Monday, March 3, 2008

Making the Most of Book Signings

Book signings make me nervous. I never wear bright colors or clothes with patterns that make me stand out. I prefer plain, dark clothes--black to be specific. I just don't like standing out in the crowd or being the center of attention. Therefore, book signings make me nervous because you are the center of attention.

I had a book signing at my local LDS bookstore this past Saturday. My husband is very supportive and always likes to attend with me. I told him he should go instead of me then. Like I said, book signings make me nervous.

Happily, it went very well. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They had a table set up right in the middle of the store and had copies of both my books displayed nicely. I brought them some mints as a thank-you. I also brought Hershey's kisses and placed them in a bowl on the table to entice customers. I really wanted to make the best of this book signing.

Thankfully, there were many members of my ward who came to support me and bought books. Several of them bought both my books. I was overwhelmed by their support. One couple from our ward bought both books. I happened to ask how their daughter who moved away was doing, and they said, "Oh. We should buy some books for her," which they did. Then, my husband joked by asking how their son was doing, who also has moved away. We all had a good laugh.
One dear friend brought all four of her little ones along to visit me. I was so grateful.

I also enjoyed meeting customers. I had great conversations with several people. One man bought a book for his wife's birthday, and I found out he'd served his mission in Guatemala where I was born. There was a couple who was buying their daughter's first scriptures. I also had nice conversations with several people who didn't buy my book. It didn't matter; I enjoyed talking to them. It was a very successful book signing, not just because of all the books I signed, but because I enjoyed it very much. So, from now on, I won't dread book signings, but will look forward to them.

3 comments:

Christine Thackeray said...

Good for you. That's a great idea to tell friends you'll be there- duh. I'm glad it went well.

Rebecca Talley said...

I'm glad you had fun and you sold books. Woo hoo!

Tamster said...

That's cool that Nolan likes to go with you. I'm glad it went well and that you were able to get past your dislike for being the center of attention and enjoy the book signing. :-)