(no subject)

[mistymassey]

A representative from Books-A-Million came by a couple of days ago, to bring us Educator Discount Cards for all the faculty and staff. While she was here, one of my coworkers let it slip (okay, practically shouted is closer to what she did!) that I had a book coming out in the spring. The rep was surprisingly interested, and asked if I'd be coming to BAM for a signing (another topic for another day, that), and if I'd be reading from my own work or merely signing copies. Which confused me. Having never done this before, it hadn't occurred to me that I would be deciding this - I just figured the bookstores would tell me what they wanted.

So what do y'all think? Do you prefer an author to read to you? Just to smile and sign the bloody books? Maybe dance on the table?

Comments

[lesa.livejournal.com]

DANCE & READ and sign this manuscript I have and a book I will buy.

=P

[silverstah.livejournal.com]

Read, please. :)

(I pre-ordered my copy yesterday!!!)

[gramina.livejournal.com]

Read, and also have a chance for Q&A? (and sign, of course ;) )

[beatrizwench.livejournal.com]

1. Dance on the table, oh Mistress of the FA! (come on, I HAD to say it!!)

2. Read please. I love it when the author reads and then signs. Q & A if you have the crowd-- and the willingness to field oddball questions would be cool too.

3. Ignore the pirates in the background. ~chants to self~ Must be good. Must be good. Must be good. No singing in the bookstore. No singing in the bookstore. ~ponders a way to knock the storekeeper over the head and put in Pyrates Royale and other assorted pirate tunes on the store-wide music system~

[gypsyariana.livejournal.com]

I'd love a reading and a signing, and I wouldn't say this about most authors, but I'd want YOU to dance, too! ;)

[cellymcfae.livejournal.com]

If the author is capable of reading aloud (not all can, but I suspect that you can), definitely read AND sign. :^D

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

There seems to be a consensus. An author who reads is an added treat. I suppose the real question is--would you be comfortable doing so?

[madkestrel.livejournal.com]

Oh sure, reading would be no problem. The only thing I won't do in front of people is sing. *smile*

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

LOL! You're not alone there.

Have a great time at your event.

sensible reply

[faithhunter.livejournal.com]

Been there done that.
If you read -- advertise in the store and on your sites -- that you will read between the hours of (whatever 30 minutes you choose) and then take 15 minutes of Q&A and then sign for 30 minutes.

Then get out of there.

You will be exhausted. Dance? No way. Let someone else come dance for you. You got friends. Use 'em,.
Faith Hunter

[kalayna-nicole.livejournal.com]

I don't have expirence behind the signing table, but I have it behind the sales counter.

Reading is great, but it is quite an event. Like Faith said, you'll need to advertise heavily an exact time.
Q&A works great if you have a crowd (especially after a reading) not so good if you don't. (And don't be hurt if you don't at some signings. Sometimes you will just be trying to talk to every person who walks in the store and tell them about your book...other times you will have a line.)
I REALLY don't suggest dancing on the table--lol! But that doesn't mean you can't approach the owner beforehand--if her eyes bug out, take it as a 'no' hehe.

Bookstores love signings because they get people who might not otherwise come in the store in and buying stuff, so never be afraid to approach someone at a bookstore. More than likely they will fall all over themselves to set up a signing (as long as the book isn't POD or self-published---those are complete nightmares to even TRY to order! *shivers*)

Good luck on whatever you decide to do, you know, in several months. LOL