Suggestions on how to arrange an informal book signing?

[bettiezyx]

I have self-published a few books, and ordered a handful of print versions to gauge interest in signed copies. My question is if anyone has any advice on conducting this sort of thing? I'm in the LA area, and have asked a few book stores if it would be okay. Due to my genre (romance/erotica), obviously this is a sticky topic, so I'm not surprised I've not heard anything. Thanks! (-B

 

[Kitty_so_frisky]

Did you reach out to regular book stores, or adult book stores? If the former, I’m guessing you’d have better luck with the latter. If they agree to host it, maybe promote it on sites/apps that have local event sections, like FetLife?

 

[MillieDynamite]

Being in erotica will make securing spots at any group event & showings difficult once the organizers know the kind of books you sell. But if you can get past the censorship, festivals, county fairs, and other such gatherings are where you can try selling them.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I would suggest that you do a few things:

Visit a local library and see if they have any book clubs. These clubs can vary by the preferred genre of the books members read. Seek those that might be interested in your writings and offer to do a reading at one of their get-togethers.

Some restaurants, bistros, and bars sponsor book club events and readings. If it is a place that you regularly patronize, they might be open to hosting your reading.

Target the older generations. I'm not talking senior living places, but adults-only communities (55+) where they host events for the residents. (Leisure World is an example in the LA area) Contact their events planner and offer to do a reading for them sometime.

 

[bettiezyx]

Did you reach out to regular book stores, or adult book stores? If the former, I’m guessing you’d have better luck with the latter. If they agree to host it, maybe promote it on sites/apps that have local event sections, like FetLife?

I reached out to The Ripped Bodice & another place that was recommended. Thank you, Kitty, Millie, and Bobby for the advice!

 

[Kitty_so_frisky]

I reached out to The Ripped Bodice & another place that was recommended. Thank you, Kitty, Millie, and Bobby for the advice!

NP and GL!

 

[MillieDynamite]

My aversion to others knowing what I write under this penname doesn't make me a good candidate for self-promotion. But I wish you the best and hope you make sales hand over fist.

 

[bettiezyx]

My aversion to others knowing what I write under this penname doesn't make me a good candidate for self-promotion. But I wish you the best and hope you make sales hand over fist.

It's great that you put so much of yourself into your stories! That's what the discomfort means to me. Self-promotion-wise, well, my friends have said that my stories are better than a lot of stuff they read (non-erotic), and I decided I wanted to push the concept of the sexy, strong-willed, and smart woman. Sexy & dumb is pretty stereotypical as is unsexy & smart. Strong-willed & dumb, ditto. Whereas strong-willed and smart is formulaic evil queen. Money-wise, I've probably discovered the least likely approach to make anything. LOL

 

[Belegon]

I've done a couple of signings at upscale and or romance-friendly adult stores. Unfortunately, I can't help with specifics in L.A. Mine were in Milwaukee and Virginia. Both were group efforts, where we had several writers. That was nice, as it made for an incentive to meet even if the signing didn't draw many paying customers, and increased the drawing power. I'd also suggest looking out for Adult book stores that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. They seem to be more upscale in general, IMHO. And they're typically more casual and less focused on the "short visit" type customers. They often forgo the whole video booth aesthetic. On the down side, their customer base is a bit more exclusive and obviously you need to have at least some work in their genre.

 

[bettiezyx]

I've done a couple of signings at upscale and or romance-friendly adult stores. Unfortunately, I can't help with specifics in L.A. Mine were in Milwaukee and Virginia. Both were group efforts, where we had several writers. That was nice, as it made for an incentive to meet even if the signing didn't draw many paying customers, and increased the drawing power. I'd also suggest looking out for Adult book stores that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. They seem to be more upscale in general, IMHO. And they're typically more casual and less focused on the "short visit" type customers. They often forgo the whole video booth aesthetic. On the down side, their customer base is a bit more exclusive and obviously you need to have at least some work in their genre.

Thank you for the advice! I ended up meeting supportive friends who wanted signed copies. One thing I discovered is that libraries are okay with adding my genre of books to their catalogues, so am encouraging everyone to ask their library to buy a book that they're interested in reading. I considered offering to do a signing while I'm out here in Las Vegas (Rock and Roll half marathon, wooo!), but decided against it because there are a multitude of other activities going on that would be more engaging than books.