On Sunday, the DH and I took a ride to two Barnes & Nobles in our area so I could sign more Killer Career stock. At the one store in Deer Park, Illinois, the booksellers were super nice, bringing the books to the customer service desk and furnishing autograph stickers. Afterwards, I asked where they'd gotten the books so I could take a photo there.
That's when one of the booksellers gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. He said something like, "How about if we leave them here, between Teddy Kennedy and Dan Brown?"
The DH took photos of me signing stock, then the other bookseller offered to take a photo with the DH and me. Afterwards I asked if the books would be put back on the shelf. No, they said they appreciated authors who came in to sign stock, so the books would stay right there at the customer service desk in the middle of the store. How's that for product placement?
At the Arlington Heights Barnes and Noble, the booksellers there were also super nice, although I didn't get any offers to place my books at the customer service desk.
Killer Career's home there is in the New Romance Books section. Unfortunately, it's alphabetical, which means near the bottom. Still I'm glad people can see the cover and not just the spine.
Instead of a Drive By, next I plan on a walk over to Barnes and Noble DePaul Center in Downtown Chicago at State and Jackson on a lunch break. I won't have much time, so I'll be hiking in and out.
A book signing is tentatively scheduled for Barnes and Noble, Arlington Heights for October 17. A date certain is set for Barnes and Noble, 590 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg IL on Nov 7, from 1-3pm. A signing is in the works at Deer Park some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus a date certain signing will happen at Barnes and Noble DePaul Center, State and Jackson, Chicago, Illinois on January 13, 2010.
Those are just the Barnes and Noble stores. Next Saturday, Sept 5, on vacation I'll again participate in the Arbor Vitae Wisconsin Fireman's Flea Market. When I come back, I'll be doing a promo workshop and participating in a panel at the Schaumburg Township District Library in a Sisters in Crime event from 10am-4pm. September 19 is the St. John United Church of Christ Annual Flea Market from 9am-4pm
October 24 is a blog talk radio interview at A Book and A Chat by my host Barry Eva at 10am Central Time (Illinois) time.
By that time, I hope to resume my regular blog talk radio shows as well, at http://blogtalkradio.com/booksandblogs . I've got many offers of guests, just no time at the moment to host them.
I'll be posting the event schedule soon, as well as the entire set of permalinks from my blog book tour.
What about you? Do you enjoy doing book signings? Do you prefer online marketing? Do you like both?
very cool, perfect product placement.
ReplyDeleteDrive-bys can garner sales as well! Last time I stopped at a store just to sign copies, someone bought one on the spot.
ReplyDeleteI used to love book signings. But now I understand why so many authors claim the worst place to sell a book is in a bookstore. I still do a few, but sell far more at my speaking engagemnets.
After a long blog tour for my latest book, I'm hoping that will generate a few sales from my online efforts.
L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
How exciting, Morgan. That was really great - the bookseller keeping your book on display - so cool. And face out is definitely good. Remember, in some other store "Mandel" might be on the top shelf!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
What a great idea to go around to local stores and sign books. I'm going to give it a try. I like to do signings, but don't always sell as many books as I'd like at them.
ReplyDeleteCool beans, Morgan! Good luck on your next signing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to get such a great response from the booksellers. So far they've all been wonderful in the stores when I come to sign stock.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://choiceonepublishing.com
You lucky, girl, you! That's really fantastic. Now you have to share all of your fantastic tips for getting your books into the bricks-and-mortars. I'd like to visit mine there someday, too!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! I'm not much for selling in bookstores--mainly because we don't have many around.
ReplyDeleteWe are getting a new one in the next town from us though, can hardly wait.
Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com
Morgan!
ReplyDeleteThat is soooooo cool! B&N are doing a great job helping you this way. It's what every store should be doing! Keep it going!
DL Larson
Don't I wish it were every store!
ReplyDeleteMorgan
Congrats on the great placement of your book in B&N, Morgan! What a thrill!
ReplyDeleteI love the title of your book, by the way!