The past three days saw me out front and visible in several small communities in my local area, hosting book signing events. I’d like to tell you I sold a ton of books, but the reality of these types of activities is that they’re not about the bottom line of selling. They’re about showing up, connecting with readers and having a good time while doing both. Selling books is most definitely an icing-on-the-cake (maybe) by-product.
Here’s a little photo album of the last three days.
All set-up and ready to go! Don’t you love the back-drop to my book table? The Oscar Hicke’s Hockey weekend saw most people busy over at the arena, but F.P. Foods had its share of traffic as well.
Over in Port McNeill, at MarketPlace IGA, my books are prominently displayed and I have time for chatting with old friends like Bob Wheeler.
Coffee meet and greet over at Captain Hardy’s in Port Hardy. Wonderful chat with other local authors, aspiring writers and readers! Stayed until lunch and the Hawaiian Chicken Burger and fries was to die for. (And P.S. – I did sell some of those books!)
Many thanks to the local merchants who let me come in and set up shop in their space. And thanks to all the people who stopped by to chat. Nothing warms a writer’s heart more than someone who sits down and says, “Tell me how you wrote a book?” or, “Tell me why you wrote a book?” or even, “Who the heck do you think you are to write a book?” As Bob Dylan would say, “It’s all good.”
On the social media front, my blog tour is officially in full swing. Please pop over to The 4 A.M. Writer where Gwen Stephen’s has been kind enough to host a guest post and please jot down a comment. Remember – there are two free softcover books (mailed to the lucky winners) up for grabs during this tour. Every comment gets your name in the draw bag. More comments = more chances. Check out the whole tour schedule on the separate page tab at the top of the blog so you can stay up to date on all the stops.
disappearinginplainsight 
Sounds like a very fun and successful start to your “tour!” I’m envious of your backdrop for signing. Wish I could come there and have my own signing!!! 🙂
Wish I could share a table with you 🙂 The more the merrier, for sure.
What a warm post on book signing. It reminds those of us saturated with promotion advice of the true values in ‘Getting out there’! Thank you Francis for this wonderful post.
True, true – there is nothing like getting out there and hawking your own books. When I have to stand behind something I wrote in that way, it really puts me on the spot – in a good way.
Love the photos from your signing events. How cool it must be to see your work up on the same rack with modern day greats like Nora Roberts and Jodi Picoult.
Ya, that is sort of cool – especially since I get to sit over top of Nora Roberts. But the reality is that more of my books have probably sold in that particular store than hers – local market makes all the difference.
Hi Francis! I’ve only done a few book signings. I would love to do more, and I’m working on it. I’ve had a book signing at my local library, which was awful, and then I had one at a small, but busy coffee shop, which was an awesome experience. Saturday, March 15th, I have a book signing at my neighborhood’s Barnes & Noble and I am really excited and nervous. This post was a huge help to me. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Vashti. I bet you’ll be great and I admire your courage getting into a Barnes and Noble. Surely it has to be easier to sell books in a place where people have gone specifically to buy books. I was competing with pork loin – buy one get one half price. Best of luck. Please share on your blog how it all goes.
I love when you share words and pictures from your book signings, Fran. It’s the complete opposite of a writer’s typical day, spent in solitude.
Nice! You’re above Jodi and Nora…what a great place to be.
I agree, Jill. My placement on the book rack rocks 🙂 The signings are great but it sure is nice to sit at home today and relax. Next time, I don’t think I’ll plan three in three days.
Excellent, Francis! What a wonderful and welcoming experience for you. So nice to be supported by your community and good for you for having the guts to do it! :))
Oh Hazy, there were moments when I questioned my sanity. But it all comes out in the wash as the saying goes. At the end of the day – great experiences.