How Useful Are Author Appearances?

I tend to agree with you, though with a few exceptions. For instance, I write YA, and anytime I'm able to set up an appearance for a group of teachers/librarians, I go. Those are enormously influential buyers, particularly in my genre, and every sale I make to that group has the ability to create many times more readers.

I am hoping to set up some appearances later this year, but that has less to do with selling my book and more to do with being able to travel to visit a few friends. I won't go if I don't get the signings together, so the trip would still count as a business expense -- the only way I could justify it.

As a reader, I would say that I'm not more likely to buy books by an author I've seen in person, but I'm more likely to go see an author whose books I already enjoy. I've gone to several author appearances, but they've all been for authors I was already familiar with. And they were usually promoting books that I would have bought eventually. Maybe not as soon as I did, because I don't like to go see an author discussing a new book if I haven't read the new book yet, but eventually.

I think it depends a lot on the forum. For example, with our first book, an historical novel in a niche field, it was tremendously useful to make appearances in target markets. Like, our book was about the building of the railroads in the late 1800's. Would a signing in a store help? Not really. But a presentation to a model train group, or a service organization at a monthly meeting (Rotary, Lions, Elks) often resulted in dozens of sales.

For our paranormal romances, appearances at conventions is HUGELY useful, both because it gives readers who love your books an opportunity to discuss them and get them signed, and new readers who haven't heard of the books to get interested. But our store signings have been pretty dull overall. We might sell one or two, unless it's a mass signing with bunches of different authors. That increases the visitor potential exponentially, because casual buyers don't feel quite so . . . "trapped" as they do when approaching a single author at a single table. The reader can just glance at the book, say "hi" and move on to the next one without feeling pressured to make small talk.

It's surprising how many readers who might otherwise buy the book, often won't approach an author at a table, unless the author is extremely outgoing and approaches them first. (But that gets wearing, signing after signing.)

Just my .02.

I enjoy them, but I don't really do them to sell books. To me, it's a chance to go out there and talk about my work, my process, etc. and I enjoy sharing. Sometimes people will buy my book, but to me, that's not the primary objective. Once I had an appearance at a library and I ended up having a 3-hour discussion with the group -- that was great. It was a chance for me to get myself out there, for them to know my name, etc. I sold three books that day, but eventually a few more people bought my book online as well (even though the book's available at that library).

I think people generally enjoy having some personal contact with an author, even if they have no interest in the book. It gives them something to talk about with their friends, sometimes -- hey, I met an author today.... that any word of mouth would be good, whether it ends with a sale or not. But I usually sell between 1-5 books at each appearance. I sell more at book signings.

Maybe I'm weird, but I buy books after I've heard an author speak or meet them (if it sounds interesting, of course).

As a reader, I will go to a signing by an author I already know of. Unknowns are strictly by accident, if they are in the store I'm going to anyway. I think for lesser or little known authors, group signings work well. Last summer the WWA had their convention in Scottsdale. There were around 20-25 authors. I walked out with about 12 books. I know I spent almost $200 (after my BN discount). And many were by authors I hadn't heard of before.

MM

I suppose it depends, to some extent, on one's appearance.

I'm in deep trouble.

caw

They are wonderful as a children's book author, especially when I go to schools. I have a large captivated audience, and I totally bribe them with my personality, lol. Always do lots of sales.

However.

That being said.

My primary reason for doing these readings is to get to hang out with the kids. I don't expect to sell books, and while most of the time I do, I don't always. I talk at highschool writer's craft classes, for example, and I rarely sell any books there.

Now aside from school visits (which can also be profitable as you get paid to do them), I also find conferences/conventions very useful, especially if I am on a panel. A conference I did a few weeks ago resulted in many sales of my work in the dealers' room. I was very visible, on many different panels, and met so many different people just socialising.

So yes, there is profit to be made. But like with a lot of things in the writing world, you have to enjoy doing it too, enjoy meeting your readers in person, exchanging ideas with them etc. There is never any guarantee.

Yes, you do get paid for some of these, schools in particular. So that's another benefit.

You get paid for school visits? (Man... I never got paid for those!)

I think it depends on you. If YOU are comfortable going out there and hand-selling books at bookstores, and can do it well, it's beneficial. I know I had a good time, and sold quite a few books when I did a blitzkrieg for my first book launch. (I know I'll do another one of those when I have more time...)

However, if the thought of asking people in a bookstore to come over and check out your book makes your hands clammy with terror, you're probably better off not doing it.

The difference it makes in sales is voodoo, at best, but, like anything, I know of a few authors that promoted themselves to stardom with a relatively blase product, so I think it can be done successfully if you have the right skills and personality.

I would advise going to a few author events and seeing who does them well and who doesn't. (I do them quite well, thank you... I can give you some tips if you feel you need a boost. Just drop me a note.)

badducky - most authors get paid for school visits. If you haven't been you should look into it, because it is standard. Not only that, but schools (and boards) set aside funds for just such activities. Granted the amount varies, sometimes if the school can't afford much you get an honorarium as opposed to the standard amount. And there are schools in less advantageous areas that I will visit for free. But for the most part, many many authors, especially children's authors, tend to make the bulk of their income from visits. Even more so than their writing.

(I'll also add to badducky's offer . . . I'm very comfortable speaking in public, and have received decent praise for it [helps that I'm also an actress I guess], if anyone needs some advice, please do feel free to drop me a line. I also wrote a 4 part series on "Reading Aloud" over at my blog. Part one is here. To find the others, just go to the sidebar, where you'll find them listed under "My three part (plus one) series - Tips on Reading Aloud")

I'll buy books after talks if the author was interesting. I'll also approach booksigning tables if the book looks interesting.

I won't buy books from authors who approach me in bookshops. It makes me view you in the same category as those people who pounce on me in the street, wanting me to answer a survey on my pickle buying habits.

Polenth said:

I'll buy books after talks if the author was interesting. I'll also approach booksigning tables if the book looks interesting.

I won't buy books from authors who approach me in bookshops. It makes me view you in the same category as those people who pounce on me in the street, wanting me to answer a survey on my pickle buying habits.

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Agreed. I'll also buy books of any author whose lectures I enjoyed. I like to see if their writing is on a par with what they preach.

I think it depends on your objective vs venue.

If you want to meet your target audience but have set up shop in a bookstore. Probably not.

But if your target audience is 8 - 14 yr old boyscouts and there is some camp festival thingie than yeah that is the place to be.

Similarly, if you want to get your name out there it is probably a waste of time to try to meet 'the readers'. Your time would be better spent meeting a group of people who have influence over groups of readers. Meeting one of those people could be the equivalent of meeting 100 readers.

One thought that comes to mind would be a morning show disc jokey. If you got them to read the book and you discussed it during a morning show that reaches tens of thousands of people then that is time well spent. And if you are really lucky, maybe your book comes up during on-air conversations when you aren't even there. To me, that is a lot of bang for the buck.

Another reason may be legitimacy. If there is a meeting of certain professionals and your presence helps establish your creditability then that seems a great use of your time.

Basically, my not so helpful answer is it depends on your objective vs venue. How much bang for the buck are you getting? What will that couple of hours of your time gain you?

I've seen a few authors set up at Barnes and Nobles, spend half a day only to talk to about 10 people. To me, perhaps that wasn't the best use of their time.

incidentally, seems some of us could really benefit from PR people.

Mel...

I can tell you I have much better time speaking at libraries, conventions, groups or schools (and yes, some really do pay) than doing book signings. You do have to find your niche and target the right audiences (children's books, for example, or legal thrillers targeting lawyers, perhaps, etc.) and you can build on the word of mouth. General interest books (or general fiction) may have a harder time finding the right niche. I was able to build some of my appearances on local interest and writing-specific topics. I also did a writing workshop and that was really fun. I enjoyed them.

It depends...

I've done killer book selling, signing at some conventions (very targeted).

I've done a couple of great library readings and some crappy ones.

I've done a couple of decently attended booksignings/readings at bookstores, but mostly it's lonely.

I do fairly well at book fairs. They tend to be fun.

If you can target your appearances tightly they can be great experiences. You also get your name in the paper. I suppose it all leads to name recognition eventually.

But, there is nothing sadder than sitting around in an empty bookstore, feeling guilty about drinking the free coffee...

I watch interviews with authors on channel 15, they call it Book TV. I loved Gore Vidal and it made me want to read his books, John Grisham, not so much.

I think it can affect your sales either way.

Personal appearances on Oprah seem to have the most benefit to novelists.

At booksignings, I think it's important to remember that your real goal is to encourage people to pick up and read the back cover, not to sell the book.

I find free candy is a good enough bribe to do that. You're never asking people to buy your book. You're offering them candy if they just check it out for a second, to see if it's something they might like.

badducky said:

At booksignings, I think it's important to remember that your real goal is to encourage people to pick up and read the back cover, not to sell the book.

I find free candy is a good enough bribe to do that. You're never asking people to buy your book. You're offering them candy if they just check it out for a second, to see if it's something they might like.

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Ugh, it depends. I find that free candy or cookies sometimes only invite the kids to come over. They have no interest of buying books, let alone mine. Then there are the weirdos who tried to convert me to their cult. And also, the store tells me that I'm not allowed to "solicit" anyone -- that means they can only come to me.

Most often I will have at least a handful of people checking the book out, buying it, etc. But there was one signing that was on the quietest day of the store -- I could count the number of customers during the ENTIRE time I was there with both hands. I think the book manager hated me to put me there that evening (I did end up selling two books -- that was surprising!).

Agree to disagree, there Maestro. Kids have parents. Parents, I've noticed, tend to buy the book, even if only as a gift for someone else.

Giving lots of candy away is not a bad thing, at all. It builds good will, and people think you're not an evil salesperson. And, unless you're at a mall bookstore, you won't get a lot of mooches just there to get as much free stuff as possible.

Mall bookstores - yowza - be prepared for lots of moochers. Bring extra candy.

Don't get me wrong, I do give out free candy/cookies, etc. I'm just saying they're not as effective as people say they are. Mileage does differ...

It depends on your personality, too. If you're naturally bubbly and gregarious, you may have a better time at book signings. The problem is, most stores won't let you "solicit" so you end up mostly sitting or standing at your table smiling at people. If you don't feel like looking like a snake oil salesman, that's okay. I don't really mind book signings, but I'd rather do a) book readings, b) discussions, or c) seminars - those are much more fun and productive and better use of my time, instead of me just sitting there trying to sell books.


Also, book stores and libraries constantly have programs like Educators Week, etc. Those are great places to get contacts and network. I went to one educator program and talked to a lot of teachers -- and that's how I got some of my school appearances.

Mileage does vary! That's why this is the sort of thing where you have to know yourself, and your audience, and your regional tastes, and non-approaching approach techniques that work for you.

badducky said:

Mileage does vary! That's why this is the sort of thing where you have to know yourself, and your audience, and your regional tastes, and non-approaching approach techniques that work for you.

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Teenagers are the worst, however. If you must schedule a signing on a Friday evening, make sure to check out the venue first. I once was surrounded by at least 50 or 60 teenagers (having nothing to do between movies and their latte fix), who have no interest in reading my book, but liked my free candy and cookies very much.... Of course, the "would be" buyer would be intimated by the swarms of teenagers. It was quite an experience, actually.