I was contacted recently by Scott Mullins, an Australian transplanted to London, a writer, and editor of a Newsletter called “This is Writing.” He asked me to interview, which I did and that interview will appear next week. But he also asked me to write a brief article on how I felt about book signings and author lectures. I hope you will enjoy both my short feature below and also the newsletter from the UK.
“Writing, editing and getting a book published is a battle within itself, but what happens after that. Whether you go down the traditional publishing route or self-publish, the promotion of a book these days is widely left to the author. Events such as book signings and author lectures are seen as a great way to put yourself in front of potential readers, but what are the other benefits. Mystery writer Lynne Kennedy, who I recently interviewed (coming out February 13th), provides insight into the advantages of author lectures and books signings.”
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There are several obvious benefits to authors for presenting lectures and participating on panels to various audiences. First, of course, they can sell their books, particularly if a book signing follows. The big question is, is it worth the time and effort to do so? Are enough books sold?
I would have to say no. Unless you’re a huge bestselling author, don’t expect to sell many books. Add to this the fact that many readers today don’t buy hard copies as often, and I haven’t found a way to sign a Kindle yet.
Having said that, one really good reason to give talks, etc. is word of mouth. If you are a practiced and entertaining speaker, the members of the audience will spread the word. After all, if you can speak well, surely you can write well. Right?
But the real reason for presenting is not what you’d suspect. It’s not for the audience, it’s for the author. I find that I learn so much more about my subject matter than I did when I initially wrote the book. Often new developments crop up that can be included. For instance, the back story of my book, Deadly Provenance, was World War II and art stolen by the Nazis. However, today new art is being uncovered almost weekly and repatriated to its original owners. Battles are ongoing even 70 years after the War between museums, collectors, dealers and heirs of original owners. I am continually learning more about the subject of my book.
In fact, as I write this, I‘ve just received two Google alerts: one about an art recovery group launching a new database tomorrow for lost, stolen and disputed artworks. A second about a new center for lost art opening in Magdeburg, Germany. Can’t wait to research my missing Van Gogh!
For me, this is clearly the biggest benefit of speaker engagements.
I agree in principle to your conclusion if “quantity sold” at the signing is the measuring stick and purpose of the event. However, as a former marketing person I would say that publicity events are more valuable in their ripple effect. Name recognition and word of mouth has a influence that will impact book sales long after the event. Visibility is what is the value of publicity.
I agree, Mike. Name recognition and word of mouth are key to selling books in both the present and future. Thanks!
Readings have always energized me. I love to share a message with an audience. That’s one good reason to do them.
Readings are a great way for me to “strut my wares.” I have certainly earned more via new coaching and editing clients who came to readings and chose me to work with them than I have from book sales themselves. I consider all of that to be a support of my life as a writer.
I’ve also often read work-on-progress at readings in order to get a feel for how others would receive my work.
I wrote more about this in a LinkedIn Pulse post recently. I like doing readings. They’re fun.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/from-marketing-books-e-books-denis-ledoux
Good points, Denis. Thanks!
Great thoughts here. My first book just released and I don’t plan to do a booksigning only because I don’t want to go back home to that snow and cold! I knew they don’t help sell books but I think they help others get to know who you are. I must admit, I hate this marketing part and wish I could speak in front of others. I did once at a writers’s conference and about died!
Speaking is hard and you need a lot of practice. If you are well-prepared, it makes it much easier. I have a talk coming up in March at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and am pretty nervous. I plan to rehearse a lot before that date and hopefully, it will go well. Best of luck to you.
I’ve done several book signings in my home city. It’s not how many books you sell, but getting your name out there and connecting with readers. Once they put a name and personality to your books, they will more likely pick one up. It’s a good way to get a following.
Thanks, Laura. Good advice.
Based upon my limited experience with book signings, I feel that they are most beneficial to well-known authors and personalities who have written books.
You are probably right, Jack. Thanks.
This may be late, Lynne, for your speaking engagement in Santa Ana, but I want to share that I have found rehearsing the first 25-40 words very carefully, memorizing them, to be very beneficial. Then, I follow an outline but I pretty much ad lib. Thishas worked for me. I find that after 30-60 seconds, I am feeling fine. Although I am an introvert by nature, I find that I love to speak from the persona of the writing expert. As myself, I am shy but as a representative of a point of view, I do very well.
If you have already presented: how did it go?
Hi Denis,
Actually, you’re not too late. My talk is March 28, so these hints will be very helpful. Thanks!