First: Congratulations!
You’ve booked a signing! Now what, right? You know the obvious things to bring: books. But how many? And what the hell else?!
I Gotcha.
Let’s start with that obvious one & work our way down.
- Books. Depending on the venue, between 20-50 is a safe number. However, best practice is to have more in the car for just in case.
- Pen. I know, duh, right? You’d be surprised how many of us forget the damn pen. Have a few, and make sure they’re not “runners”
- Tablecloth. Your venue may supply one, but never assume.
- Table & Chair. And, if it’s an outdoor event, a pop-up style canopy! Check with your venue to see if they’ll be providing these. If not, bring your own. Average is anywhere from a four foot to six-foot table. Author spaces (at multi-vendor events) are either 8 x 10 feet or 10 x 10
- A sturdy utility cart with wheels to transport your stuff. Believe me, you don’t want to lug boxes.
- Some type of e-commerce tool (like a Square card reader) for credit card purchases. Consider offering PayPal and/or Venmo options, too.
- Change. Dollar bills, fives, and tens. I usually price my books in even increments ($10, $15) with the sales tax built in to avoid dealing with coins.
- Price labels (or a sign) & bags displaying book price (s) & if you accept credit cards. Don’t forget bags for your customers! *You REALLY want to be able to accept credit cards, so get that card reader!
- Bookstands (frame/plate holders work well)
- Banner/Signage. You need something eye-catching that announces who you are and what you’re selling!
- Business cards. Tell em where to find you, especially if they’re not buying today.
- Freebies. Think: bookmarks, pens, magnets, or anything branded with your logo/book.
- Candy or chocolates. Nothing stops em like a treat.
- A bowl for those chocolates/candies.
- Tape. Just because you never know
- Scissors. See 12
- A snack & beverage. Depending on the duration of your event. Only on occassion do your hosts think of these things.
- Your elevator pitch. Be ready to talk about your book. Practice it. Don’t give the whole synopsis, give the back cover blurb.
- A smile and great attitude. I’m not being snarky here, this is a must. Be approachable. Be friendly. Be engaged. Stand up for longer chats, keep your phone checking at a minimum, and make eye contact.
- Have a “catch phrase” to reel them in. (But don’t be obnoxious with it.) Asking what types of books they like to read is a great ice breaker.
There you have it!
You’ll fine-tune your own list as you go along, but these are your basic, get you through the day items. Have any questions? Drop em in the comments! Did I forget anything?! LMK below!
