GENERAL INFO
HOW TO BE ENGAGING
THE WRITER’S DESK © Chad Corrie
In this essay we’ll cover how to make the most of meet and greet or other types of venues and events that fall outside of a larger scale “traditional signing” where folks are specifically gathered to see you and learn about your newest title.
First off, just because you manage to land an event isn’t a guarantee of instant sales or folks even purposefully stoping by your table, booth, or what have you. Many an author who has had such events can tell you more than one story of less than lack luster results from such an effort. That, said, however I’m going to share a few pointers on how to better increase your odds of engagement and hopefully sales.
As with anything I share in these essays and on the Writer’s Desk page, this isn’t something to be taken as gospel, but they have been proven often in the field to work for myself and others. That said, feel free to take what works for you and/or adopt and add others that best fit your own style and venue at hand.
STAND UP MORE
As much as possible make sure you try and stand during the event. Too many authors make the mistake of sitting down and even trying to hide themselves behind stacks of books or other table dressings.
You need to stand up more than sit down. Just being vertical is more inviting to more people and makes you easier to see and entice others your way. Sitting down is an easy way to get lost in the background and even makes you appear less interesting or even “ashamed” or “embarrassed” of being there—especially when you try to avoid any direct contact that might occur in passing.
MEET AND GREET
You’re going to need to greet some people once in a while. You don’t have to pester everyone who crosses your pass but a simple “Hello” or “Hi” or even wave, smile, and head nod can go a long way in at least breaking the ice and bringing folks closer to the table/booth for an investigation.
If you want to mix it up a bit you can start finding something you can share a positive comment on. This usually works well in conventions where you have people dressed up in costumes and wearing other gear that’s easy to locate and discuss. However, if you do this make sure the compliment/commentary is sincere. Don’t share how you like someone’s shirt if you really don’t, etc. Folks will sense that insincerity, which can sour the initial interaction.
HAVE A COUPLE OPENING LINES
Depending on your venue it’s often a wise idea to have a few lines you can share to introduce yourself and the event to others. When I’m in book stores I typically say something to the effect of “Hello, I’m doing a book signing today, if you’re interested.” If I’m at a convention or similar gathering I might talk about the genre of the book: “You like reading YA dystopia?” “You look like you’re some Viking squirrels fans.”
The ideas is to rotate the lines between the hellos and other greetings to keep it from getting too rote. It also allows you to showcase certain aspects over others, providing a better chance at connecting with folks. Again, it depends on the venue, what you’re selling, and what you’re comfortable with in general, but having at least a couple lines you can go to can help if you’re one who gets a bit flustered or mentally distracted at times when engaging with others.
DON’T FORCE A SALE
Should folks reach your table and look over your wares it’s important you don’t force yourself or the titles on them. No one likes pushy folks and many times getting too aggressive upfront can turn others away faster than anything else.
If you sense folks aren’t ready to commit to anything just yet, that’s fine. Offer to share some information with them about the title(s)—postcards, bookmarks, business cards, etc. and/or direct them to your website for more information and leave it at that. You’ll be surprised at how giving folks time to look things can reap later rewards. I’ve had several folks come back to a table or even find me later at another event who said they like what they read/heard and wanted to pick up the title now.
So just be patient and kind to folks, like you’d like to be treated, and enjoy the interaction. Cause if you’re not enjoying it chances are the other person isn’t either.
ASK TO INTRODUCE YOUR TITLES
When folks are at the table also ask if it’s possible to introduce the titles to them. You can do this overtly, asking directly for permission: “Would you like to hear what these/the title(s) are/is about?” or using a more direct rundown wherein you share a short elevator summary of what a certain title or titles are about.
This is, of course, if they haven’t gravitated toward one or more titles already and you didn’t use the elevator pitch as a way to introduce yourself to them in passing.
PROJECT YOUR VOICE
It’s often hard to be heard in larger venues and even in more intimate venues if you have a lot of material around to absorb sound. And if you tend to speak softer in general or have a habit of speaking down into the floor or your chest you’re going to have to learn how to better project your voice.
Projection isn’t shouting but it can do you a great benefit in larger venues—especially ones that go on for a couple days. I learned that the hard way myself from times past, often getting a worn out voice from not projecting at events, and thus making it harder to speak and be louder in general.
BE HAPPY TO LET A SALE GO
It’s also important to note that not everyone will be interested in what you’re selling. Don’t take it too personally. Entertainment is rather subjective and what piques one person’s interest isn’t guaranteed to do the same to another’s. So it’s important to remember not to get too aggressive or oppressive when someone isn’t looking to take anything home. Just let them and it go and move on from there. The more you try and cling or push something off on someone who doesn’t want it the more of a disservice you render to you both (as well as tarnish your image to the event host who might be less keen on having you return for a repeat engagement).
ENJOY YOURSELF, IT’S CONTAGIOUS
And, of course, all this goes without saying to enjoy yourself in the process. Because if you’re not having a good time it’s likely others won’t be around you either. And even if you encounter a few less than pleasant folks you should be enjoying yourself for getting to be taking part in an event or venue that other authors aren’t so able to attend. And better still, the more you allow yourself to enjoy the moment the better the moment becomes and the faster and more enjoyable the whole process goes overall.