By Dana Kaye
Last night, I attended a book signing for my two wonderful clients, Jamie Freveletti and Michael Harvey. The signing was at the Book Cellar, one of my favorite bookstores/wine bar (perfect combo right?)
My parents joined me and on the car ride over my mother mentions, “This is my first book signing.”
Excuse me? Really?
My mother is an avid reader and always incredibly supportive. I’ve convinced her to come to triathlons, swim meets, poetry readings in the backs of delis. How has she not come to a book signing?
The event went well. Jamie discussed her research on Somali pirates and her experience crewing for her ultra-marathon running husband. Michael talked about why this book was different from his others and what motivated him to write about a spree killing on the Chicago El. They both talked about being career novelists, former lawyers, and a bit about the writing process.
At the end, I knew my mother was going to buy books. She’s my mother, it’s her job to be supportive. But after the talk and Q&A she turns to me and says, “Both those books sound fascinating!” As a predominantly lit-fic and nonfiction reader, I didn’t think she’d go for two high-octane thrillers, but meeting the authors and hearing them talk about their work inspired her to read their books.
For most of us who are in the publishing industry, we know that connecting with readers is the best way to sell books and build a fan base. But many people never think of venturing out on a weeknight to meet an author, especially one they’re not familiar with.
So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to attend a signing at your local bookstore next week. Even if you’ve never heard of the author, even if you have to drive out of your way, even if you don’t think you’d ever read that genre. Take a friend and take a risk, you may meet someone interesting and find a new author to read.
