For Readers and Authors - 5 Suggestions When You Attend a Booksigning

It's that time of year! Authors and readers are attending all sorts of get-togethers. Whether it's your first booksigning, or one of many, here are a few tips and suggestions for both authors and readers. And, trust me, these are things I've learned first-hand.

Readers:
1. If you've read that author's work, and you enjoyed it, please tell them! Knowing that others appreciate their book(s) is what gives authors the inspiration to keep writing! You might be on the shy side (and they probably are too – many authors are notorious introverts but we do love to meet readers!), but a little conversation goes a long way

2. Tell the author what you like to read, even if it's "a little bit of everything". Or ask "What's your best-selling title?". Better yet, "What would you suggest for a person who's never read anything sci-fi (or other genre)?"

3. Don't be afraid to pick up a book and read the blurb. Or glance inside and read a page or two. Don't hesitate to ask for help, such as, "Do you have any shifters that aren't wolves?"

4. You can always ask for the author's business card or bookmarks so you can check their website at a later date, at your leisure. Sometimes authors also have little giveaway items like pens and candy, which they brought just to give away so please don’t hesitate to pick some up. The author will be happy you did!

5. Get autographs and take pictures! 

Authors:
1. Say "Hi." Make some kind of small talk. Try to avoid making the reader feel as if you're swooping down on them. Worse, don't make it appear as if you're ignoring them by reading your phone.

2. Give the reader/would-be buyer an inkling of the genres you write, including if any are sweet, steamy, erotic, etc. They may be open to trying something new.

3. Yes, money is tight, so you have to be choosy about your giveaways. I try to be practical (pens, notepads, lip balm) and try to come up with inexpensive items that readers will use and not throw away once they get home.

4. Be open to both cash and credit card sales. Don't restrict yourself to one form of currency. Price your books to avoid having to mess with change, and include tax in the price.

5. Mingle with the readers when you get the chance. Don't forget to thank the person(s) who make the event possible. And if it's at a hotel, take a moment to chat and be friendly with the staff. A little kindness goes a long way.

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Now Available as an Audio Book!

KNIGHT OF DARKNESS
Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy Romance
Word Count:  45.4K
$2.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

Narrated by L.J. Hofer

Length: 5 hrs, 27 min

Hear a Sample

Sorrow Knight knew that at any time the U'Nar would attack Earth, but he needed a few more days to come out of chrystasis before he could fight the deadly enemy. With his soul sword, Rall, he and the handful of other Surge Knights would gather wherever the enemy landed, and drive them off this world. A world with so many wonderful sights and surprises. A world that contained a woman named Rachel, who had captured his heart and his imagination, but who was forbidden to him by his laws.

Rachel Grohl often wondered about the skinny, dishwater-blond young man living in the apartment across the breezeway from her. His shyness, as well as his clean but well-worn clothes, tugged at her heart. They'd barely spoken a dozen words to each other since he moved in a few weeks ago, but she had to thank him for helping her the other day. Maybe asking him over to dinner would work.

They shared one dinner, one touch, and one kiss that led to one night of love. A love which could ultimately avert the total eradication of the human race.

Warning: Contains tiny men skirts, lasagna, human metamorphosis, glass table tops, IOUs, comrades-in-arms, bomb shelters, an invading alien force that will haunt everyone's nightmares, and two people's determination to find love despite the increasing danger.

Excerpt and buy links.