Where are some of the most unusual places you’ve signed books? That was the topic in one of my discussion groups yesterday. Because this is a group of cat writers, some of us reported that we have signed at pet stores, veterinarian’s offices, feed stores and the like. Some of us have signed at cat shows and dog shows. One author signed at a doggy daycare facility. Another author signed her book about a purple teddy bear at a “purple lavender festival” and had great success. One even signed books at a circus. Another participant reported that they knew an author who set up a little table at a busy gas station and signed books for customers there.
Have you signed books at an unusual location? Have you even considered some of the opportunities for authors with books to sell? In these highly competitive times, it is important that we become majorly creative about book promotion. They say that more books are sold outside of bookstores than in them, these days. And part of that is because people are out pitching books at gas stations, in Costco, at wine festivals and flea markets, in toy stores, boutiques, yard sales (I’m not kidding!), nurseries, schools, sports events, kitchen stores, barbecue stores, hog barbecue contests, air shows—get the idea? I even suggest to authors with books related to vintage cars or car mechanics to offer their books for sale at auto parts stores!
My friend who wrote a quirky novel called Thrift Me Deadly, could do a signing
in a thrift store.
My chiropractor told me yesterday about being stuck in traffic at a standstill for two hours recently. Can you just imagine sitting on the tailgate of your SUV signing your humor book for bored, grid-locked motorists?
Even novels can be promoted in unusual places based on the theme of the story. One set in the old west or the new west can be promoted at rodeos, horse shows, organized group horseback rides, forest service, pack stations, museums, feed stores and other places where folks who like or live the life of a cowboy hang out.
A chic lit novel might have an audience at boutiques, gift shops, clothing stores, the accessories counter in department stores, etc.
What are some of the most unusual places you have signed books or you can imagine signing your particular book? Leave a comment here.
Wow, there is just no end to the creativity required by an author. Gonna put my thinking cap on though, cause I think I might really enjoy finding some new venues to work on.
Places I’m looking to autograph my book about a Border Collie who’s kidnapped and then makes his way home through the wilds of New Mexico:
– a local museum gift shop
– a vet’s office
– a local restaurant
– an animal shelter or two during one of their fund raising events
– the county fair
If you’re interested in learning more about the book, it’s available in paperback and Kindle formats at http://www.amazon.com/Angelos-Journey-Border-Collies-ebook/dp/B004RYW53U/
Good ideas, Leland. Which reminds me, I secured a booth at our county fair one year and sold (and signed) my brand new local history book all week long. Sold tons of copies, too. One customer bought 10 copies–one for herself and each of her brothers and sisters.
Good luck with your book. Sounds fascinating.
Patricia
Really great ideas here. Thanks for sharing!