If you are like me, you would look like you were dancing to a tune you heard last week. Nix the dance thang...

Don't over do it on your table setup. Less is more. Make sure you have plenty of books displayed (I know, no brainer, but I needed to say it), send out an announcement to your mailing list a week ahead of time. Make sure the local paper has it in there, and call and asked them if they will come and do a shoot for the next day's issue. Mine did without my asking. The bookstore called them and asked. I made "teasers" up for stories in my book and gave them away... DON'T DO CANDY AND SUCH. Not for a book signing. Personally, I think that is a waste of time. Others may feel differently. Have a yellow sticky pad nearby so when someone tells you they want the book autographed to SIMBOBWANDA... you can say, "Oh what a lovely name! How about writing that down for me right here so I make sure I spell it correctly." Then shove the yellow sticky and pen over to them. Don't have drinks or food around. Accidents happen and its usually with someone's child who has an ice cream cone or something like it. Ask Pam Kimmell what can happen...eeek!

Of course have plenty of supplies on hand. Extra pens, business cards, bookmarks, bookplates, and you might want to consider having a guestbook. I do. It says at the top, "Name, Address, Email." This way I can say "thank you" later and follow up. I also had a little mesh bag with a zipper so if anyone gave me a business card of their own (and they did) for say, future speaking gigs, you have a safe place to put it and don't loose it!

Be ready when someone says, "and what is your book about." Have it down to two sentences! That's about how long you have before their interest wanders...

Just a few tidbits.

JJ