YIPPIE!
I am so blessed to be sane to tell you all that I had a wonderful and succesful book signing last weekend. I have posted some photos on my profile page so please take a peep!
So, what was it like?
Well, I was bursting with joy when I arrived at the Upward Way Christian Supplies store in Baltimore, Maryland to see a sidewalk marquee announcing my appearance. I only wished I had brought a strip of red carpet, but later for that. Because I arrived about 30 minutes early, my daughter (assistant) snapped a few photos and then we set up the table.
You will notice that everything on the table coordinated. I even brought the flowers from my garden and a spare bottle of water to keep them fresh! If you have never done a signing before, please also note that you want to "stand" as many books upright as possible on your table. That works to grab attention and make it convenient for customers to pick up the book. I do not suggest wrapping each book in Saran Wrap/shrink wrap....OMG! (After all, you don't want your customers thinking you believe they are contagious. Gee whiz....uh-hm).
Anyhu-I printed out the table sign, too, and it can be slipped into a plastic or acrylic frame to prop on the table. Next time you're at the dollar store, think of these things and stockpile them up for your big day!
Here are some gifts that I picked up from the dollar store: individually-wrapped candies, little vinyl gift bags for my book to fit neatly into, flower vase, color-coordinated party napkins, and I was blessed to find a matching trash basket set...remember, you have to take advantage of these types of cute things when you see them because dollar stores change their inventory/stock nearly every day...here today, gone tomorrow--forever!
I also have a box of pamphlets and brochures on various topics of mental illness. I purchased some really neat and colorful paperclips from Staples. They are shaped like the musical score Miss "G" Cleff. Anyhu- I put bundles together and clipped them. Each customer got a bundle of helpful information and a souvenir type paperclip. They loved it!
Ok, once my table was all set up, I had about five minutes before the first customer whizzed in. That was very funny how I sold a book on the run. You see the customer was traveling for the holiday and needed a quick graduation gift. She just turned to the store owner and asked, "Is this a good book?" and the store owner said, "Yes." and she said "Ok, give it to me. I gotta run." That was toooo easy. I was disappointed I didn't get to use my well-rehearsed pitch. Shucks.;)
So, in comes the next customer and it's a male. Did you know that men are the hardest to sell a health book to? Especially a mental health book? I trailed this man around the store telling him all about the book and mental health and who was president and what I was going to put on the grill when he finally, finally, said, "Sure, I want the book." I was sooo tired already. I mean I went from very happy to very worried......:)-
Ok, so the rest of day was wonderful. Each and every person I approached, purchased my book. I was walking on cloud nine and did not really want to leave, but I left some books with the store because people always trail in late and want to purchase the book. I was sure to autograph the copies I left and by the time I arrived home, the store clerk called to say two of the five books I left were sold by people who thought I would be there all day. God is good.
Did anything go wrong?
Absolutely. I forgot to take my Guest book out of the car. To be sure I don't do this again, it is packed in the same box with my other promotional materials.
Then there was the lemonade-flavored candy. Uh-hm. You see, it was a little slow and I popped one in my mouth and turned around and a customer was looking at my book. She asked me a question just as the candy turned very, very tart! OMG! I almost choked and made a fool out of myself. I motioned for my assistant (daughter) to talk to the lady while I got rid of that darn candy. The lesson learned...NO MORE candies for me during a book signing. Period.
What will I do differently at my next signing?
Well, I sort of felt guilty when a regular customer walked into the store and I approached her while she spoke to the store clerk. I felt like I stole a sale from the store. Of course, that was silly since they get a percentage of my sales, but anyway, I will not feel guilty and reluctanct to do this in the future.
Ok, here comes the awkward part, too. Payment for my sales. Discussing money is always awkward and I learned to be clear on my payment of sales before I get to the book signing.
Here's what happened. At the end of my signing, I asked if I would be paid in cash or a check. The store explained that it forgot to tell me I would be paid by check and that I had to wait until Tuesday so they could do their inventory. Tuesday turned into Wednesday.
Now, it was more awkward because it was a Christian book store and I didn't want God mad at me....(don't laugh). Anyway, I arrived at the store on Tuesday only to be told to return on Wednesday. When I arrived on Wednesday, a different manager told me I had to wait until Thursday for the manager to return. I had to be very patient and cool. I explained that I was being inconvenienced and that I had an agreement that I did not want to break. I asked if the other manager could be called to authorize payment. Yes, it turned out that that is just how it was handled and I waited maybe 45 minutes for the payment.
When I returned home, I contacted the next store where I will be next weekend and asked about the payment policy. We are clear that I will receive payment the day of my signing. I don't mind if it is a check or cash.
However, as far as the books I left after the signing, I will receive payment for those in 30 days on consignment arrangement.
Ok, that is the skinny of my very first book signing. I am full of joy that it was succesful. There is something special about meeting total strangers and selling them a book you have written. There is Jesus joy!
Remember, you can purchase a copy of my book from Amazon at
www.amazon.com. I am trying to accomplish a goal of ten sales from Amazon each month. I would appreciate your consideration in helping me to reach that goal by ordering a copy TODAY!
Lastly, mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 families. It hurts every member of the family when it is not treated. It is not alright to be called "crazy" and it is not alright to suffer. It all begins with taking that first step of breaking the silence.
Order your copy of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" (ISBN 13 978-0-97546124) TODAY!
Posted By: agnes levine
Saturday, May 30th 2009 at 8:35PM
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