Okay, so I've been doing the assigned reading for my book pub overview class. My prof sent us a bunch of PDF articles, one of which was written by an old student of his as a directed study project. ("Book Marketing & Promotion: Reinventing the Wheel Every Time
How Publishers Market Adult Trade Fiction
by Shannon Edwards)
It's been MUCH more interesting, actually, than a lot of the other marketing stuff he's "blessed" us with. (Sheesh, I'm bad with numbers!) Then I ran into this lovely set of guidelines for authors who are making an appearance at a bookstore. They gave me a chuckle, particularly #2, 7, and 10. So, I thought I might as well share the mirth. Enjoy.
Bookstore Signing/Appearance (Author Rules)
1. Make eye contact with all visitors
2. Be happy if no one shows, show enthusiasm for it
3. If booksellers like you, they will sell your books in the future
4. When reading from your work, pick an entertaining passage and practice
beforehand
5. Small groups – sit and chat about writing!
6. Be honest about being nervous!
7. Don’t drink alcohol
8. Invite sales reps or other publisher reps for a drink or snack afterwards
9. Send thank you notes to those who coordinated signing
10. If the bookstore offers you a free book, don’t pick the most expensive book in the store!