My debut novel, At Wit's End, was re-released in Mid-February, though we held off on the official release date until February 29th. I liked the idea of a book release on Leap Day and we made it happen.

This is my first novel re-published with support from an Indie Publisher, and the difference from self-publishing on Amazon is huge.

I am represented by Booktrope Publishing, based out of Seattle.

In real estate, it's all about Location Location Location. In the literary world, it's all about Marketing Marketing Marketing. If an author can't sell themselves - especially in real life - no one else can or will do it for them.

That being said, I lined up three signings, at three very different locations the first week my book was available. A bar, a comic book store, and a library. Here are six things I've learned from the signings.

1. Be Prepared

It's important to plan ahead. How should the table look? Is there swag available? Hard candies? Tablecloth? Holders to prop up a sample book? A flyer with a QR code that links directly to Amazon or Barnes and Noble so the participant doesn't have to search for the e-edition? Are business cards/bookmarks/postcards available so the potential client won't have to use their faulty memory to remember you three days later when they want to buy a book?

A movie poster sized copy of the cover of the book is helpful, especially if the cover is eye-catching. The poster I had printed has drawn interest from across parking lots. The beauty is that the poster helps start conversations, and those are the first step in sales.

Look at the photo above. What is your eye drawn to? The giant, beautiful poster in the center of the table.

2. Rehearse Rehearse Rehearse

Practice your elevator pitch in front of the mirror. When you can stare at yourself solidly and give your spiel, without laughing or looking away from your image, then practice on your spouse, children, dogs, the clerk at the grocery store.

What is an elevator pitch? That's a synopsis of your book (and why the reader should pick it over the others) that takes 10-15 seconds to perform. It sounds like a short amount of time, and it is.

Fun fact, those 10-15 seconds in person are more attention than most books will receive off of a store shelf, or while the customer is looking online.

If the customer hasn't run screaming after the elevator pitch, have a longer spiel prepared. A fluid version, that can be amended based on the reader's level of interest. Also having a semi formal version prepared for reporters or news personalities or anyone in a profession that can assist the author is imperative.

Often, "in person" sales aren't about the book. The author is selling him/herself.

3. Interact With All Potential Customers

Sitting behind a table puts physical space between the author and the participants of the signing. That physical distance can make it more difficult to connect.

Stand up, come out from behind the table and shake hands with everyone, chat about inconsequential things (avoid politics and religion unless those are the subject of the book), maintain a neutral positive expression, and eye contact.

The customers read books. That means they already like having glimpses into other peoples' lives. Have personal anecdotes that touch lightly on your work prepared to share. It should be subtle, but all conversations should come back around to the item for sale, eventually.

4. Have A Strong, Online Presence

People of a certain age do not understand the power of Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. These platforms help readers connect with an author. The reader feels they know the artist, and sometimes they do! I've become friends with fans of my work.

The online presence helps readers feel personally involved. They want an author they are invested in to do well, and provide more books for the reader's future entertainment.

These fans become the author's personal marketing team, which is mentioned at the top of this article as being very important.

I have been recognized in public because of my online presence. Multiple times. I sold books to each person that recognized me. Other authors have asked me why I'm all over Facebook. They see me on there daily. Now they know.

5. Do Not Treat The Event Like A Job Or Chore

Most authors are writing because they have to, there's something inside that will never be content with a 9-5 job. They have stories that must be told. They don't punch a timecard. It's about passion, and a need to share their words.

Tapping one's foot and being impatient, waiting for the time to go by so one can pack up and go home, is never something the readers should see.

Bad day, good day, neutral day, body language is a billboard. People know. It can feel like there's a black hole sucking all of the enthusiasm out of a room when it's obvious an author doesn't want to be there.

This is a couple hours out of a writer's life. If they don't maximize use of those hours to connect in a positive manner, then they're wasting their own time, as well as the potential reader's time.

An author should be thrilled at the opportunity of a signing, and that feeling should come across. No one likes a Grumpy Gus, they would rather hang out with Happy Harriet, guaranteed.

6. Promotional Copies Are Money

Have printed, signed copies that are free for the host of the signing, as well as any potentially helpful person. A reporter from the local news came to the library signing, and I handed a signed copy over immediately.

A reporter generally has access to MANY more people than the author does. They may not write a review, but they're going to remember that they received a freebie, and they're going to talk about it.

That's free advertising, which ultimately is free money in one's pocket.

In the article, he said "@ Wit's End" is intriguing. That may not have happened had the reporter not had a copy to begin reading. That description should catch several eyes.

Included here, is a scanned copy of the article from the Zephyrhills News (the local paper here).