How to Get a Book Event with an Old Book
- Wendy Decker
- May 28
- 3 min read
It’s been ten years since I’ve done a book signing for my novel SWEET TEA. It’s customary for authors to launch their books as soon as they are released. Incidentally, SWEET TEA was released twice, once in 2014 when I self-published, and then again in 2015 when a small traditional publisher picked it up, which is quite unusual, but I got lucky. Unfortunately, eight months later, I got unlucky when the publisher closed its doors. In any event, they returned the rights, and I purchased the spanking new cover and reissued the book, yet again.
A Book with a Message
SWEET TEA is a novel about a teen navigating through life with a single parent afflicted with schizophrenia. So, each year, I reshare it on social media with the hopes it will reach new readers for its value to society and the intriguing story (which is based on true events from my life). However, this year, I got brave and strolled into Barnes & Noble and asked if they would consider having me do a book signing for "Mental Health Awareness Month." To my surprise, they said, “Yes!” I figured they saw my book's value, too. Though excited, my heart sped up when I realized I had to assist in marketing this event. Not to mention, once inside a mall, the store was now surrounded by fencing in a construction zone in a parking lot.
Marketing Research
I had read several authors' posts who shared that despite the announcement on the B&N website, on the day of the event, they sat lonely and hidden behind a pile of their books for two hours without making any sales. I didn’t want that to be me. So, I worked hard to get the word out. In addition to social media posts, I printed shiny postcards, visited libraries and schools in surrounding towns, and shared my story. I also decided to share the proceeds with a local nonprofit organization that provides services for those in the community struggling with a mental illness.
What Not to Do at a Book Event
Though my books were moving, and all was going well for a while, there was a moment of quiet where I found myself like the sad writer of one of the posts I read. At that moment, I realized I needed to meet potential readers where they were—in the young adult section of the store. If my festive table with the balloon display, candy dish, and giveaways didn’t grab them, maybe I could.
How to Win Customers
Moral to my story . . . Sometimes, it is intimidating for customers to saunter up to an author regardless of how wide she smiles or how good the chocolate is. Most people perusing bookstore shelves are just as introverted as the authors who write them. However, the bottom line is, it's up to us to leave our comfort zone and introduce ourselves, with our book in hand, and open a discussion. What’s the worst thing that could happen . . . they say, no? So what if they do? If they don't, we'll sell a book and possibly gain a fan for our next one.
Moving Forward
After successfully procuring a book signing at Barnes & Noble, I gained the courage to approach other local bookstores. They responded just as favorably. I’ll be at The Book House in Long Branch, NJ, on June 19th and The Asbury Book Cooperative on June 28th. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello, purchase a book, or perhaps I might just have to come find you.
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