“To establish oneself in the world, one does all one can to seem established there already.” - François de La Rochefoucauld
Last Saturday, Waldenbooks in Edison Mall in Fort Myers hosted a book signing for me. My sincere thanks to staff members Allison, the two Shannons, and Chris for helping the event run so smoothly and successfully.
This signing was held on my stomping grounds so I had a good show of support from family and friends (my sincere thanks to all of you, too) living in the area. While talking to familiar faces, the question came up as to whether having people around my table engaging me in conversation acted as a draw or a hindrance.
For example when people walk by see an author busily talking or signing books do they think:
(a) Hmm, maybe that’s ‘somebody famous.’ I think I’ll stop and check it out.
(b) I wonder who that is, but I don’t want to go over and interrupt.
(c) Whew, whoever she is, she’s busy so I don’t have to try to look like I’m unintentionally ignoring her.
I don’t know the answer, but I think Rochefoucauld made a good point with his quote. Maybe the only way to become a “newly established” author is to act as though you are already established. Is “newly established” actually an attainable goal or simply an impossible oxymoron?
At what point can one honestly say, “I’m established?” Is it when you top a best seller list, someone recognizes you on the street, or Oprah invites you on her show? Maybe it’s simply the point when you actually feel like a “for real” author for the first time. Again, I don't know the answer.
Another reason for the success may have been because I held a drawing for a $25.00 Waldenbooks/Borders gift card. No purchase was necessary, but if the person bought my book, they were given 5 extra entries. The drawing may not have added to the number of people making purchases, but it did increase the amount of traffic visiting my table. The winner, by the way, was Shari Fischl of Cape Coral. Congratulations, Shari!
The only disappointment I had that day was when a family with a young boy, I’m guessing his age around 10 or 11, passed by the bookstore. The child asked his parents if he could go inside. They responded in unison with a loud “No.” I had to suppress my urge to scream, “Are you people nuts? Your son asked to go into a bookstore and you refused. How could you?” I also wanted to detain them and call child services, but all I could do was sadly shake my head.
For those in the area who missed the event, signed copies of The Ride are still available for purchase from Waldenbooks. I hope you’ll stop by and pick up one.
I’m curious about your views. Does a busy author’s table and/or the opportunity to win a prize help, hurt or make no difference at book signings? At what point is one established?
COMING ATTRACTION NOTICE:
Be sure to plan a stop back here on Monday. Radio personality, Joseph Dobzynski, host of the “Innovation Bistro” radio show heard on the Radio Ear Network will be my guest. Joseph will be offering advice on interviews and how to prevent them from becoming a disaster. You won’t want to miss - Interviews: Nightmare or Positive Result.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tags: Rochefoucauld , book signing, Waldenbooks, RadioEarNetwork, Joseph Dobzynsi, Innovation Bistron, Oprah, The Ride, Edison Mall, Fort Myers,
Last Saturday, Waldenbooks in Edison Mall in Fort Myers hosted a book signing for me. My sincere thanks to staff members Allison, the two Shannons, and Chris for helping the event run so smoothly and successfully.This signing was held on my stomping grounds so I had a good show of support from family and friends (my sincere thanks to all of you, too) living in the area. While talking to familiar faces, the question came up as to whether having people around my table engaging me in conversation acted as a draw or a hindrance.
For example when people walk by see an author busily talking or signing books do they think:
(a) Hmm, maybe that’s ‘somebody famous.’ I think I’ll stop and check it out.
(b) I wonder who that is, but I don’t want to go over and interrupt.
(c) Whew, whoever she is, she’s busy so I don’t have to try to look like I’m unintentionally ignoring her.
I don’t know the answer, but I think Rochefoucauld made a good point with his quote. Maybe the only way to become a “newly established” author is to act as though you are already established. Is “newly established” actually an attainable goal or simply an impossible oxymoron?
At what point can one honestly say, “I’m established?” Is it when you top a best seller list, someone recognizes you on the street, or Oprah invites you on her show? Maybe it’s simply the point when you actually feel like a “for real” author for the first time. Again, I don't know the answer.
Another reason for the success may have been because I held a drawing for a $25.00 Waldenbooks/Borders gift card. No purchase was necessary, but if the person bought my book, they were given 5 extra entries. The drawing may not have added to the number of people making purchases, but it did increase the amount of traffic visiting my table. The winner, by the way, was Shari Fischl of Cape Coral. Congratulations, Shari!
The only disappointment I had that day was when a family with a young boy, I’m guessing his age around 10 or 11, passed by the bookstore. The child asked his parents if he could go inside. They responded in unison with a loud “No.” I had to suppress my urge to scream, “Are you people nuts? Your son asked to go into a bookstore and you refused. How could you?” I also wanted to detain them and call child services, but all I could do was sadly shake my head.
For those in the area who missed the event, signed copies of The Ride are still available for purchase from Waldenbooks. I hope you’ll stop by and pick up one.
I’m curious about your views. Does a busy author’s table and/or the opportunity to win a prize help, hurt or make no difference at book signings? At what point is one established?
COMING ATTRACTION NOTICE:
Be sure to plan a stop back here on Monday. Radio personality, Joseph Dobzynski, host of the “Innovation Bistro” radio show heard on the Radio Ear Network will be my guest. Joseph will be offering advice on interviews and how to prevent them from becoming a disaster. You won’t want to miss - Interviews: Nightmare or Positive Result.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tags: Rochefoucauld , book signing, Waldenbooks, RadioEarNetwork, Joseph Dobzynsi, Innovation Bistron, Oprah, The Ride, Edison Mall, Fort Myers,
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