Do
a presentation based on the book's content, not just a signing where
you sit at a table. Nonfiction authors can speak on their book's topic
or plan an interactive activity based on the topic. Novelists can do a
presentation based on some aspect of the book's story or do a short
reading. Children's authors can read the book aloud, speak on the topic
of the book, and plan fun activities for kids. All authors can talk
about writing and publishing and take questions from the audience. Be
creative and plan something interesting!
Print
lots of bookmarks and handout several to all of the attendees so they
can share with others. If you print your bookmarks with uncoated paper
on the back side, you can sign the back of the bookmarks.
Encourage
attendees to bring their ebook reading device to the event. They can
download the ebook on the spot. You could even provide a laptop
computer where people can order the book if they don't have their ebook
reader with them, but you'll need to make certain that each person logs
out of their Amazon or other ebookstore account after using it.
You can "autograph" Kindle ebooks by using KindleGraph to send personalized inscriptions and signatures to the customer's Kindle ebook reader.
If
your ebook is available on the Nook store, you may be able to arrange
an event at a Barnes & Noble store. Last year B&N announced that
they were going to offer autographing services for Nook Color devices,
but it's hard to find any details on how to do it. Your local store
event manager may have information on autographing.
Remember
that you'll need to promote your event heavily. Suggested promotions
include press releases to local media, emails or evites to your friends
and local contacts, announcements on your blog and social media
accounts, and postcard invitations. Ask others to help spread the word.
