In accomplishing another goal for my self I have set the bar higher. On August 7, 2012 I had my first book signing. As an indie writer you may ask how in the world could I have a book signing?Actually it was to be a virtual book signing with everyone in attendance signing onto an online site that would link them onto Amazon, where all three of my books are currently displayed for purchase. Despite the inherent connection issues the event was a huge success. Several steps lead to this.
Once the invitation had been established for me to make a scheduled appearance I went to work distributing throughout the eastern part of Connecticut, flyers and interviews with other area community centers and libraries. I sent out business cards and postcards that reflected the type of work I offered as a publishing company. I used Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to advetise my talents. I called friends and business contacts for support. I alerted publishing organizations I belong to of the event.
I then created a simple yet eye-catching multi-colored power point presentation. As things go I did have a system crash the afternoon of the event but in high anticipation of something possibly going awry I had colored print outs which achieved greater impact as a way for my guests to take something home of my works. I wanted to add value to the take home factor, if you will. Since I make gift baskets I decided to have a raffle at the event. Using terra cotta and this being summertime I used the potting base as the top. Filling it with shredded paper for reinforcement I topped the base with an assortment of snacks and a beverage. Needless to say the two winners of the gift baskets were elated.
After the presentation and raffle in which I offered a brief biography of myself, there were refreshments. In keeping things simple and elegant I prepared a homemade onion dip. I purchased a very good organic salsa and had an array of chips and finger-sized desserts. Topping the offerings, a fruity homemade punch with sliced lemons and limes. While the community room that I was in did offer to supply some snacks for me I graciously declined and sided on creating my own spread to enhance appeal and add a richness all my own. With tablecloths in hand and an asiatic floral arrangement that I had made for my kitchen, these served as a wonderfully warm accompaniment to the overall result.
Look at what I accomplished for under $30:
Exposure-
A stellar presentation of all three of my Kindle books, A Flowered Thorn, A Letter For Brighton and MOTIV8. Also having written blogs for Project Eve I had business cards and postcard sized cards touting my efforts as a blogger for this site as well as others including my own at www.floralgreenspublishing.com prominently displayed on a table housing detailed information on what my publishing company services are.
Presentation-
After researching what most enjoy about attending an event such as this I set out to check all local advertisements for the best price points on snacks. By this being the time of year for back to school supplies, all types of goodies were available at reasonable prices. Coupled with homemade charm, everything pulled together very nicely.
Trust-
Most were looking to pay for a raffle ticket. Being a good businesswoman I know the invaluable nuances experienced with giving in order to gain. All my guests had to do was fill out their names and contact information and in exchange they were rewarded with meeting a not so bad author, refreshments, networking-as some were or are aspiring writers and entrepreneurs, tasty refreshments and a notion that you can get something for something at a decent cost and effort.
Any would-be business owners can truly take note of creating fun and fantastic ways to shine. Being an independent writer does not mean fade to black. It does mean planning, hard work, skill and the willingness to accept the challenges and knowing when to ask for help and the patience to realize the follow-thru.
I hope this was helpful to anyone thinking, starting to think or in the middle of creating a venue for their upcoming event.
May you find much success and let me know if there are any questions you have on writing your first book or event planning.
Once the invitation had been established for me to make a scheduled appearance I went to work distributing throughout the eastern part of Connecticut, flyers and interviews with other area community centers and libraries. I sent out business cards and postcards that reflected the type of work I offered as a publishing company. I used Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to advetise my talents. I called friends and business contacts for support. I alerted publishing organizations I belong to of the event.
I then created a simple yet eye-catching multi-colored power point presentation. As things go I did have a system crash the afternoon of the event but in high anticipation of something possibly going awry I had colored print outs which achieved greater impact as a way for my guests to take something home of my works. I wanted to add value to the take home factor, if you will. Since I make gift baskets I decided to have a raffle at the event. Using terra cotta and this being summertime I used the potting base as the top. Filling it with shredded paper for reinforcement I topped the base with an assortment of snacks and a beverage. Needless to say the two winners of the gift baskets were elated.
After the presentation and raffle in which I offered a brief biography of myself, there were refreshments. In keeping things simple and elegant I prepared a homemade onion dip. I purchased a very good organic salsa and had an array of chips and finger-sized desserts. Topping the offerings, a fruity homemade punch with sliced lemons and limes. While the community room that I was in did offer to supply some snacks for me I graciously declined and sided on creating my own spread to enhance appeal and add a richness all my own. With tablecloths in hand and an asiatic floral arrangement that I had made for my kitchen, these served as a wonderfully warm accompaniment to the overall result.
Look at what I accomplished for under $30:
Exposure-
A stellar presentation of all three of my Kindle books, A Flowered Thorn, A Letter For Brighton and MOTIV8. Also having written blogs for Project Eve I had business cards and postcard sized cards touting my efforts as a blogger for this site as well as others including my own at www.floralgreenspublishing.com prominently displayed on a table housing detailed information on what my publishing company services are.
Presentation-
After researching what most enjoy about attending an event such as this I set out to check all local advertisements for the best price points on snacks. By this being the time of year for back to school supplies, all types of goodies were available at reasonable prices. Coupled with homemade charm, everything pulled together very nicely.
Trust-
Most were looking to pay for a raffle ticket. Being a good businesswoman I know the invaluable nuances experienced with giving in order to gain. All my guests had to do was fill out their names and contact information and in exchange they were rewarded with meeting a not so bad author, refreshments, networking-as some were or are aspiring writers and entrepreneurs, tasty refreshments and a notion that you can get something for something at a decent cost and effort.
Any would-be business owners can truly take note of creating fun and fantastic ways to shine. Being an independent writer does not mean fade to black. It does mean planning, hard work, skill and the willingness to accept the challenges and knowing when to ask for help and the patience to realize the follow-thru.
I hope this was helpful to anyone thinking, starting to think or in the middle of creating a venue for their upcoming event.
May you find much success and let me know if there are any questions you have on writing your first book or event planning.
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