6. Do some things where you make extra connections with audience. Just don’t sit behind table. Stand up, shake hands -- no limp ones either, and look them directly in eyes when you ask them, "Who would you like me make this out to?" Ask if they would like another book made out to someone else?

Here’s a SECRET tip. It makes a BIG connection. The Japanese do this all time. Put down pen. When you hand over book, hold it cover up facing them with both hands, present it to them slowly, purposely, as if it’s worth a million dollars and a very special gift. Look deep into their eyes at same time (okay this part is different than Japanese), and say silently in your heart and in your voice, "Thank you." Watch them light up. Of course, smile.

7. As mentioned earlier, audiences come with a hidden agenda -- to have a good time. To enjoy themselves. Create that space of joy and lightness for them. Don’t think you don’t have any control. The store wants you to succeed. Share with them what type of experience you want audience to have. Ask for recommendations, ask for things that haven’t been done before too. Give inspiration in language, in thoughts, and in stories. Stories that pulls heart strings. If there isn’t one in book, find one.

8. There is nothing wrong with giving away a trinket, toy, item, that comes from one of characters. Or even it isn’t directly and just somewhat related. You don’t need to spend lots of money on promotional items. Think. This might require approval by host store. You will usually find that as long as it usually doesn’t cost them anything and it increases book sales, they will encourage it. Give a gift if they buy two or three copies. Find a unique magnet, or something funny, something that doesn’t cost much but it just ads to incentive to buy more than one. Sometimes book store is returning something and can give you a remainder sale price. Ask.

9. You can’t say thank you too many times. Remember to smile, say thank you, and be there with a loving and open heart. This creates an attractive energy and pulls people towards you.

10. Share tidbits about how idea of book came to you. Did you write 15 minutes a day, a certain word count? Did you get help from others, who? Did you struggle with some part or something? Was there someone there for you that inspired your journey? Please not spouse comment all time. To singles this is boring and people said a turnoff. Share tidbits about your childhood. There is a child in all of us. Share your childhood with your audience. Especially funny screw-ups.

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning what audiences want at book signings. This process was definitely an eye-opener for me. It gave me a real taste of people and their expectations. Maybe another future survey would be to get people to tell me why are they leaving early.

© Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

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