Book signing 101

The release date of my first book was etched in my mind. I eagerly shared the news, and excitement filled me. This was the beginning of my journey as an author.

I decided to celebrate my book’s publication with a big party—a book signing. This would be a celebration. Not in a ‘look at me’ way, but I planned to enjoy this milestone and wanted those I loved with me.

I learned a lot along the way and want to share with other new authors what worked and what I would change.

Preplanning Stage

• Decide what kind of celebration you want – big, small, fancy, intimate, casual – and where you’ll hold it – your home, the library, a rented facility
• 1 ½ to 2 hours is a great time frame. A pre-lunch with coffee, tea, water, and a cake. Brunch if you want to feed your guests. I chose mid-afternoon and served finger foods and cupcakes.
• A good rule of thumb for party planning is that you’ll get about half the number of people you’ve invited. I invited everyone! I put up flyers in area businesses and sent out press releases to the closest newspapers. Still, I knew almost everyone who came to my book signing.
• Set a budget. I didn’t do this. Instead, I went into it willy-nilly and spent too much money.
• Enlist help. My sister helped with food, my youngest daughter made a playlist and acted as photographer, and my husband took the money while I only had to sign books. One friend took care of the raffle items, and another manned the sign-in table and handed out swag bags.

Decisions, Decisions

I couldn’t decide what to wear. I’m a blue jeans or capris and T-shirt kind of person, but I wanted to dress up a bit for my very first book signing. My tip: be comfortable. If you’re not stressed about how you look, you will enjoy yourself that much more.

Raffle Items

When attendees signed in, they received a raffle ticket. My oldest daughter rounded up donations, and I ended up with fifteen bags to raffle off, plus one grand prize that held a bit of everything.

What to Take on the Big Day

You’re dressed and ready to go. The location is perfect; you’ve planned how to decorate it and what food to serve. Everything has been purchased, and you’re ready. Then panic sets in. What do you need to take?

• Books – take a few more than you think you’ll need.
• Change – and something to keep it in. Also a sign for how people can pay besides cash. QR codes for alternate payment options are helpful.
• Pens – so you can sign the books! Take more than one, just in case.
• Bookmarks and/or business cards. I also have postcards to hand out. They include the QR code for where to buy my book, a picture of the book cover, and the book’s blurb.
• Food and drinks – do you need tablecloths, plates, cups, and silverware? We had charcuterie cups with food on skewers. I found the idea on Pinterest, and they were a big hit. We served mini soda cans, small water bottles, and sweet tea. We also had cupcakes and cookies that were donated.
• Swag bags – attendees received a swag bag at the sign-in table. It contained a bookmark, a pen with my name and my book’s name, and a sticker with my book cover on it.
• Newsletter sign-up sheets
• Decorations – my book is about an empty nester who starts a birding group, so I had bowls of birdseed in the middle of each table. I bought small organza drawstring bags so people could make birdseed bags to take home. I also had pictures that were beachy or bird-themed. I displayed paintings that my oldest daughter did for my book.
• Tape, permanent marker, scissors – these always come in handy

During the Signing

Enjoy yourself! Smile, laugh, sign books, talk to people. Be prepared to speak—just a short “speech” thanking everyone for coming and celebrating with you. You can also read a section of your book. I finished with a Q&A. Remember, these are your family and friends (and possibly a few strangers), and they came to be with you!

After the Signing

Be sure to clean up the area and remember that saying thank you goes a long way. Thank the people who helped, and send written thank yous to people who donated items. Emails are fine, but handwritten thank-yous are better. Why? They make a good impression and are professional.

Last but not least, what I’d change: AKA how to save money

Ask for food donations (cake, cupcakes) and raffle items.

I gave out bookmarks, but I will stick with the postcards. They’re less expensive, and I added a QR code to purchase the book. Personalized pencils are less expensive than pens; if I give out stickers, I will find a cheaper place to get them.

At my next book signing, which is with multiple authors, I’ll bring personalized pencils, birdseed and drawstring bags to make and take, a tablecloth, books and pens, a newsletter sign-up sheet, change and QR codes for other payment options, and my postcards.

Oh, and candy. You don’t have to serve food, but everyone likes a little something sweet.

Jen Dodrill uses her faith and passion for healthy families to write novels that encourage and inspire hope. A retired Navy wife, former homeschool mom, and mother of five, her favorite title is Grandma. When she isn’t writing, reading, or drinking coffee, she spends time with her family in West Tennessee. Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released February 27, 2024.