Proper Etiquette for a Book Signing

For an avid reader, nothing could be better than to meet your favorite author. For an author, going on a book tour gives you a chance to connect with the people who buy your books. That's why a book signing is always a big event.

What a book signing is not, however, is a free-for-all. The most popular authors attracts crowds numbering in the thousands. The venues they are held in are often not used to these numbers, and sometimes only a skeleton crew of staff facilitate the signing. For these reasons, it's important for every attendee to practice a certain etiquette when attending a book signing.

First, it might be a good idea to do some research. Check the author's website and see what kind of rules they practice for their signings. Most authors have certain items that they will or won't sign; they also have standards about how many items they will sign, and whether or not they will take pictures. However, more often than not, the host-be it a book store, a library, a coffee shop, or wherever it may be-may have their own rules that trump the author's guidelines, so make sure you check into their policies as well.

Once you know the rules set in place for the signing, make sure to plan properly for that day. Get there early for the signing, at least a couple of hours before it's scheduled to start. Not only will this get you a good place in line, but also you can catch up on any last-minute changes to the establishment's guidelines or procedures, to shop around (some places will only allow you to get in line if you have bought something that day, usually the author's newest book), or to avoid the rush that is bound to happen as the time for the author to arrive draws nearer. Also, you never know when the author will arrive early and get things started off before everyone expects them to.

Once you're in line, it's all a matter of waiting. As you approach the head of the line and the author, listen carefully to the directions of the event staff and follow them to the letter. Often the staff will prepare the books you've brought by opening them up to the title page. This helps keep the line moving.

When you are finally standing in front of your favorite author, no matter how excited you are, there is still some etiquette that you have to follow.

It's tempting to stand in front of them and talk for hours and take hundreds of pictures, but remember that there are people in line behind you. The event staff and the author have to make sure that everybody has a positive experience at the signing. Don't take it personal if you are seemingly rushed through to allow the next person to come up. You will no doubt be able to at least take your picture with the author, and they will exchange a few happy words with you. Any author will tell you that they would love to spend hours with each person and have a real conversation with them, and more often than not they are telling the truth. But again, they have to keep everybody in mind, and if they had a lengthy talk with everybody that came to see them, the signing would go on far longer than it reasonably should.

A book signing is very exciting, but it's important to respect the author's wishes, the rules of the hosting establishment, and your fellow readers. Doing so makes for a pleasant time for all those involved.