Can I Have Your Autograph?

Over the years, HMA Public Relations has been involved with dozens of book-signing events.  There have been some big-name authors in that mix, including:  Harvey Mackay, Dan Quayle, Anne Perry and James Bradley, to name a few.

It’s a chance for an author to connect one-on-one with the purchasers and readers of his or her books.  It also creates a personal touch for both, an opportunity to put some personality behind the product.

We’ve worked with first-time authors as well.  And our current first-time author offers us a chance to put that expertise to work.  We’re so proud of Scott and his book, “Who is Gym?”

So here are some best practices we’ve learned along the way (and a little self-promotion, too!) – hopefully our “client” and yours will reap the benefits.

• Coordinate a book-signing and make sure you have a good venue. Here’s the promotion part: [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]mark your calendars — the Oct. 3 book-signing for “Who is Gym?” will be held at @SibleysWest[/inlinetweet] in Chandler. The shop, located in the heart of downtown Chandler, carries only gift items made in Arizona.   It’s a natural fit for the book, which features the stories behind Arizona’s high school sports venues.
• Publicize it appropriately. Include both traditional and social media.  Also, take advantage of the venue’s own communications vehicles, such as its customer newsletter and website.
• Have a visual setting. Be sure to have poster-size photos or images of the book cover, the author or other appropriate images.
• Make sure you have enough books. Running out of books makes for a lot of after-the-fact signing and mailing – all added costs.
• Don’t forget the sharpies. Having a pen that you like to write with is key to maintaining good penmanship.
• Take lots of pictures. Photos with readers can be used to reconnect with them via social media after the event.
• Have fun. This is a coronation event for the author’s hard work in writing and publishing a book.  Enjoy the time.