Mama Jude's Pep Talk

bigb said:

Having a book signing is very impressive on it's own, I believe. Having a chance to autograph something somebody is buying that you produced is awesome. Don't get discouraged, get attention, like HistorySlueth said. No sitting

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Shea,
You have a book!!!! It's published, it's for sale, that's the best thing imaginable! And, not only do you get to spend time in a bookstore ( I have 3 little kids and NEVER get to spend time in one) but two complete, random strangers wanted to read something you have written. That's never happened to most of us. Never happened to me.
I'm jealous.
And I want to come too one of your book-signings.
Hugs,
Mark

I knew I came to the right place for a pick me up- you guys are the best- the very very best-
I know I have been so lucky getting my book out there and published- I haven't forgotten that- but this- this whole putting yourself out there thing is harder than writing ten books-But you're right Mark- two people have my book today that didn't yesterday and that is awesome!

I loves you Mama Jude and everyone in this thread- you went and made me all weepy-

shea, you come to Murder on the Beach and I'll be there with bells on!!! Love ya girl!!!

ToddWBush said:

shea, you come to Murder on the Beach and I'll be there with bells on!!! Love ya girl!!!

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I would so be there!

sheadakota said:

I don't care if I ever sell another book and I don't ever want to do this again (But I have another siging at a Barnes and Noble next weekenddon't wanna go)

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Well, even if they don't want your book, you can still welcome customers to the bookstore, because you are an attraction for that store, and what else are you doing with your time?

You can ask them about their reading interests, recommend other books for them to read, enjoy your time with them and just generally add to the attraction of being among books and people who love books, and make people feel special. And the bookstore people will be glad you're there and the customers will be glad you're there and who knows -- you might sell a book or two more, too.

I say this as a person who once had to help a woman I barely knew sell her crap from a garage to complete strangers. It's not hard to make people welcome and valued and not worry about selling crap to anyone -- the folk in this forum are nice to each other all the time, just cos they wanna be. If we can do it in writing, we can do it face-to-face too.

As an author you've read a lot, and you know a lot, and you know what makes books good and you're worth more to people than you may realise -- with or without some books on a desk.

Shoulders back, chin up, Shea. Be proud of what you've done, and be glad of what you can do for people.

And yay you for publishing too!

*Hugs Shea* I sent you a PM, but I'm gonna give my vote of support here, too. If I was in the area, I'd definitely come and buy a book! My vote is just to chat with people if you can. If you're shy like me that's not the easiest thing in the world, but if you don't think of it as trying to convince people to buy your book, and instead just see it as chatting with people walking by, it might help. Some people are just going to be jerky (depends on where you are, too) and be all "ew why's that weird person talking to me" but that's their loss. But I've noticed a lot of times even something like "Wow, nice weather today, isn't it?" or "Hey I read that book and loved it," or something might help.

Not sure if that helps any.

Kaitie, who would certainly come to your book signing and cheer you on.

A friend of mine - much better at this than I was - arranged for her family and friends to turn up in two's and threes throughout the morning. That way they could form a little queue in front of the signing table, and once the queue has formed, people are likely to notice it (and even join it - hey look! Book-signing!!!). I don't remember if she had them carry a copy of her book in and flash it around, or perhaps even pre-arranged for them to buy one at the shop (family will do that sort of thing) but the main thing was to orchestrate a little queue now and then.

They could just chat quietly or whatever - there's no rush, usually about local book signings....

It worked for my friend and it's absolutely what I plan to do next time.....

Also - don't know if you've called your local paper, but they're usually happy to send a photographer round to a signing. Basically anything tht attracts attention might be useful

That's a really good idea!

Thanks everyone for all the good feelings and excellent advice- mccardy- that is very cool advice! I'm not sure if I can arrange that for the siging at B&N this coming weekeknd (the 24th) I already used my friends and family for another event I had in feb- so I don't want to abuse them

My 11 year old daughter wants to go with me- she is an avid reader and could easily occupy her time just browsing and she considers herself my little helper what a sweetie-

I was going to bring donuts for the staff and I will try to relax- but I get that tight feeling in my chest and I start to sweat - arrrgg- I had no problems at the meet and greets at the two libraries and the book club I spoke at- they were fun- but this is different- but I will try to remember that even if I don't sell anything I accomplished something just by being there! (I'll keep repeating that!)

I wonder if there are people here who live in your city who could stop by too? I'm pretty sure most of us frequent bookstores anyway.

Wilkes Barre Pa- anyone near there?

Oh that is so odd! I plan on going there this summer for some research on a different book.
I could never make it by March 24th though.

I'm on the wrong continent to come to your book signing! So just pretend I'm there, okay?

heyjude said:

I'll be there in spirit, shea. Imagine me over in the corner, waving madly and giving the thumbs-up. I'll do things to make you giggle, too, like make eyeglasses out of my fingers and poke fun at random passers-by (not the ones who buy your books though).

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Oh! Me too! Me too! Only without the cold I currently have. And twenty-five pounds lighter.

sheadakota said:

Wilkes Barre Pa- anyone near there?

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I will be in the woods of W. Virginia, enjoying the widerness.

Doughnuts (I'm Australian - that's just how we spell it) are a terrific idea, but an 11 year old is the best idea in the world. What a lovely thought!!

Do remember the whole book-signing this isn't a popularity test or anything - it's just a marketing strategy. Keep saying "It's just a marketing strategy" under your breath. Don't get suckered into thinking it's your job to sell all your books while you're there - you're there because being there might help. You've already written the book!! - turning up for a signing is extra, and it's you being nice, not you being responsible for any copies left on the shelves... Try to enjoy it. No, really And do take the 11 year old - she'll be company and distraction and besides, she can hover around at your table like a dear little Queue

It occurs to me that a special thread alerting (ok, summonsing) AW people to AW Booksignings might be an excellent idea....? Do we have one of those? I'll expect all of you to fly down to Australia if I have to do another one......

Oh look -

Do you know what time it is down here? It's before coffee time, that's what it is....

thread. THREAD. not threat.

**sigh**

Everyone's a critic, aren't they?




I fixed it myself. I'm getting cleverer by the minute....

Did someone say threat? (I'm always looking for an excuse to use the banana with the sword. He's seriously scary.)

Shea, don't stress out! (I'd be hiding under the table, but when was the last time they vacuumed under there?) You're just going to hang out, chat with some people, and get as much from the opportunity as you can for future writings.

And where exactly in Wilkes-Barre? It's a hike for me, and I currently have something scheduled for April 24, but if that changes... my car does need some exercise. It's getting a little soft around the middle.

Hey I love that evil banana! Thanks namatu! It's the B&N at the arena hub -near Mohegan Sun arena.

Do you think putting some rum in a coke bottle would be bad while I'm greeting people?

I think you should mix margaritas right there at your table!

But she writes YA! Okay, kidding, kidding. Couldn't resist a tease.

Oh, I don't know. I think its appropriate. Some days I think my teens will drive me to drink.