I almost always check out a signing. The writer in me is too curious not to!

Tell you what...I'll do the research for you, Barbara. Just loan me DA GUY for my next 100 signings and we'll see if he makes a difference. All in the name of science, you know... *grin*

Tell you what...I'll do the research for you, Barbara. Just loan me DA GUY for my next 100 signings and we'll see if he makes a difference. All in the name of science, you know... *grin*

There was a time when I didn't approach writers in the bookk store because chances are they weren't writing anything I wanted to read. That was teh reader and not the writer. Now that I am the writer, I'll be approaching every writer who has a signing regardless of what they write. The biggest fear of a writer is that nobody shows up to their signing. I want them to know that they at least have one. Me.

As an author, it's agonizing to sit at a table and watch people hurry by, their eyes averted because they're afraid to "bother" you or get "trapped" into a hard core sales pitch. Sometimes, I'd love to just shout, "Hey, I just want to chat. I promise I won't stuff my book down your throat." LOL Your suggestion of a greeter is brilliant. Although the hunk sounds good, a lot of people would be intimidated to approach a man that looks like that. But a friendly store sales person, handing out fliers or promo stuff at the door and giving a few-word intro would be a huge help, IMO.

Barbara, thanks for being such a supporter of writers! Years ago, before I started writing, a writer stood at the entranceway of a bookstore instead of sitting at a table, and started talking to me as I walked in (kind of like you did with Samantha and her mother). He told me it was his first book and he was there for the signing. It was an adventure book, and when I said that wasn't my kind of book, he asked what I did read. I told him mysteries (which I was into at the time), and he said his book had a mystery. I ended up buying it. I've forgotten the book but I've never forgotten him. You have to have a special personality to do something like that, but it worked for me.

Thanx for the terrific piece, Barb. It really was a fun signing. The mall was extra busy for whatever reason, so it was to my advantage. LOL. As a reader I was the same way ... didn't go to signings. Probably felt intimidated or something. Now, as a writer, I can see how foolish my attitude was. Writers LOVE to talk about their books, the craft, how they got started ... whatever. Don't feel like you have to buy a book ... I personally wouldn't mind. But I'd love to talk to you.

Incidently ... if that guy was standing at the entrance greeting people, I would have been hangin' with him rather than sitting at my table. LOL.

Even before I was a writer I'd stop by a book signing to check it out. I didn't feel guilty if I didn't buy the book either, but I'm sure others would. The greeter idea is great. And they could add that there's no hard sale going on but they won't stop you if you want to buy the book. ;-) Maybe a greeter AND hunky guy is the way to go. I think Rocki St. Claire had a real bodyguard at one of her book signings once. Appropriate since she writes about them.

I got a big chuckle out of Jade Lee's response. Regarding signings--I've never been to one at a bookstore, and I'm a book publicist who sets them up for a living *shame* I'll have to do my penance and check a few out at my local shop.

A greeter - yes! I usually sit and talk to the children's book buyer, but if there was somebody standing nearby doing the "catch and grab/inform" thing, I think that would be helpful. :) e

Liz, congratulations on the wonderful signing! I'm in the process of planning my first store signing (yikes!!) so I really enjoyed reading the customer comments--always nice to know what the folks in the stores are thinking.

As a writer I know signings can be totally fun or totally agonizing. I've had both. Most interesting was when an obvious gang member came up to me, asked me about my book then shook my hand and thanked me for writing. Linda

As a writer I know signings can be totally fun or totally agonizing. I've had both. Most interesting was when an obvious gang member came up to me, asked me about my book then shook my hand and thanked me for writing. Linda

Liz, I was with you in spirit! I'm so happy it was a smashing success. You deserve it. :)

Liz, I was with you in spirit! I'm so happy it was a smashing success. You deserve it. :)

Congratulations, Liz. What a great book signing.

I have been too intimidated to do a signing so far. Sounds like you had a great time, Liz!

Thanx, everyone. It was a great first signing and while its doubtful that future ones will be as successful, it was the perfect way to get my feet wet. I'd say go for it, Jody. I thought it was fun and certainly and education.

If I were to run into an author signing, I'd stop. I may not know who they are, but I would ask them questions about their books. I might be interestd in reading them, but may have never known it. They are there to help us ad promote themselves.

I think I would talk to a new author at a book signing. I seem to have conversations with most people I meet, even if I don't know them, but I'd definitely talk to Liz. She has a way of drawing people to her. Kudos on your first signing Liz!

I was so bummed that I missed this signing! Glad it was so great, Liz.

I love chatting with authors. It great to find out what they write and like to read. Marie

Thanks you so much for posting this, Barb...I have my very first signing on Saturday and this makes me feel so much better! There are some wonderful pieces of advice here...the book store owner is having me do a reading and a talk, so hopefully that will get people to pay attention. Does anyone else have experience with this? Minnette ;)