The Author’s Handbook: Book Signing Essentials
An empty Rubbermaid bin. A stack of pristine books. Rising panic. You whip out your phone and type the desperate question every new author asks: What should I bring to a book signing?
Hello! I’m Hannah Beth. I am a indie author of flirty not dirty romances, who believes books don’t need spice 🌶️ to be romantic ❤ Most days you will find me sipping tea and writing, reading, or talking musical productions (passionately) with my family. The Author’s Handbook is a collection of blog posts designed to help you with all your baby steps as an author, whether you’re Indie, Traditionally published, or a hybrid. Let’s begin!!!
So, it’s your first book signing, eh? Well, I’m here to help so you don’t show up overly unprepared with two books and no pen. Think of me like a trusty sidekick or wise mentor, the Gandalf to your Frodo Baggins.
Book Signing Checklist
Books (OBVIOUSLY)
The average author sells around 8 copies at a book signing, but DON’T bring just 8. You always want to bring more than you’ll sell. This should include a copy of each book to display as well.
Book Stand or Easel
This will keep your book upright and on display. You can go without, but I find it messes with the book covers when I don’t use one.
Signage
You should have some form of sign with your name and book title, or tagline at least. This could be a poster on an easel, or a standing/hanging banner, or a table runner like I have. OPTIONAL: a sign with your newest book’s cover, tagline, review, or quote. This can be used to help promote its new release before or after it’s published. Here’s what I used at my latest signing even though my book doesn’t have a cover yet:
GOOD Pen, Marker, or Sharpie
Bring more than one. Don’t want to run out of ink!
Cashbox & Change
Even your food container will work for a cashbox!
Card Reader
You will get more customers if you accept both cash AND card. I personally use Square, which is an app on my phone. Thankfully it’s come along so far that I don’t need to purchase a Square attachment, customers can lay their phone or card atop my phone and it’ll read and accept. There’s also PayPal, Venmo QR Code, etc. Do your research and see which is best for you.
Order Form
Even if it’s just notepaper, this will be handy for pre-orders or if you run out of stock.
Bookmarks or Business Cards
These should have your name, maybe a photo of you or your book, and your QR links. This will come in handy if someone is interested in your book but doesn’t want to buy it then and there, if they know someone who would like your books, or if someone wants to follow your Instagram, etc. NOTE: you’ll always want to tuck one in with every book purchased.
Freebie Swag
This is OPTIONAL but always a nice touch and an incentive to buy. This is usually stickers, pins, themed swag, or even a smaller book if you have it.
Table Decor (Tablecloth and Decorations)
Sometimes the host will provide a tablecloth with the table, but not always, so always bring one. Even if they provide one, because you might not like the colour or design. Then if you’d like to spice up the display you could add a string of twinkle lights, flowers, themed items, etc. Just make sure your table doesn’t look cluttered. That makes it overwhelming to customers who will steer clear of it.
Tape, Scissors, Clips
Need I explain?
Newsletter Sign-Up Sheet
People can write down their name and email and you can add them in later.
Social Media Sign
This doesn’t need to be big, and if you have bookmark/business cards with QR links you don’t need it.
“I’ll Be Right Back” Sign
For whenever you need to take a bathroom break or a walk around. Though if you bring a buddy this can be avoided.
Comfort Essentials (Water, Snacks, & Comfy Shoes)
It’s going to be a LONG day!
I hope this checklist made your life a little easier, and remember if you don’t have everything that’s okay, it’s not the end of the world. As long as you have your books, a pen, and some change/cash then you’ll do great! (though if that is all you have I VERY much recommend an order form even if it’s just notepaper).
Below you will find a link to a printable PDF of the checklist ⬇
So good luck, have fun, don’t forget to smile and be sure to introduce yourself to the other authors, vendors, and customers around you–build connections beyond just sales.
