Book signing event tips for self published authors toughnickel. Self publish ebooks and paperbacks for free with kindle direct publishing, and reach millions of readers on amazon. Today, she is the author of dozens of selfpublished books, which have collectively sold more. Wait until you have reasonable writing income before launching the business for tax purposes. She regularly goes into primary schools and has held many book signings. How to promote your self published book book signing. Bookstores are well connected to the readers in their communities and we occasionally arrange book signings for selfpublished authors whose books. Planning and hosting a book signing event is an important step in a self published authors checklist. How to set up a book signing as an independent self.
A book signing may include an inperson presentation by the author to discuss or read parts of the. When i published my first book, breathing god, through a printondemand company called publishamerica, i was actually able to set up two book signings. Its a way of promoting your book while inspiring readers, engaging fans and building future relationships. Organizing and delivering a book signing day can be daunting. Independent book stores and larger chain retailers both organize book signings. Nook press features an easytouse, self service program that enables authors to create hardcover, paperback, and digital books. Designing and implementing a marketing plan can be a selfpublished authors worst nightmare or dream come true. Karen inglis is a successful self published childrens author with close to 10,000 sales across five titles. When i published my first book, breathing god, through a printondemand company called publishamerica, i was actually able to set up two book signings at walden book sand borders with some ease. Just because youre not publishing your book with a major, traditional.
Often its easier to get publicity when theres more than one author present. How this selfpublished author sold 800,000 copies of her. How to host a successful book signing westbow press. If youre an author, consider either an independent book store, a coffee house or a restaurant with an interior decor that would match the feel you. The six authors published many of their books through amazons online self publishing platform kindle direct publishing select, and they expressed shock and frustration. The company also has a solid a grade at the better business bureau. Meet karen inglis, childrens author selfpublishing advice. Book signings and author events are as important for established authors as they are for new ones.
As for what to do at these events, have books to sell, an excerpt bookmarked to read, and be ready to take questions about writing and selfpublishing. Any author who has self published a book understands both the difficulty and the allure of getting your book off of a device and into readers hands. A bookstore generally needs to be stocking your book before it is going to want to have you for an event, or your reason for having a signing. For instance, if i purchase marketing options andor order copies of books. Publishing takes less than 5 minutes and your book. I talked with an independent bookstore manager who noted that some self published authors who approach her for book signings are hoping that the store will do all the promotion and they just show up.
Self published authors on average, however, are hardly reaping a fortune. The best place to hold a book signing holon publishing. Book signings are a great way to gather all of the folks youve been marketing to at one time and crowds attract crowds. Bigtime authors, like stephen king or roxane gay, will do huge multicity tours that last weeks at a time, but selfpublishers may not. If we want to do live book signings, as we covered in the power of the live author, what is the best place to hold a book signing. Book promotion guru john kremer introduces his self publishing hall of fame by writing, you could stock a superb college library or an incredible bookstore just from the books written by the some of the authors who have chosen to self publish sic, then proceeds to reel off the names of 52 famous writers who published. Author events are a great way to promote and sell selfpublished books. They have to compete with larger chains and are therefore more willing to support local and self published authors. Note and this is true for traditional and selfpublished authors, you have to. Alli author member eileen omosa explains how to organize a book signing.
A bookstore generally needs to be stocking your book before it is going to want to have you for an event, or your reason for having a signing needs to be very compelling. Printing books on your own is expensive and offers logistical challenges, and distributing those books. Note and this is true for traditional and selfpublished authors, you have to know that you can sell enough books to make it worth the bookstores while. Get more speaking gigs to promote your selfpublished book posted on january 6, 2016 by spr staff 0 comments for both traditionally published and self published authors, the best way to handsell books is to coordinate book signings.
We proffer premier book signing event services to help you make the most of your book signing. Self published author steps to book signing success. Your chances for finalizing an appearance are greater with the local independent stores. If you try to deduct ten years of writing conferences, you are inviting irs scrutiny. Selfpublishing a book is an exciting adventure, one that doesnt end with publication. How to stage a book signing if youre a selfpublished author quora. As a new published author, i had no idea how i should handle autographing my books at my first books signing. The self published author must remain an active participant and, really, the only participant in every aspect of book publishing. The book fair is an experience unparalleled by anything else in the reading and writing world, and because it most often reflects the best aspects of the writing and reading and publishing processes, it has quickly evolved to make room for you, the self publishing author.
Yes, the giant retailer sells almost 200 million physical books a year and regularly conducts author events in its stores, but these book events seem to cater only to published authors. Amazon provides the largest avenue for e book sales. This type of book signing works well for unknown authors if you have a specific program or want to have a book signing that lasts all day. The purpose of a book signing isnt to sell your books. What selfpublished authors need to know about taxes. Generally, book signings are only set up by the publisher at the time of the book. This is one of the ways that an author connects to the reader is by making the book signing a unique and an enjoyable experience. How to organise a book signing event selfpublishing advice. To help you hone your signing process as your self publishing career advances, attend other authors book signing events whenever you can. Organizing and setting up a book signing as an independent author will take effort, creativity and strategic thinking setting up a book signing as an independent author is harder than ever.
Book signing event tips for self published authors. Limit your deductions to those related to your selfpublished book or freelancing efforts. How to set up a book signing as an independent selfpublished. This selfpublishing service has a strong reputation. This portfolio may include your author bio, photo, book summary, excerpt from your book, print out of your book cover, web site, and a press release. A successful book signing is when you show up, your books are there, you have a place to sit, and you sell just one book. Sounds like those authors think theyre already celebrities. Many self publishing platforms and hybrid publishing companies send. Setting up book signings for self publishing authors. Its great to have success on amazon, whether as a traditionally published author or self published author, but consider the fact that indie bookstores have to compete with them before you brag about how well your book is selling there. Hi, in regards to self publishing, can one claim those on taxes and if so in which sections. They are serious about their work and they want to get the. The 10 best self publishing companies for 2020 free. Bookstores are well connected to the readers in their communities and we occasionally arrange book signings for selfpublished authors whose books are selling well in our store.
Many bookstores now offer a night that celebrates new authors. If you are a publisher who would like to sell your books. Include a mock flier advertising your book signing. Note that if youre selling your self published book through a dealer at a trade show, an internet retail entity, such as or, or a publishing service acting. Setting up bookstore signings and readings the balance careers.