As most of you know, I’m a new author. I’m virtually unknown outside my circles of friends and family. As an author, though, it’s important to get my name and stories out in the world where more people can become familiar with us.

We had the chance to have another book signing at Barnes & Noble in Spokane Valley, WA.

I’ve heard that book signings are really just things of the past and to an extent, I’m sure that’s true, but I would say every opportunity overlooked is a wasted one, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem.

A signing for your book isn’t necessarily so much about selling books as it is about being present. You can’t just go and sit at a table with your book sitting atop it. A signing is a place where you smile at people, say hello, offer them something for their hands that is either the book or telling about the book. Book Signings are not about your or your book. They are really about the people you meet. An author becomes familiar through exposure.

Here’s my #1 piece of advice for a book signing: Be a person other people feel like they can approach.

#2 Make sure passersby know they can ask you questions.

#3 Be interested in what they have to say. People matter above and beyond selling anything. Ever.

#4 Don’t be embarrassed. This is your book and hard work. Be happy to share it with others.

#5 Make sure you can give a brief two to four sentence description of it. Include the genre. Try to mix it up and see what interests people the most.

#6 Ask people what sorts of books they enjoy reading. This will help you see if there’s anything in your story that might interest that person, in particular, about your book.

#7 If they are okay with it, get photos with people. It’s so fun to have that memory! 🙂

I had eighteen lovely people buy my book on Saturday. Many of them are friends and acquaintances, but a few were complete strangers.

I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you.

• First, for taking precious time out of your Saturday to stop in and buy The Beauty Thief.
• Second, for being kind enough to let me talk about it!
• Third, for giving me a chance.  I’m an author who is virtually unknown, and when you take a chance on me and my story, it is something not to be overlooked or under-appreciated.
• Fourth, for making my Saturday special with your support and encouragement.
  

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Everyone who bought The Beauty Thief during the book signing was entered in my own little drawing to win a mug with the cover photo on it. This video reveals the winner:

Here are some photos from the book signing! Sadly, I didn’t get photos with everyone. If I didn’t get a photo with you and you have my book from the signing or elsewhere, I’d love it if you posted a picture of yourself with The Beauty Thief book to my Facebook page: Rachael Ritchey Author or email (writingraci@gmail.com) it to me so I can share it!

The Beauty Thief is my first book baby and she’s still got some places to go. Thank you for being a part of the journey! I’m looking forward to every step of the way ahead!