Before you can have a book signing, you need to have a location for your book signing. When you pay that store your first visit, there are things you need to know first. Always remember to dress professionally, like you're going to a job interview. Show respect. Be polite. Say thank you! Bring with you the following items.

• The book you would like to use in the book signing. Make sure this book is clean and unbent.
• Information sheet covering cost of book, how to order the book, ISBN #, cover of book, publisher of book
• A copy of your bio
• Any reviews of the book, good and bad
• A list of other places where your book is available (bricks and mortar places, not online)
• Information how to contact you, phone number, email, your website, etc. (picture of you helps with this as well)

Combine all items neatly in a folder and be prepared to leave these items behind for the store manager or owner to review. Do not expect an answer within five minutes of showing up! This is when having extra copies of your book comes in handy! Include your business card as well!

Do not chew gum while visiting the store. Do not smoke by any of the entrances. And never take it personal if they turn you down. They are in business to make money just like you are. Its about the book, not you. If they accept, schedule a time that fits your schedule and theirs. Make sure there isn't another function on that day like a graduation or a big race. This does mean in surrounding cities as well. Have your date planner with you and already marked of those events. Stay one month in advance on those other events for this reason.

Prepare for that day, advertising heavily. Add posters in store windows (with permission from the owners), place fliers on bulitons where possible, word of mouth, make a note on your website as well as theirs if they can for you, and any other place you can think of. Newspapers are great for this.

If you are doing a reading too, make sure you practice reading aloud so you learn not to make mistakes. That helps a lot!

Prepare a small snack or gift for your potential readers. It makes it more special when the snack fits the story or genre. A cookbook booksigning can have small cakes that are in the cookbook. If you write erotica, you can share strawberries and champaign. Children's book booksigning can have cookies and punch. The napkins can have the cover of the book stamped on them for that special touch. The choices are endless, use your imagination!

Be sure to call the bookstore to see if your books are at the store before you arrive (about a week before). If you are bringing your own, ask if they can display your books for you about a week in advance (or more if you want more time for exposure). Advertising in the store by the display will help you!

Two days before the signing/reading, call them to make sure everything is still set!

Day of Signing....

Be sure to arrive early to get everything set up. If possible, set up in the front of the store where people can see you through the window. Dress professionally like you did when visiting the store for the first time. Remain calm! Do not expect a big crowd but plan for it just in case. Having about 15 copies of your book is a good start. More is acceptable though. Do not bring your children! Ask one friend to come with you to take pictures of the signing. This is handy for when updating your website afterwards. No smoking, no chewing gum, no eating. Having a drink is ok but try to use just water.

Don't sit unless you're signing a book. Walk around the store and talk to the customers. Be friendly. Talk to the employees too. Be a friend to them. They could be a good tool in talking to customers for you! And after you're gone, if they like you, they may continue telling other customers about your book. Be sure to bring a gift for the manager and owner!

Don't get discouraged if no one buys your book. It is possible that they may come back after you're gone! Or they could tell a friend about your book. In this case, its always a good idea to leave a few copies behind after the signing is over. And if the opposite occurs, don't get overwhelmed. Be sure to breathe! Talk to everyone professionally. Answer their questions in a polite manner.

Before leaving, buy something from the store. This will look good on your behalf!