by Sarah Juckes
Book signings and events tend to be things that new authors look forward to ÔÇô and dread at the same time. To find out what you can do to make your event a success, we spoke to indie superstar, Mark Leslie. Mark has travelled all over the world doing events and, as youÔÇÖll see below, knows a thing or two about capturing attention.
Here are MarkÔÇÖs top tips for a successful author event.
For many authors, having a bookstore invite or allow you to sign in their store is a wonderful feeling and a thrilling experience. But it can sometimes be a long and challenging stretch of time where you feel like that awkward teen sitting alone at a dance just waiting for someone to make eye contact and perhaps ask you to dance.
After all, youÔÇÖre likely an introvert and far more comfortable in front of a keyboard or notebook than sitting at a table in the front of a store at a busy shopping mall. But there are a few things that can help ensure a more successful book signing. And, to be clear, my definition of success is having the chance to meet new people, perhaps share some information about your book, and maybe even selling a few copies.
-  Provide an Easy Ice-Breaker
People tend to be curious, particularly if they see your table set up inside the book store. So provide something associated with your book as a visible prop that might spark conversation.
Because I write horror and true ghost stories, the props I use to attract attention tend to be spooky in nature. I often do signings with Yorick the skull and Barnaby, a life-size pose-able skeleton, and have also hung a ÔÇÿGhost Stories Told HereÔÇÖ sign above my table.
Usually the people who are drawn in are among my target audience, and thereÔÇÖs instantly something to ease into conversation, whether itÔÇÖs a question about the items or a simple joke, such as: ÔÇ£Your friend looks like heÔÇÖs been waiting a long time.ÔÇØ
For those who ARENÔÇÖT part of my target audience, the props tell them all they need to know to take a wide berth around me.
2. Close, but not TOO Close
When people see an author at a table they want to check it out. As mentioned above, folks are quite curious. But people can be a little leery of getting the ÔÇ£sales pitchÔÇØ ÔÇô they want to know what your book is about, but donÔÇÖt want to feel pressured, and thus might not approach ÔÇô just in case itÔÇÖs not interesting to them.
This is where having a display of your books nearby (perhaps 10 feet or so away) works beautifully. Beside a small but noticeable display of your books, post a stand-up sign that reads.
┬áÔÇ£TODAY: Meet the author of [INSERT BOOK NAME HERE]!ÔÇØ
This allows interested customers to check out the book without feeling the author hovering over them. They can relax and enjoy the experience of browsing, without the sense that the author is about to mount a ÔÇÿhard salesÔÇÖ pitch at them.
Usually, those who are interested in the bookÔÇÖs topic will, more comfortably, approach the signing table typically to ask if you are the author, or a question about the book.
- Sell Only To Your Target Audience
Any author who believes their book is great for everyone is demonstrating that they havenÔÇÖt really properly thought who their target audience is.
The last thing IÔÇÖll ever believe is that my books are great for everyone. Horror is not everyoneÔÇÖs cup of tea, so IÔÇÖm used to the fact that my target demographic audience is smaller than many others.
Yes, IÔÇÖm enthusiastic about and eager to discuss my book ÔÇô but I also pay attention to the person in front of me. And if itÔÇÖs clear to me that they wouldnÔÇÖt be interested, IÔÇÖm honest with them and, I ask them what kind of books they normally like. If IÔÇÖm familiar with another book that they might like, I mention THAT book to them. This gives them an easy ÔÇ£outÔÇØ if theyÔÇÖre not interested, and leaves them with a positive feeling about me as an author. A few times, after having been honest and helpful, IÔÇÖve had people think of someone they know who might be interested in my book and have asked me to sign a copy they can give as a gift.
One of the worst things to do is have someone who isnÔÇÖt interested in the topic or genre youÔÇÖre writing, buy the book for themselves. ItÔÇÖll most likely NOT be a pleasant experience for them, and theyÔÇÖre more than likely going to tell everyone they know that you and your book suck. Not a good thing. Why stack the odds against you?
Your mileage, of course might vary ÔÇô and, there will be good days (ie, selling a lot of books), and less good days (selling nothing). Just remember that, even if you havenÔÇÖt sold any copies, if youÔÇÖve spoken with people, and been seen, thatÔÇÖs part of getting visibility. It all adds to your author brand.
 Mark Leslie is the author of the ONE HAND SCREAMING, I, DEATH, EVASION and A CANADIAN WEREWOLF IN NEW YORK. He also writes non-fiction paranormal explorations which include HAUNTED HAMILTON, SPOOKY SUDBURY, TOMES OF TERROR and CREEPY CAPITAL. He can be found online at www.markleslie.ca or via Twitter @MarkLeslie.