tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post8358837685630182157..comments2024-03-29T10:24:43.685-04:00Comments on SleuthSayers: A Writer's Guide to BooksigningsLeigh Lundinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921276795499571578noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-56971043870443030602018-08-14T18:17:39.204-04:002018-08-14T18:17:39.204-04:00I just read your mystery story, Home Delivery, in ...I just read your mystery story, Home Delivery, in Woman's World magazine - so enjoyed it!! Looked you up and found this great & helpful article. Thank you.Michele Moviusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-48555958026847123402016-02-21T18:00:50.201-05:002016-02-21T18:00:50.201-05:00Thanks, Bonnie! Believe me, ALL of us have those ...Thanks, Bonnie! Believe me, ALL of us have those sad stories. Yes, the truth is, I'd actually rather sell a book to someone I don't know, because when it's a friend I always wonder if he/she is buying it for the wrong reason.<br /><br />Another interesting fact: During my Christmas-season signings, I find that many of the books I sign aren't purchased as Christmas gifts but as something for the buyer to keep, himself or herself. But Christmas is still a great time to sign because holiday shopping brings so many more people into the store.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-71784826662380059272016-02-21T15:03:39.531-05:002016-02-21T15:03:39.531-05:00Thanks for the good advice, John. So far, I've...Thanks for the good advice, John. So far, I've done just one solo signing and sold just one book, to a casual acquaintance who happened into the store and was obviously surprised to see me there. He seemed to find the situation socially awkward and said, "Well, I'll have to buy one of your books." I found the situation socially awkward, too, and spent the next five minutes trying to talk him out of it. ("You've never said you're interested in mysteries--it's written for young adults--I'm not sure you'd enjoy it.") I didn't want him to feel pressured into buying something I was pretty sure he didn't really want. In the end, he bought it, and I still feel guilty about it. Oh, well. At least my first signing left me with a long list of things to do differently next time.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17673578800047888317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-80942654342287925512016-02-21T14:41:40.554-05:002016-02-21T14:41:40.554-05:00Liz, I think you're right that we agree with t...Liz, I think you're right that we agree with the minority, here. Most of my writer friends love being part of a joint signing, anywhere, anytime. It's not that I'm antisocial, but I've learned by now that I can move more books if I'm alone. (Especially if my tablemate has written a book about pets. Great story!)<br /><br />I've met Chester and his wife, and I'm glad that line works for him, and for you, but I really do prefer the no-pressure approach of handing somebody a brochure and then vanishing. (It's amazing how many times that leads to a later sale!) If I do more than that, I feel like an overbearing shoe salesman who just can't resist pestering the shoppers. Different strokes for different salesmen, right? <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, today!--we miss you here at SS.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-21774595895937268602016-02-21T14:31:50.049-05:002016-02-21T14:31:50.049-05:00Dix, how kind of you! As for the value of such ad...Dix, how kind of you! As for the value of such advice, I once heard that the worst thing an instructor can say is "This is the way you do it," and the best thing is to say is "This the way <i>I</i> do it"--because everyone's different and everyone's approach is sure to be different as well. But if this helps anyone, I'm certainly pleased.<br /><br />Best to you and yours, my friend. Keep up the good writing!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-23658563555278018622016-02-21T13:54:34.518-05:002016-02-21T13:54:34.518-05:00John, I'm glad you agree with me (against the ...John, I'm glad you agree with me (against the majority opinion) that an author can do better signing solo. I once shared a signing table in a Barnes & Noble, I think it was in Charlotte, NC, with Judi McCoy, a lovely woman, now, sadly, deceased, who wrote a $7.99 paperback series of New York dogwalker mysteries. I had my $25.95 hardcover series (pre-Amazon prices) of New York recovering alcoholic mysteries to sell. We were well placed near the entrance to catch customers' eyes. Unlike you, I do say, "Do you read mysteries?"--a technique I learned from Chester Campbell and his wife Sarah, who have used it to good effect for many years. Judi, on the other hand, led off with, "Do you like dogs?" Guess whose books flew off the shelves? She ended up surrounded by buyers with someone's adorable dog sitting on her lap.Elizabeth Zelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13944424094949207841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-24655348470414449452016-02-21T13:54:32.879-05:002016-02-21T13:54:32.879-05:00John, I'm glad you agree with me (against the ...John, I'm glad you agree with me (against the majority opinion) that an author can do better signing solo. I once shared a signing table in a Barnes & Noble, I think it was in Charlotte, NC, with Judi McCoy, a lovely woman, now, sadly, deceased, who wrote a $7.99 paperback series of New York dogwalker mysteries. I had my $25.95 hardcover series (pre-Amazon prices) of New York recovering alcoholic mysteries to sell. We were well placed near the entrance to catch customers' eyes. Unlike you, I do say, "Do you read mysteries?"--a technique I learned from Chester Campbell and his wife Sarah, who have used it to good effect for many years. Judi, on the other hand, led off with, "Do you like dogs?" Guess whose books flew off the shelves? She ended up surrounded by buyers with someone's adorable dog sitting on her lap.Elizabeth Zelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13944424094949207841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-85429419666847186142016-02-21T10:56:59.939-05:002016-02-21T10:56:59.939-05:00I love all your posts, John. But, I really apprec...I love all your posts, John. But, I really appreciate it when you share advice like this. Fantastic and useful info. You claim it's long, but I think your concise writing -- comprised by all of your short stories that I've read -- is present here. Your natural ability makes this post a nice length: short enough to be easily digested in one sitting, yet long enough to include a ton of tasty morsels that really clue-in people like me. <br /><br />I shudder to think what you could SELL this information for. Thanks, for sharing in this manner. This type of post, imho, is one of the major factors that render great value to the SS blog.<br />--DixonDixon Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220791609338404147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-34052295822268109602016-02-21T09:54:38.177-05:002016-02-21T09:54:38.177-05:00Hey Bobbi! Many thanks, and yes, I know what you ...Hey Bobbi! Many thanks, and yes, I know what you mean. I'm reminded of one of Lawrence Block's excellent books on writing, <i>Telling Lies for Fun and Profit</i>. Those luncheon events are fun but not profitable.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-27890390796475461902016-02-21T09:43:39.940-05:002016-02-21T09:43:39.940-05:00Great post, John. I could add one to your "de...Great post, John. I could add one to your "dead booksigning locations" list---a lady's luncheon at a church where you're the unpaid guest speaker. I learned that one from experience! LOLBobbi A. Chukran, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16678371925926783260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-15633557473653848202016-02-21T09:37:19.082-05:002016-02-21T09:37:19.082-05:00Thanks, Paul. To each his own, but these are the ...Thanks, Paul. To each his own, but these are the things that have worked well for me. It's a crazy subject.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-79949036375176711972016-02-21T09:06:21.305-05:002016-02-21T09:06:21.305-05:00Great advice, John. And sorry to be chiming in so ...Great advice, John. And sorry to be chiming in so late.Paul D. Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15466234708772287399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-17020303947223923552016-02-20T23:24:00.432-05:002016-02-20T23:24:00.432-05:00Herschel, remember that all my books are just coll...Herschel, remember that all my books are just collections of stories, and you've written a <i>boatload</i> of those.<br /><br />Looking forward already to your column in two weeks!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-82495342965420474752016-02-20T22:10:21.148-05:002016-02-20T22:10:21.148-05:00Late to the party, john. Just back from a trip to...Late to the party, john. Just back from a trip to SoCal.<br />Great article. Of course all of that good advice is lost on me since I have never written a book.<br /><br />Thanks for the mention. You are half right. The blurb will be shorter. Better written? In my dreams!<br />Herschel Cozinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06097703750150309319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-54902946438974551252016-02-20T20:26:38.745-05:002016-02-20T20:26:38.745-05:00Thanks, Marilyn--if anything I've said helps, ...Thanks, Marilyn--if anything I've said helps, I'm pleased. I suppose all this boils down to doing whatever the signer feels comfortable doing. I know people who can easily walk up to strangers and start talking about how great their book is and how everyone should buy it--and if that works for them, that's great. I know, though, that as a shopper I react more positively if a seller takes a more laid-back and low-pressure approach.<br /><br />Good luck to you and anyone else who has signings upcoming! Hope all goes well.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-49502962652690126042016-02-20T20:13:34.660-05:002016-02-20T20:13:34.660-05:00Gotta love the timing. Someone asked about doing a...Gotta love the timing. Someone asked about doing a book signing not long ago. Really great article, John. Thanks! (I also plan to co-opt a variation of your Comment Welcome. It's drop-dead perfect.) Marilyn M. Johnstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02265122134479282404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-11535209946384817512016-02-20T18:04:49.437-05:002016-02-20T18:04:49.437-05:00Thanks, Jacqueline. Signings are an interesting s...Thanks, Jacqueline. Signings are an interesting subject, and one of the few times we writers get to meet face-to-face with readers we might not already know (and, when we're lucky, readers who like to read OUR books). As for the comments, it's always fun to hear the stories and opinions of other writers.<br /><br />Isn't it a warm feeling when a reader makes you feel you're doing him or her a great favor by signing a book? When the truth is, without them we wouldn't be creating the books at all. I swear I've met some of the nicest folks in the world at these events.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-4758726918473458522016-02-20T17:46:27.696-05:002016-02-20T17:46:27.696-05:00John,
What great suggestions you offer and the co...John,<br /><br />What great suggestions you offer and the comments here are interesting as well.Jacqueline Seewaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09177500620940251009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-16986551051844552682016-02-20T17:30:37.174-05:002016-02-20T17:30:37.174-05:00This HAS to be your favorite signing story, Bruce....This HAS to be your favorite signing story, Bruce. What an honor! Dylan meant a lot to all of us who knew and grew up with his music. A fantastic story.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping in at SleuthSayers. Keep up the good work!<br /><br />John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-3199887175703600902016-02-20T17:04:34.718-05:002016-02-20T17:04:34.718-05:00I was signing books at Once Upon a Crime, the wond...I was signing books at Once Upon a Crime, the wonderful mystery book store in Minneapolis, when the last person in line introduced himself as a lifelong friend of Bob Dylan.<br /><br />“He’s a big fan of your books,” the guy said. “He’s read all the others, and he asked me to get you to sign a copy of the new one for him.”<br /><br />“You’ve gotta be punking me,” I said.<br /><br />The man assured me that he wasn’t. I turned and looked at the bookstore owner.<br /><br />“It’s true,” she said. “Bob likes crime fiction, and he has his friend come into the shop from time to time to pick up signed copies of books by his favorite authors.”<br /><br />I am one of his favorite authors? Still not quite believing, I asked if I should just sign the book or write a dedication.<br /><br />Bob, the man said, would like you to dedicate it to him.<br /><br />To Bob Dylan or to Robert Zimmerman? I asked, knowing the name the great man was born with.<br /><br />“He prefers ‘Bob Dylan,’” his friend said.<br /><br />I don’t think I need to tell you what Bob Dylan has meant to me, a writer who came of age in the 1960s. I was so flummoxed that I don’t even remember what I wrote in the book. I’m guessing it was either “Mulligan is still Tangled Up in Blue,” or “Mulligan’s got The Memphis Blues Again.” Those are references to Dylan songs, of course, and as readers of the Mulligan novels know, my series character is a big fan of the blues.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16834036388779962596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-90931372204173254982016-02-20T16:39:07.984-05:002016-02-20T16:39:07.984-05:00GOOD ADVICE, Anonymous. And it makes sense. It&#...GOOD ADVICE, Anonymous. And it makes sense. It's always difficult, even in social situations that have nothing to do with signings or speaking engagements, to have to turn away from someone you know in order to talk or do business with someone else, but I think your method would work well. Certainly a diplomatic approach!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-76357184799066597492016-02-20T16:33:57.349-05:002016-02-20T16:33:57.349-05:00Vicki, I can't believe I misspelled your name....Vicki, I can't believe I misspelled your name. Since I did know better, I'll blame it on my typing finger.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-41560180902594273732016-02-20T16:32:11.302-05:002016-02-20T16:32:11.302-05:00John, this may not work for your situation. But he...John, this may not work for your situation. But here goes: I used to do a ton of talks on the talk circuit and would periodically run into people I knew from other venues who wanted to chat. On the talk circuit, one of your jobs is to "be around" at coffee times and so on, so you are available to students and others who want to ask you questions about their own work or yours. But sometimes you wind up standing there alone (for various reasons, including the pulse of when people come and leave to open coffee settings). After a couple of occasions when I realized that shyer new-comers left without saying anything because it would mean that had to intrude on what looked like a private conversation, I started doing two things: (1) I invited the person I knew to to sit BESIDE me (instead of facing me), and (2) I literally said, "Oh it's so good to see you again, so-and-so! But let me ask you to sit over here so I can keep an eye out for someone who doesn't know me yet and needs to talk -- and just so you know, I'm going to be keeping an eye out for them instead of looking right at you sometimes, but I'm still listening. It's just part of why I'm here, you know, so I hope you don't mind. Maybe it was schlocky of me to say that, but no one ever minded. In fact, they usually seemed kind of pleased, as if they'd been asked to "help lead" in the situation. So when someone DID show up, they frequently smiled and excused themselves, and then later it was clear they felt kind of good about it -- like they were part of the knowing "in" crowd to do that. Kind of inner circle sort of thing. I don't know if it would work at book signings, but for what it's worth, it worked for me in this other type of venue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-697347052734108432016-02-20T16:24:44.883-05:002016-02-20T16:24:44.883-05:00Hey Deborah -- thanks for the kind words. Yep, th...Hey Deborah -- thanks for the kind words. Yep, the fun is in the people you meet, or see again. One hard thing is to have an old friend stop by who just wants to stand there and chat for an hour or so--it's a problem I've not been able to solve, because I want two things at once: (1) I want to talk with him/her and (2) I also want to also pay attention to other possible customers. If anyone knows the answer to that one, let me know.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-37285948563269663282016-02-20T16:18:43.483-05:002016-02-20T16:18:43.483-05:00Great article, John. I enjoy book signings for man...Great article, John. I enjoy book signings for many reasons. To sell books is always good, but I also enjoy meeting new people and getting to see old friends. Deborah Elliott-Uptonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00847049319243268520noreply@blogger.com