Books make wonderful gifts and I’ve had four book signings in the past six weeks. Just in time for the Christmas season. At first, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure of the turnout. I’ve never been one to push my accomplishments on anyone. And I certainly didn’t want people to feel obligated to buy one of my books. But as each signing progressed, I found myself recognizing familiar faces and renewing friendships. Some are surprised that I’ve written as many books as I have. All asked if Bowling Green or people they knew were in the books.
I worried how to set up my display. Should I put all the books out? Offer candy? I’m also doing a drawing for a Kindle Fire on December 15th and I didn’t want the display to be cluttered. Ultimately, there were a few copies of each title on display and I simply replenished the supply as people bought them. My business cards were stacked in the center of the row of my books and the Kindle and candy balance each end of the table.
I’ve been to many of Nora Roberts’ book signings and recalled my excitement when reading her comments above her signature. I wanted to do the same and tried to memorize different sayings. I quickly realized my mind went blank when I opened the book but if I thought a minute, something would come to me. In some instances, I was able to personalize the books even more because I knew the person.
My titles are available as eBooks but seventy-five percent of those that attended the signings stated they preferred having the book in their hand rather than on their Kindle. Being a former Library Director, I could appreciate that. They took their time studying my covers and reading the blurbs on the back. A few had already read some of the books, talked about how they enjoyed them and wanted to see what else I had written.
Remember that Kindle I’m giving away? One reader read my “signup for my newsletter and be entered in the drawing” notice. She grabbed her cellphone, visited my website and signed up for the newsletter on the spot. (You can too, if you do it by December 14th).
Book signings lead to more sales. The reader that signed up for my newsletter emailed me the next day to order another set of books for a Christmas gift.
Yes, books make a great gift, but book signings are a wonderful, happy way to renew friendships or create new ones. Thank you to all who purchased my books this Christmas season and Merry Christmas.