"Bookstores are the meeting place of the 21st century," says Marcia Bliss of Bliss Connections in San Diego. By working with authors to help them promote their books, which cites numerous benefits of book signings:
1. Sales (first);
2. gain local exposure copyright;
3. meet the book buyers;
4. engages people in a cause worthy of the author;
5. an opportunity to inspire and educate others;
6. a tool excellent for local advertising, and
7. the opportunity to promote a seminar on the theme of the author.
However, our years of experience working authors has shown that there are enormous "hidden values" to do book signings which often have little to do with this, or even the signature Book! (Unless, of course, the book is written by a celebrity whose fans are lined up ten deep to meet this celebrity and get his autograph).
But for the thousands of authors whose names do not inspire instant recognition, the value of the book signing may have more to do with the following:
ESCONDIDO Value # 1 – Distribution in all markets! It is known that the distribution is a problem for publishers of all sizes. The reason is simple – with over 300,000 new books coming out every year, libraries have to be very selective about the inventory of titles to choose to keep on their shelves.
But when a library according to schedule an author for a book signing, which automatically stored for a substantial number of copies for the signing ceremony of books, forcing the distribution in each market, the author is doing a signing in!
HIDDEN VALUE # 2 – ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION! As the book of the shops to promote their books normally made through the signing of promotional messages to their buyers of books or through newspaper advertisements, the author becomes the recipient of advertising for the store in every city he or she is on tour.
Hidden Value # 3 – FREE merchandising, which normally costs thousands of dollars! Admittedly, the stores are highly motivated to promote the book signing because these events are known to be a demand for bringing people into bookstores and stimulate sales. Before a scheduled book signing, shops often configure a prominent display of the book's author, along with other high quality promotional material provided by the editor.
Hidden Value # 4 – WORD OF MOUTH PROMOTION! When authors are at book signings who have the opportunity to meet everyone in Sales individual stores. The authors smart enough to recognize the value of this opportunity will take the time to introduce themselves, shake hands, talk about his book and make each person feel important (as they are!).
Then, when asked about a book on the subject of the author, you can bet the sales people it is recommended that the authors of the title because it will not be just one of thousands of titles of sitting on the shelves!
About the Author:
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on publicity for authors for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook “How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest” visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What are the Value of Book Signings?
