Book Signings Can be a Challenge
Words of Wisdom
From Our Very Own Kat Crawford
I’m a professional bookseller, right? Wrong.
It’s been several years since I participated in a book signing. After my story was published in “Chicken Soup: Being Grandma,” I contacted a Barnes and Noble Rep who assured me she’d have a table set up for me. She also planned to order the books.
Did I call from the first of June to the end of July to confirm? No. I trusted the B & N Rep to carry through.
On Saturday, July 25th, I arrived at B & N thirty minutes early and checked in at the counter. My assigned rep had the day off. No table set up. No books.
A very apologetic young salesclerk made phone calls.
Why didn’t I double-check with the rep ahead of time?
The day didn’t turn out badly. I knew my widow friends planned to have coffee and support me. One of them, Teri, had contacted the others and said, “We need to represent our famous author.” (Now that is high praise.) Seven women showed up. We had a great party and visit in the coffee bar.
Monday, I called the rep at B & N. Such a sweet lady who apologized a thousand-fold. She did call someone on the previous Tuesday: an author named Katherine, also scheduled for a book event at the same time as mine. (That makes me giggle — two Katherines in one day?)
The Lord can always fix stuff we allow, right? I learned I can sell my own books on consignment at B & N next month. I’ve already ordered Dew Drops of Hope (Dew Drops of Hope: Help for Those Going Through Grief and Loss) and Buckets of Hope (Buckets of Hope: Recovery from Grief and Loss).
And can you believe a Nebraska friend called a couple of weeks ago saying, “I’m so disappointed, but my daughter and I can’t make your book signing in July.” Guess what? Looks like she’s coming for the August 29th Barnes and Noble event.
What did I learn?
-Always double-check the date, time, and if the books are ordered.
-Always ask if you need a table cover or acrylic book stand.
-Always ask if you can sell your own published books.
-Always praise the Lord for arriving safely at your event.
-Always enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet anyone who might stop by.