Stock Signing

August 31st, 2004 · 5 Comments
by gena

I’m headed out to do a stock signing today. I won’t sit at a table and wait for people to ask me to sign it for them (or ask me where the bathroom is), or anything like that. No, I’ll go to the storage room and sign all the books the bookstore has before they put them on the shelves. (I hope) Now, I’ve never done this before. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to call ahead and say “Hey, is it okay if I visit?” What if this is a no-no? What if they really don’t want me to sign the books, but because I’m there they are forced to let me? I’ve heard of other writers doing stock signings. They survived. My plan is to just show up. I’m very nervous about this, and envision being 1. escorted to the door by a burly man named Hans. 2. laughed at hysterically. 3. completely ignored. I will let you know how it goes when I return. I’m sharing this with you because these are the things a new writer (or it is just me?) goes through.

File Under: Wrapped Up In Books

5 responses so far ↓

  • Gena Showalter // Aug 31, 2004 at 8:01 am

    I love stock signings. That’s my new favorite phrase. Borders welcomed me completely. They were friendly and wonderful and put me right at ease. I went in, spoke with some of the booksellers. They gathered all my books, chatted with me while I signed them, and then I was on my way. What a wonderful experience. Writers — this is a MUST do. You’ll love it.
    And there’s my report.

  • Ellen // Aug 31, 2004 at 8:28 am

    I’m a bookstore employee who’s had to deal with authors who are doing stock signings (and signings in the store, which aren’t much different considering the size of our store). I don’t know if other stores have rules, but we certainly don’t mind if authors call ahead, and several have just walked in and that’s fine too. As long as you’re polite and patient, you’ll be miles above most of the authors who come in — the ones who feel entitled to special treatment because they’re writing the books and we’re only selling them.

    Good luck!

  • Gena Showalter // Aug 31, 2004 at 8:39 am

    Ellen,
    Thank you so much for posting! It’s wonderful to see the other side. (Today I was too nervous and couldn’t get myself out of a fetal ball or stop sucking my thumb and crying for my mommy long enough to call.:) Booksellers are the ones who put our books in the hands of readers, so I’ll love you guys forever!

  • Sasha // Aug 31, 2004 at 2:19 pm

    Thanks for the report Gena! I think that’s a wonderful way to promote!! I personally love having signed books! 🙂

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