by Megan Bayliss

Created on: November 04, 2006   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

The following tips are worthy of thought during preparation for your first book signing:

Know your market: Who will come to your book signing? What is the best time of day for them? What type of background and surrounds will assist them to buy a book for you to sign? I held a book signing of my children's book without thinking that parents with children would need more space and time, than a single person would. While we managed, I am sure sales were lost because of a long line with prams and children squashed together.

Clothes to wear: It is not just your words on the inside cover that make your signature. Buyers will assess the worth of your book from the minute they see you. Dress selection is therefore part of your signature. It is important that your dress reflect a seminal aspect of you, your book or a character. Your clothing choice will also provide a start up conversation point to engage with potential purchasers. You may find the opportunity to let your clothes describe a metaphor of importance or a point of reference. I have a uniform that I wear to every book signing and author talk. I dress as though I am a member of the Dogsbody Army. The children and their parents love it. We often have lengthy discussions about protection and parents walk away with more than a signed book they get a little more history about the books reason for existence.

Table set up: Do you need one table or two, a long table or a little one? If I had considered the parenting demographic of my potential customers I would have set up two tables one with the books spread across the length for ease of parent and pram access and one for signings with room to sit a toddler on the table. Sales also need to be separate from the signing table. The author handling money and writing receipts is timely, noisy and distracting. A nice display of your books is vital to sales. Practicing with display options is required prior to that first book signing. I have seen varieties of creative arrangements but my preference is a display where the purchaser can pick up a book from the table and flick through its pages at leisure. Books mounted in wall displays behind the signing table are distant and give a message of being untouchable. The author requires an open space in front of them. Books between author and customer are a barrier and block a smooth flow of discussion. Books to the side say, both book and author welcome you.

Table covering and decorations: Just like your chosen attire, the table's

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