Looking for ideas of doing a book signing party!

[Rachel Baldwin]

Working on my book to be published soon!

Would like advice, suggestions, for doing a book signing party!

Rachel

[Savannah J]

Hi Rachel,

May I offer a couple of suggestions? I have experienced launch or book signing parties a couple of ways. My party was actually hosted by a book club which was great because not only did they attend, but invited their friends as well. I had a great turnout of about 60-75 people and they also picked up the tab for some of the expenses.
A couple author friends of mine hosted their own party. They rented the facilities, purchased food, beverages, etc and sent out their own invitations. One had a large turnout, the other small.
I'd say if you decide to do it yourself, find out what your expenses will be first. If you rent a facility have it in a central location, be sure to contact the media (get an interview if you can) and invite them to attend. Also invite friends/family and ask them to bring guests. Have someone assist you with sales so that you can move about and greet your guests, tell them about your book and thank them for coming, etc. Be visible and touchable and above all have fun! Hope this helps.

[Rachel Baldwin]

Thank you very much for this information. I appreciate it. :0)

[K. Lowery Moore]

Hi Rachel,

Congratulations on your book. I know you are excited. Well this is what I did for a book signing party/event. With my first book I actually asked 100 of my friends, family, co-workers to purchase the book in advance and if they did, they would be invited to an exclusive book signing party. The party was held at a particular lounge in Washington, DC. Since people paid for their book in advance, all I had to do was sign them at the party. I did have extras available of course for those who didn't make an advanced order. I wanted to read from the book, but we were too busy mingling.

Now for my 2nd book, which is a poetry book. I had a poetry/spoken word event at the same lounge. I charged admission this time, but it included the price of the book. Both events were a huge success!

By having this event at a public place, other people at the lounge eventually starting asking questions and even wanted to purchase books.

I also love Savannah J's suggestion by having a book club host the event. I may try that the next time. That's a great idea.....

[Diane]

Great ideas! Did you pay the lounge anything extra? Did they provide the food?

[K. Lowery Moore]

Hey Dianne,

I did purchase food, which the admission cost covered at the poetry event. This particular lounge requires a bar tab minumum. This is where it can get tricky. If you have folks who like to drink cocktails, then this is worth it but if not, you have to cover any difference.

I also purchased food with the first event as well. Because so many people purchased their book in advance, I had enough money to cover the printing cost for the book and the cost for the food.

Now people are asking....when is your next event!!!!!

[Diane]

Aha! Now you're talkin'! My friends and family are all AA rejects - bar tabs 'r' us, so to speak. That would work for sure. This is great - I'm definitely stealing your pre-purchase idea.

Now to find a location . . . I was thinking of Gallery in Silver Spring.

[K. Lowery Moore]

Well you be sure to keep me informed....and I'm there!

[Savannah J]

Hey Rachel,

The book club hosting worked out great, it was stress free. All I had to do was show-up. Now, I like the lounge suggestion as well, I'm going to have to keep that in mind.

[Holly Spence]

Rachel
My first book release I did a party in my home and it was a blast!
If your home is not big enough or if you don't have a friend with a home big enough (or willing) I suggest you determine your budget and the type of atmosphere you want to have. You can rent a facility or schedule book signings at a local store. It depends on what you are looking for.

For the party I offered pre-orders at a discount and had additional copies on hand to purchase at the regular price. Those that pre-ordered picked up their book and I signed their book prior to leaving the party. It was wonderful time. Good luck

[Rachel Baldwin]

Wow, thanks again for sharing all of your creativity. I really appreciate it very much.

Rachel Baldwin

[Relentless Aaron]

The thing NOT to do when planning a book signing is to do what others are doing. HOWEVER, you can definitely do what I did at your local Starbucks.
1. Become friends with the manager and let them know who you are. If they ask for your book, give them oe-even if they claim not to have time to read it. BEG ANDPLEAD for them to read it! (kidding)

Anyway, most of what you get in life iss in accordance with who you are as a human being. Develop a chemestry with people (like the Starbucks Manager) and ask if they'dlike to have you doan in-store signing. I didn't have to ask; which is why I suggested to develop a 'chemestry' Before you know it, the manager asked if I'd like to do a book signing. I suggested 3-days! So, Friday, saturday & Sunday (1st wk inOctober) I'm gonna rock with Starbucks! So, if I can do it, why can't you?
Starbucks needs attractions to keep each store different and alive and communal EVERY Golliath needs this, or else they'll appear to be insensitive and out of touch with their audience.

I'll let you know in a later post how my signing goes!

(Below: Throw a PICNIC! Perfect for a book signing!)
My picnic had some 50 people; friends and family

FYI: Did you know I do PODCASTS with authors?

[Debra]

Please check out my blog on My Space
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid there is an article I wrote about Presentation is Everything.