Signings - Love 'em or Hate 'em?

Posted by Bianca D'Arc, 07/23/08 07:00 AM

I thought I’d ask a few questions of you today… in particular about signings. See, I’ve been doing a bunch of signings all over the place over the past year – I have one coming up this Saturday, as a matter of fact, at the Barnes & Noble in Newburgh, NY. I’ve learned a lot and laughed a lot, but still wonder if signings are something people are really interested in. If you’re an author who wants to share his/her experience or a reader who has an opinion either way, please leave me a comment! I’m all ears!

See, I’ve had good turnout for most of the signings, but some… well, not so good. I have yet to determine what magical mixture of circumstances and events combine to make a signing a real success or one that I’d rather not discuss. ;-) I’ve signed alone and in groups. I’ve done lots of advertising or left it to the stores to do it (when they had the wherewithal to do so). I’ve signed at bookstores, sci fi cons and romance conferences. You name it… I’ve tried most of it. But it’s never really predictable – which ones will be smashing successes and which will be busts. Luckily, I’ve had more successes than failures, but I still want to know why.

Some of the most enjoyable signings have also been ones where I didn’t sell many books so I’ve come to realize you can’t judge a signing by sales. It’s more about the whole experience. That’s not to say I don’t love “selling out” while doing a signing. That feeling is just amazing too!

Here are some of the brighter moments from signings I’ve done over the past year or so: – having to sign the abdomen area of a T-shirt while it was being worn by a muscle rippling cover model – being plied with free chocolatey drinks from a bookstore’s coffee bar – being at a big mall for a signing on the opening day of the Sex in the City movie and having the movie theatre next door have a fire alarm go off sending hundreds of really pissed off women into the bookstore – doing a signing in a bookstore that was also a bar featuring microbrewed beers – and the best moment of all – when a NYTBS author whom I’ve been a fan of for YEARS asked me to sign my books for her. I babbled. I gushed. I made a complete and utter fool of myself. ;-) But it was a helluva moment for me.

So what’s your opinion on signings? Do you love them? Hate them? Had any funny moments at one? I’m curious!

Category: | 07/23/08 07:00 AM
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Comments: [4]

  1. 1 sandie

    Bianca, I’ve never been to one so I don’t really have an opinion worth sharing. I would love to go to one, but in mid-Michigan they don’t have many, and none by authors I am interested in (or have even heard of).

    But if your ever do one in this area, just let me know and I will be there waiting for the doors to open.

    sandie

    Comment by sandie · Jul 23, 03:44 PM
  2. 2 Jeanine

    As an avid reader I wanted to chime in and say I love love love author signings.

    I tend to be a little reserved, and I don’t usually gush on the outside, but inside, I am always excited to meet the wonderful folks who are talented enough to write stories that keep me entertained. I really like it when the author has the time and opportunity to do a reading and a question and answer session, I find that very interesting.

    It is fun to be able to ask questions and understand how people do what they do. I myself love to read, but don’t have the patience, imagination or discipline to sit down and write. So I am slightly in awe of those that do. Your writing and story telling ability is an awesome gift that you have, and to be able to share that with the rest of us, should make you (all authors) feel very proud.

    Anyway, that is my 2cents. So remember that while I know many authors may not be that comfortable being out in public, or giving speeches, or being recognized, you are “celebrities” to those of us who admire what you do…

    And sometimes if you don’t draw the crowds of some of the “biggies” (Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich etc,,,) It might just be the timing, location etc of your signing, not you. As for what works and what doesn’t I think the “hoopla” sometimes makes it more fun. The stores that organize and advertise the event well, can draw bigger crowds. Sometimes it is hard for readers to even see the authors that they like, unless they attend one of the “con’s” or Festivals, just because authors don’t come where they can get there, or the timing is bad… I know I have missed many weekday, daytime signings because I have to work, and can’t always arrange to be away from my day job, I think gosh that would be nice, but I won’t be able to go. Anyway, I seem to be rambling….

    So thanks again for writing the stories we love to read, and thanks for taking some time to share a little bit about that process with those of us who admire your ability.

    Comment by Jeanine · Jul 23, 05:01 PM
  3. 3 Bianca

    Thanks for replying Sandie! I’ll be sure to let you know if I ever get to Michigan. ;-) I’m in New York, so I’ve done a lot of signings in the Northeast and a few at big events like RT, Lora Leigh’s RAW, and Lori Foster’s Get Together. Those are always fun, but bookstore signgings can be a lot more intimate where you have time to talk to folks more. I like that a lot too! :)

    B.

    Comment by Bianca · Jul 23, 06:52 PM
  4. 4 Bianca

    Hi Jeanine,

    I think you’re right about the timing thing. As a former working stiff I know it’s not that easy to be available during the week – especially during working hours. Your words reminded me how I feel about meeting people I admire and I’m always amazed when readers of my books feel the same way about meeting me! LOL! It’s hard to fathom. Truly. shaking head in wonder

    I do love to meet people who’ve read my books and are interested in my characters. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy signings. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. It’s been educational! :)

    B.

    Comment by Bianca · Jul 23, 06:56 PM

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