book's sales. A well-written book can get great exposure through a book signing that is executed professionally and personably. As you sign, sell, or discuss your book with patrons, it can be an incredible experience.

Many Xulon Press authors have seen the fruit of successful book signings. One author, Robin Johnson, reported her book went to the top of the charts at a local Barnes & Noble after a successful book-signing for her Xulon Press book.

Book signings can be a positive or daunting experience. It all depends on your attitude and expectations. So it's important that you go into the process ready to work and with a positive mind-set. Think of the signing as yet another opportunity for you to share your message with others and an opportunity to make new friends and fans. It's an exposure opportunity for you and your book.

Here are tips for a successful book-signing:

*Sell the "gatekeepers." Start with your local bookstores. Contact the bookstore owners or the store's community relations managers.

*Offer bookstores a win-win situation. Let them know how the stores will benefit from your book signing. Author readings, especially of fiction, are a popular means of creating the sense of community that all bookstores seek.

*Make it no-risk, no-fuss for them. Offer to bring the books and run the sales through their cash registers for a percentage, with any unsold books going home with you at the end of the day.

*Tell the store about any media contacts you have and how many people you personally will invite to the signing. Pen a one-page press release about you and your book to send out to local media a month in advance of your signing. Xulon Press can help you write the press release.

*Go for a WOW Presentation! Your signing table and promotions must be attention grabbing. Supply all of this yourself. Ask nothing of the store.

*Offer free food. Free food, candy, or refreshments can raise attendance by 30 percent! Food should be offered, wrapped along with napkins and small plates.

*Have a giveaway. Print up some attractive bookmarks or other goodies that feature your book's cover and a sentence or two about your book.

*Bring an extroverted friend. The friend can gush about you and your book and can be fun company if there are lulls.

*Be personable. You have one shot at making a first impression. At signings, you want to make new friends and fans and get as much exposure as possible. Stand as much as possible. Don't wait for people to come to you. Go to them!

Don't forget to be gracious upon your exit, and offer to sign some extra copies for the bookstore to sell after your visit!

Remember, the goal is to get exposure, even more than sales. Keep in mind that all it takes is one person with a wide sphere of influence buying your book and spreading the word to get sales going, even more so if ten people spread the word. Don't fret if you leave with some unsold copies. It's an exposure opportunity. Did you engage some people? Make some friends? Pique some interest? If so, you succeeded!

Are you ready to start promoting your book in book-signings? As soon as you're done writing your book, let Xulon Press know and they can get things started.