How to Organize a Book Signing Event

Once you’ve written a book, you’ll find your hands rather full as a promoter of your own work. While it’s not fun to toot your own horn, you do have to drum up interest in your book. One of the best ways to do this is by hosting a book signing event.

Don’t know how to go about it? Pay attention to the following helpful tips.

The Kind of Event

​Not all book signing events are the same. Before you go about picking a venue, you should try to set the tone for it. Most authors have a causal or semi-formal setting for the book signing event. Are you going to have a Q and A session or a reading session as well? This can make your event friendlier and drum up more interest in the book.

Picking a Relevant Venue

​Once you know the kind of book signing event it will be, it’s time to pick a venue. Most authors tend to pick bookstores but, how about thinking out of the box here? You can host book signing events in bars, outdoors and even in museums. Use your book to draw inspiration for the venue that suits it the most. 

The Timing of the Event

​Make sure that your event is not timed to coincide with a holiday or some other event. This can negatively impact your book signing event. Although in some cases, it can end up boosting interest. For example: If you wrote a horror thriller, Halloween is the perfect time to have a book signing for it.

Start to Market It 

​When you have hashed out the venue, the type of book signing event and the timing, you have to actively market it. While you will have to make use of advertising over social media, you can also add a personal touch here. Send invitation cards to all your friends and acquaintances, co-workers and more.  

Pay Attention to the Fine Details

​Now that you’re at the book signing event, don’t forget the fine details that will be responsible for making the event a success. These include:

• An assistant who can handle the book sales.
• Extra books – In case you run out of books.
• Change and flexibility of payment methods.
• A sign-up list for people to join you on social media or your mailing list.
• Bookmarks, business cards or even a postcard.

Close it with a Flourish 

​When the event is drawing to a close, don’t forget to thank everyone for showing up. You might want to offer goodie bags or handwritten notes to your friends, the venue owners and other people who showed up.