Book signings aren’t for the faint of heart. The experience is akin to everything else involved with an author’s journey: the more one leans into it, the higher the rewards. As A Southern Enchantress generates her unique synergy, it’s time to step away from my computer screen—Welcome to Exposure Day, Deb.
Last weekend’s Books by the Bay Book Festival in Pensacola, Florida, left an indelible mark, now etched as a beloved memory. Despite weather that served up ominous clouds, occasional rain, blustery winds, and airborne bookmarks, my Inkers Con friend and I held down our corner of the book signing tent for the day. Others with less grit packed up long before the sun finally appeared.
I’ve wandered into far more book festivals than I have fingers: I know readers because I am one. Readers love to talk about books and have lots to say about ones they’ve adored—and those they’ve never finished. Folks who attend book fests are voracious readers. They show up with questions, comments, and compliments; they’re apt listeners. Approachable authors who love to talk books are entirely in their element in this environment.
Though a table covered in a royal blue cloth and a lovely book display separated me from potential readers, I took advantage of my corner spot. I stood and quickly greeted groups interested in their next good read. Within fifteen minutes, I made my first sale! This reader was patient as I paired my Square with its iPhone app and prayed my hotspot would complete any connection gaps. I’d brought extra cash for change but learned within minutes it would be a card-only day. Let me say that Tap-to-Pay is one of the finest techy things ever created! When an automatic text sent the purchaser a receipt, I failed to conceal my pure joy in executing the sale.
Reassured, I stopped fretting over how many books I’d take back home and encouraged readers to pause at our table for a book chat. Do you love mystical realism? A good fantasy? If not, what genre do you read? And why? Often, conversations led to sales; other times, I netted unexpected information—a win-win situation. Discussing genres with readers is essential as I lean into writing more historical fiction. But no worries—a passion for fantasy remains, so another genre blend awaits, with a broader historical brush.
I was reminded of how many folks rely on their Kindles. Those opting for e-book purchases received extra bookmarks and business cards (book swag was prohibited). Later, I networked with fellow authors and vendors, which was pure lagniappe . One never knows when an audiobook narrator—or a screenwriter, for that matter—may be needed.
Reflecting on my first book signing experience, I’m proud of discovering the forest despite the trees. Writing and publishing a novel to the Great Unknown is one thing. Then waiting for NetGalley to deliver reviews is yet another. However, meeting new readers face-to-face elevates an author’s publishing experience to a dramatically different level. I realize these signing events may become rather addictive as I search to fill my dance card for the remainder of the year.
Today, I feel like a card-carrying member of the Real Authors Club. Now, I know.
