I can’t tell you how horrified I was when I learned authors go to bookstores and sign books for people.

Which means talking to strangers.

O.O

I always assumed being a writer meant you got to hole up at home and never see other human beings unless you so chose.  As an introvert, this suited me very well.

So, since I found out, I’ve been educating myself on the practice to help allay my fears, picking up ideas and ways to make it a lot less intimidating.

I have to say, the thing that bolstered my confidence most was a simple visit to our local Barnes and Noble where Alex and I saw an author with a reasonably long line yelling at the bookstore staff for not having enough of his books in stock.

Why did that encourage me?

Because at the end of the day I won’t be that guy.  Nervous, sure.  Incompetent, maybe.

But never an overbearing jerk.

Related Articles

• How to Have a Successful Book Signing by MaryJanice Davidson — All of her tips are meant to soothe the nervous first-timer.  She’s concerned with presenting a friendly, professional face and leaving the people she talks to with a good impression. I love her story at the end about Tracy Bell meeting Ms. Woodiwiss.
• Book Signing Tips by Larry James –  Better for the aggressive self-marketer.  His tips are concerned with making the biggest splash possible.
• Book Signing Tips by Nick Pollotta — Sci Fi writer, 35 books published.  Sensible, honest tips.
• Book Signing Tips from a Writer’s Edge by Georganna Hancock — I particularly like the part about what to write inside the book.  I was never sure about that.  ^_^;