The Joy of a Library Book Signing
By Rita Gerlach

Authors, your local county library can be one of your biggest supporters! Believe me, I am learning this first hand. They can give you:

 On December 13, I had a book signing at the main branch in Frederick, Maryland. It went better than expected. The library did all the promotion.

If your library is like mine, they will have a monthly flyer announcing all the events coming up. If the events coordinator is good at their job, then they will send press releases to the local media. So, the fact they do the promotion is a real plus.

 The library treats authors with respect. I was not questioned about my publisher, about pod printing, about no return policies, and the kinds of stuff that the bookstores pull. I was welcomed with open arms.

 The library has showcases in the main lobby. Weeks before the event, they placed my books in the showcase with posters about the signing, alongside some other events announcements and items. It looked great and was eye catching.

 Now, I am not meaning to brag. If you knew me well, you would know I am not a “limelight” kind of person. I am a short, quiet kind of gal. But I have to tell you this little story, not to inflate my name, but to encourage YOU! If this could happen to me it could happen to you, and for some it probably has. The key is LOCAL PROMOTION! (I am shouting in your ear.)

We got the box of books out and up on the loading dock. One of the library workers was helping me, while Paul parked the car. A slim, middle-aged woman, with a long blonde braid over one shoulder, was getting bags of books she was donating out of her van and placing them on the loading dock. She commented that she should help us. The library worker told her we were fine, that we were having a book signing.

 

The lady asked, “Oh, who’s signing?”

I said, “I am signing books today.” I reached my hand out to shake hers. “I’m Rita Gerlach.”

You could have knocked the lady over with a feather. She fell apart. Letting go of my hand, she placed her palms on her cheeks while her mouth fell open with surprise.

“Oh, my gad! Your Rita Gerlach?” she exclaimed. “Really? Oh, my gad, I can’t believe it is you. I’ve read your books and I love them. I can’t wait to read The Everlasting Mountains. I can’t believe I am meeting you!” 

She gushed all over me, and I could feel my cheeks turning ten shades of red. I have never had that happen, being a new author.

I was so stunned by this incident. It was great to hear my books were being read and loved. Moving inside we set the table up. It was a great day. I met Mike Ricksecker, who has a mystery coming out. Then romance author Danielle Angeline showed up, and gave me a present. She made a Christmas ornament shaped like an open book, and inscribed my name on it. We had a great time.

I ended up selling 16 books. Some I sold in sets of two. A few people bought all three of my novels. I kept my table simple, but elegant. I had an antique tablecloth, flyers, business cards, order forms, bookmarkers, and the books.

So, dear author, get down to your local library and introduce yourself. Before you go check your library’s website to see if they have your book. If not take a copy with you. Make yourself available to them for book signing events, speaking engagements, and writing workshops. If they do not have a section for “local authors” books, you may want to politely suggest that they set that up.

Lastly, do not stop with your local library. Send flyers either snail mail, or send an email to the libraries in your state about your book. Place the cover on it, a brief letter introducing yourself, a brief synopsis of the book, and a few reviewer blurbs. I did this and have my books in five Maryland country library systems, including Enoch Pratt the state library archive in Baltimore. All it takes is a little time on your part to make this email. Then send it out.

Here is a link to libraries across the US and the world.

By state: http://www.publiclibraries.com/

By Country: http://www.publiclibraries.com/world.htm

It is important as writers that we support our local libraries. In turn they are supportive of their local authors and can really help boost your writing career on the local level. Do not forget them.

Copyright 2003 Rita Gerlach

Rita Gerlach is the author of the historical novel The Rebel’s Pledge. Her swashbuckling debut novel has received five star reviewers from both reviewers and readers alike. This fall, Rita had two new historical novels published, and they are receiving rave reviews. Thorns In Eden and the sequel The Everlasting Mountains , two compelling novels, take place in England and Frederick County, Maryland beginning in 1774.

Rita is working on another historical novel set in post-revolutionary war England.

Author's website: http://users.starpower.net/rpkg/index.htm

Publisher's site: http://www.publishamerica.com

Email: rpkg@erols.com