Book Signing is as Book Signing Does

Picture of cake and empty pitcher waiting for My GRL punch

This last weekend I was very fortunate in having my first book signing. I must say it is an exciting experience. There you are, the same dumb shit you were before the event, in a venue surrounded by a bunch of folks. Some are waiting to talk and wanting a book to be signed. Others are just hanging out talking about books and literature. It hits you at some point, people actually came to see and talk to you. Whoa what a rush.

More than actually seeing your book go out the door in the hands of a perfect stranger, the experience has a collegial overtone which cannot be matched. You have a group of people gathered and each has something in common with you. As a result of talking with you and having what you wrote in their book, each individual is now part of your family. They became family the moment they picked up your book. After signing, you each have received a piece of one another. They have your words in print and your personal message. You have them captured in your world for as long as it takes to finish the book. It doesn’t end there since you wrote their name in your book. They will be part of your fictional adventure for as long as they have the book. I know . . . this is pretty existentialist.

The message which seemed to be well received was, “Thank you so much for joining me on my fictional adventure.” It is an experience which turned out exactly as I wished. The book signing lived up to every expectation and I am so glad I was able to do it.

Anyone else feel the same?

Tags: author, Book Signing, books, fiction favorites, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, thriller fiction

26 comments

Charles Yallowitz · February 4, 2014 - 7:23 am ·

This has to be the best description of a book signing I’ve ever read. As you said, very existential.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 8:00 am ·
  
  Thanks Charles.
  
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Katie Sullivan · February 4, 2014 - 7:29 am ·

Congratulations John – and I enjoyed your existential musings. Sounds about right, to me!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 8:00 am ·
  
  Thank you Katie.
  
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Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · February 4, 2014 - 8:08 am ·

Very cool, John.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 8:15 am ·
  
  Thank you
  
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Dina · February 4, 2014 - 8:54 am ·

Congratulations, John! Very enjoyable reading too.
Love, Dina

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:08 am ·
  
  Dina, thank you very much 😎
  
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sknicholls · February 4, 2014 - 9:22 am ·

“Thank you so much for joining me on my fictional adventure.” That is what it is all about. To have a reader join you, and find pleasure in it. And the book signing, It is a collegial experience, these people sharing in your accomplishment is so very rewarding.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:09 am ·
  
  You said it all. Thanks Susan.
  
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Kevin Brennan · February 4, 2014 - 9:28 am ·

Congrats, John! It’s a blast, isn’t it?

Plus, it looks like there was cake! 🍰

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:11 am ·
  
  There was cake. Everyone left with blue lips. 😄
  
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Phillip McCollum · February 4, 2014 - 9:40 am ·

Sounds like fun and the cake looks great! I hope to one day experience things from your side of the table.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:12 am ·
  
  You will. I will look forward to you moment.
  
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susielindau · February 4, 2014 - 9:47 am ·

What a Fantastic experience! I can’t wait to have the opportunity. I loved what you said about family and hadn’t thought of that. There is a camaraderie !

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:16 am ·
  
  It is a very unique experience. A moment in time which you never want to end. (It does though)💔
  
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Devorah · February 4, 2014 - 10:38 am ·

Let’s hear it for that collegial experience. Not too many other venues where we can gripe about the slings and arrows of the publishing industry.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 10:49 am ·
  
  Yes. It is true.
  
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librarylady · February 4, 2014 - 11:01 am ·

I have always been terrified of the idea of book signings (not that I have a published book to worry about yet) but you make it sound fun. Thanks and congrats.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2014 - 1:45 pm ·
  
  It is fun. Thank you.
  
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Michelle Proulx · February 5, 2014 - 11:15 am ·

Book signings are amazing. I did a few over the summer, and it just astonished me each time I made a sale that people were actually willing to pay money to own my book. It’s a heady feeling 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 5, 2014 - 11:23 am ·
  
  You are so right. 😉
  
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Katie Cross · February 6, 2014 - 1:36 pm ·

I haven’t done my first book signing yet, but I certainly hope to soon. I’m glad it was such a good experience for you, as I feel I too often hear the bad sides of it. I think you should do a post on tips and pointers for first time book signers 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 6, 2014 - 1:40 pm ·
  
  Sounds like a good idea. How about The Top Ten Things Not to Do at a book signing?
  
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paigeaddams · February 7, 2014 - 12:40 am ·

Congrats on your first book signing! 😀 I love the way you described it – lol, I think I’d be so nervous I’d be dizzy. But what an amazing feeling to share your words with your readers, and get to meet some of them in person. I’m still unpublished, but I hope that when I do have a book signing in the future that it’ll be as fun as yours was – and that I don’t pass out from nerves, lol. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 7, 2014 - 7:47 am ·
  
  Like going on stage. The nerves are a good thing. Thanks.
  
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