Do you like to do or attend Book Signings?

Well, I think because this is a small town, so most everyone knows this doctor, when she was at the library, there was maybe not a whole lot, but at least 4-6 people were gathered around her as she sat down at the table. Another reason I didn't really talk to her, though I did read her book, she was obviously busy talking to others.. Wow that is scary though, as an unknown, though many online friends know me and can't wait until my book is published, I will have to work on my "real life" social skills in order to get my book sold.... I hope now that you are published, you won't have to work so long. Now I am off to view your profile and check out your book...:D

Oh no! Thanks again for your comments. It seemas now that I am done writing, marketing has taken over my life. The snow birds (out of towners) are in town and eager to have fun or be entertained, so now there are events where locals do what they can to take advantage of their business. I have been busy going to whatever street fairs or events are taking place and signing up to be in them as a vendor. I have designed my own flyers and made hundreds of book markers to promote with. If you are going to be an author, Carmel, you better get ready to work your tush off in promoting and selling your book. And don't forget to keep good records of EVERYTHING you do for tax purposes. At the end of the day, being an author is also being a promoter, marketer, web designer, blogger, administrator and bookseller. If you don't have the money to hire these people to do the work for you, get ready to roll up your sleeves and burn the midnight oil. This is why it's taken me a long time to get back here to reply to everyone here. The good news though is that my work is paying off. I have sold over 120 book since last August! =)

Sorry it's taken so long to reply to everyone's comments. Last week had me busy with 3 days of local fairs. Ran out of marketing materials and spent my spare time printing and cutting. Anyway, my book is called "Realmwalkers" and it is basically a Sci Fi Medieval Fantasy (see my profile). I wish you luck with your writing endeavors. It takes a lot of time and money to launch your creation when no one knows you. As for book signings, it's good you went to one so you could see what they are like. I hope your ex-doctor had a good event. My events have been busy and I did sell books but it's nothing like what you see in movies where the author is sitting at a table with a long line of people standing and waiting to get their copy signed. Oh no! I have had to be aggressive, standing and shaking hands and doing a lot of talking in order to convince them to buy a book. When you are a new author you have a lot of work to do to promote your book. If you are on a shoe-string marketing budget, it's even worse. I hope to attend some book signings to learn more about such events. I am getting some good replies here at MyLot. People have been very helpful.

It's a lot of work and if you are not a people person, book signings can be difficult to do. It's scary waiting and hoping someone will buy your book. I have done okay so far with "Realmwalkers" (see my profile) but stardom? No, no stardom yet. But I can't complain. Good luck with your writing!

Book signings are definately an experience. I was very nervous at first, trying to make the event successful, but now after several under my belt, it's not a big deal. People are so nice even if they aren't interested or can't buy the book. Such events can be hard to do some times depending on all the driving involved but it is gratifying when someone buys my book, Realmwalkers. I sold out at my last book signing. A real milestone for me. I think it also depends a lot on the author also. If the author is a celeb, then they better have plenty of books to sign. :)

I have never been to such a book signing where one has to wait in line to get their book signed. I have seen them on TV and in movies, but never been to one where the book (or the author) is so hot people wait in line to buy the book. It must be terribly exciting to get that popular. I get nervous just having one or two people waiting for me to sign their books. If I sell even a dozen of my books, I am truly elated. =)

Wow!! Sounds like you do a lot of driving also! I haven't done any readings yet. I am so new, not even sure I can do a reading. My book is called Realmwalkers and its a sci fi medieval fantasy novel. It's 460 pages long (see my profile links) but its been doing well, I think. I have sold over a hundred copies since August. I have tried reading out loud for my writers group, but I sound terrible. I even begin to stutter at times. I am now trying to convert the book into ebook format and cut back on the book signings. Since you are also an author, I will send you a friend request, Danjoish.