Why Bookstore Signings Still Matter for any Author
There's great debate on the value and work involved with doing local bookstore signings these days. Some would say, why bother when 85% of all sales are still coming through Amazon. I'll tell you why!
While everyone clamors for gaining visibility, we work with author's to gain credibility at the same time, why shouldn't we?
I've been in the business for 32 years now and meeting readers face to face with what's called hand selling is priceless. You learn first hand why someone bought your book. You having that encounter as an author goes past selling a book. It builds a customer. You gain insight that far surpasses what Amazon can do. While we all love buying in our pajamas, there's nothing like a good bookstore. I have several I never miss going into...message me and I'll tell you what they are.
There's also a movement since Covid that is making a comeback. It's called relationships. I know....crazy right. People are making it a priority to come off their phones, meet face to face again and have transparent, authentic relationships. It's vital to show book buyers in stores they matter.
Barnes and Noble in particular is growing their store footprint at a huge pace. They're buying up new locations in droves. Those stores most undoubtedly love local authors as much as you love having a local store to go into. We've seen this play out in all positive aspects for our clients.
Here are a few other things you'll learn while doing a bookstore signing:
these types of signings build credibility versus visibility. It's more of a long tail growth hack to building a stronger audience following than fake fluff through social media
how many books are in the store and what people are actually buying - you can even ask them why?
a chance to build a relationship with that particular store manager and their team
it's highly likely, the store manager would LOVE a local author a place the book in a prominent place in the store at no additional cost. Typically the big 5 pay big money for that...I guarantee you can get it at a fraction of the cost. Imagine seeing yourself on a front table display! What does that do for your book? It's exposure on multiple levels. People many times buy what they see!
it show's book buyers in the store you're accessible. That accessibility can be long lasting if you build your platform the right way.
sometimes it's not about a sale - it's about a persons story behind the sale!
If you're interested in help further exploring idea's I'd be glad to chat more with you in person myself! We offer statewide packages into all stores for authors...smart move!
