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Setting Up Bookstore Events: The Basics
For most writers, especially new ones, independent bookstores offer some of the best opportunities for book signings, book talks, and readings, and all the steps below, for getting your foot in the door, can be put into practice using short blocks of time.
by Kim Conrey & Roger Johns
Step One: Identify the stores you’d like to try for. The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance maintains a searchable directory of dozens of independent bookstores across the Southeast, complete with contact information, at https://sibaweb.com/page/bookseller-directory. This is a great resource to begin your search with.
Step Two: Identify a range of dates that work for you and each of the stores you’re interested in, by comparing your calendar to the stores’ online event calendars to find dates that are open for both of you. And remember: lead time is critical. To give yourself the best chance of scheduling events that kick off as soon as your book is out, start this process at least four months before your publication date, because calendars at many stores tend to get booked up far in advance.
