tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post6142799002642981393..comments2023-10-28T02:59:37.000-07:00Comments on Write with Purpose: Book Signing at Chick-Fil-A--an even bigger fiasco!Kimberly Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-54409968023592056752016-03-10T20:09:25.944-08:002016-03-10T20:09:25.944-08:00Our Chick-fil-A is too crowded to do a book signin...Our Chick-fil-A is too crowded to do a book signing! Always busy!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09051332067093345774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-49209133049811115392013-06-19T17:04:48.956-07:002013-06-19T17:04:48.956-07:00What a great story! I have friends who own a CFA. ...What a great story! I have friends who own a CFA. I might have to ask them to let me try it at their store :).KatieChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06365154373483382775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-2843643955307898062013-06-17T04:03:43.786-07:002013-06-17T04:03:43.786-07:00Wow! What a neat story. Thanks for sharing!Wow! What a neat story. Thanks for sharing!Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-14948846877750774162013-06-16T20:32:35.934-07:002013-06-16T20:32:35.934-07:00I have done hundreds of these things. Done 'em...I have done hundreds of these things. Done 'em at bookstores, spas, hot springs, churches and seminars. I go where they will have me. Sometimes I sold 0, sometimes 2, sometimes 102. Best numbers were from a B&N tour in NYC/DC. Sold out in each city. Thought I was hot stuff. My inflated ego was of little importance compared to the story below. <br /><br />But the best of all was one time in Austin. My name was on the marquee of an old theatre. A recovering alcoholic friend of mine was walking the street, about to drink again because he thought he was a failure as an artist. He looked up, saw my name and it gave him hope. <br /><br />He told me the story years later. That meant more to me than thousands of book sales. Writing is about making a difference. Some of us also make a living, but not if we forget the reason we write. So sometimes the greater good is not selling books, but promoting hope in ways that we never know. Don't give up. Ever. Mexicomikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01672326072227530672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-22330367665117702492013-06-13T06:07:30.945-07:002013-06-13T06:07:30.945-07:00I've found the least frightening way to do thi...I've found the least frightening way to do this is having a multiple-author book signing. Then even if nobody shows up you still have a great time hanging out with other authors!!! I would LOVE being at a signing with you, Karen. =) And anytime you need a reminder that you're a great writer, you just let me know--because you are!Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-64391089099924806842013-06-13T06:06:09.356-07:002013-06-13T06:06:09.356-07:00Oooh, what a great idea! Oooh, what a great idea! Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-6357082804054660012013-06-12T15:05:00.363-07:002013-06-12T15:05:00.363-07:00I laughed, I teared up, I felt proud to know you. ...I laughed, I teared up, I felt proud to know you. The prospect of doing a book signing scares me to death! I fear no one would show up. At least you sold two books. Of course, the lemonade is definitely worth it all. I love it! It's awesome that you have a photo of your name on the board. You have arrived! And don't put yourself or God down by saying you aren't a fabulous writer. You have to remember to tell me that when I say the same thing about myself. God uses everything--even a fiasco.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01876773705678028898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-654980043167424642013-06-12T14:32:48.251-07:002013-06-12T14:32:48.251-07:00Great story! My first book is too short for printi...Great story! My first book is too short for printing so I haven't done a signing yet. But now, thanks to this and the comments above, I know how to better prepare for if I do signings for my WIP (which is plenty long) :D Since it's about Ireland, I'm thinking maybe contacting the little celtic shop in the nearby touristy, Scottish-style town...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-91462852991797038652013-06-12T13:32:16.243-07:002013-06-12T13:32:16.243-07:00Definitely! And my kids got to play in the playgro...Definitely! And my kids got to play in the playground, I got a great photo to use in marketing, and free food too. =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-33652017166324767382013-06-12T13:31:35.662-07:002013-06-12T13:31:35.662-07:00A trash can??? Oh wow, that takes the cake. =)A trash can??? Oh wow, that takes the cake. =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-37533429988808139592013-06-12T13:26:06.337-07:002013-06-12T13:26:06.337-07:00I see a few pluses here. 1)The person in charge di...I see a few pluses here. 1)The person in charge did work with you. 2)He really went out of his way when he put your name on the sign board. 3)You met someone in law enforcement who may be a source for technical advise for future stories. 4) You sold two books. <br />quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-61405173026922337452013-06-12T09:20:21.111-07:002013-06-12T09:20:21.111-07:00LOL I feel for you. My first book signing (many ye...LOL I feel for you. My first book signing (many years ago) was on a special request from the higher-ups at Harlequin. It was my first book and I was thrilled. I showed up at the grand opening of a new Kroger store only to find out they'd forgotton I was coming. So they asst store manager grabbed a shiny new metal trash can, opened my box of books, and handed me a pen. What?! LOL I sold about a dozen books but it was very...humbling. :)Lorraine Beattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05870332474477745305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-25388425029827047692013-06-12T08:54:54.517-07:002013-06-12T08:54:54.517-07:00Oh groan... Amazing isn't it how we just never...Oh groan... Amazing isn't it how we just never know what's going to happen? My next book launch is June 26th and I thought of doing a big launch party/signing and all that, but remembering earlier experiences like these, I think I'm going to try another strategy. Instead of spending the money and time etc., I'm going to go to the local TCBY for a couple of hours and let everybody know so that local friends can come over and buy books to avoid paying for shipping. I'll bring the kids and we'll make a family night out of it, so even if nobody shows up it won't be wasted. And hey, there's ice cream involved, so that will make it good no matter what! =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-44390447032168468312013-06-12T08:51:06.995-07:002013-06-12T08:51:06.995-07:00I don't know if you can get it online or just ...I don't know if you can get it online or just at Chick-Fil-A stores. You could always google them online and see! =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-41909511890852188362013-06-12T08:50:24.234-07:002013-06-12T08:50:24.234-07:00Hahahaha Well, at least you helped people. =) Yea,...Hahahaha Well, at least you helped people. =) Yea, I'm finding a little work over the internet is often a lot more effective, and less exhausting! I'm so thankful to be living in this day when the web provides access to the world, not just the people looking for the restroom!<br /><br />For me, this particular book singing was worth it because of getting to talk with the police officer who was the one who got to "go in with guns blazing" in trafficking situations. I learned a lot from him that I had wanted to know, and info I've used in my speaking. I would have gladly come and had an interview with him, so God worked that out quite nicely!<br /><br />Nevertheless, baking cookies sounds very appealing at the moment--I think you've convinced me not to ask the manager at Wal-mart about doing a signing, as I'd been thinking of doing. =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-66870682999131346972013-06-12T08:45:10.960-07:002013-06-12T08:45:10.960-07:00Libraries are great, especially if they let you do...Libraries are great, especially if they let you do a book presentation. Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-70722144528704323752013-06-12T08:43:10.400-07:002013-06-12T08:43:10.400-07:00What a great idea. And no need to hurt for me, tho...What a great idea. And no need to hurt for me, though your consideration is much appreciated! This was quite awhile ago, and I've learned from the experiences. They've helped me hone my marketing attempts to what is most effective.<br />Have a blessed day!Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-69886985442692295252013-06-12T08:41:23.763-07:002013-06-12T08:41:23.763-07:00I hear you! I used to have mega big ideals about b...I hear you! I used to have mega big ideals about book signings but have found that unless you're in a major store that already has good traffic, it usually doesn't work as far as selling. For making contacts it's nice, but like I said above, speaking has proven far more successful. I'd recommend giving it a try if your books have an interesting topic!Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-86526638820981078122013-06-12T08:40:04.432-07:002013-06-12T08:40:04.432-07:00Thanks! I'm all for free food. ha ha
Yes, as a...Thanks! I'm all for free food. ha ha<br />Yes, as a writer, a good story is gold!Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-91663684708363355902013-06-12T08:39:16.637-07:002013-06-12T08:39:16.637-07:00Oh yikes! That's what I don't like about s...Oh yikes! That's what I don't like about signings--just hanging around feeling uncomfortable. I've found that speaking about my book's topic in places is way better. When people hear you speak, they feel they know you, and that makes you much more approachable. Seems it would work for you since people were already asking you questions! =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-54641621234679161822013-06-12T08:37:19.620-07:002013-06-12T08:37:19.620-07:00Haha Just so you know, it's super tart! My mom...Haha Just so you know, it's super tart! My mom always dilutes it, but I love it. I can't have caffeine anymore, or sugar, so that eliminates a lot of drinks for me, which makes the lemonade all the yummier. =)Kimberly Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648393867226454489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-49372893636384428592013-06-12T08:23:28.209-07:002013-06-12T08:23:28.209-07:00I can totally relate. Last year I had a book signi...I can totally relate. Last year I had a book signing for my second book "The Road Home", the year before I had a book signing at a local yogurt place for my first book, "Growth Lessons" and it had gone so well. They had my marketing materials ready and had promoted me, so it was my logical choice to launch my second book. <br /><br />I followed the exact same procedure the second time, expecting the same result, but that was not the case. They had new employees, so when I got there the girl didn't recognize me and was not informed that I was coming. I was scheduled to be there as soon as they opened, so I arrived 30 minutes before. Although I identified myself the girl would not let me in or allowed me to hang my outside banner. <br /><br />She called the manager who didn't remember our agreement. Thankfully I had my laptop with me and I was able to show the girl the email exchange. They finally allowed me to set up. I had three "helpers" with me because the first time I had sold over 15 books and had a lot of people coming, so while I interacted with people, my helpers were doing the actual sales. But that had been a well promoted book signing by the venue. So just like you this time we were all hanging out, talking to each other and I too sold only two books that day and went home. So I totally understand and yes the name on the marquee is totally cool...therisingmusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09638162202794832268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-2828701766568756852013-06-12T07:54:25.811-07:002013-06-12T07:54:25.811-07:00I love that the manager put your name on the sign!...I love that the manager put your name on the sign! And where can I get some of this Diet Lemonade? I love lemonade and summer is coming :)<br /><br />Christi CorbettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-6631222380736570072013-06-12T07:22:43.798-07:002013-06-12T07:22:43.798-07:00I've been at this book-writing thing for thirt...I've been at this book-writing thing for thirty years now (40 titles under my belt), and I have more stories like this than I can count. UGH! I really do "feel your pain." Several years ago, when one of my books was being carried in Wal-Mart, we set up a book-signing on a Saturday afternoon. The manager was gung-ho to promote it, and my publisher sent a wonderful banner that was supposed to be displayed in the store several days ahead of the event. My mistake? I didn't check to be sure it really was hanging and the event being promoted. I just showed up the day of the signing to find NO banner, NO table or books set up, and the manager off "on a family emergency." The people filling in were clueless. They finally threw something together, and I spent the better part of the afternoon sitting at a table piled high with books, directing people to the restroom. Bottom line? Never assume the venue has done what they promised. Assume that you will have to do it all, because you probably will. Even then you may only sell three books. Probably better to stay home and work in the garden or bake cookies.Kathi Maciashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11441899321969270556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885439936550427776.post-89346377151251400782013-06-12T07:22:25.434-07:002013-06-12T07:22:25.434-07:00I've done a few at libraries, but never at a r...I've done a few at libraries, but never at a restaurant. I'll have to work my way in! It's awesome that you're on the sign. Don't fret about the 2 books. Think of it as one more book in someone's hands. Sometimes you'll have 2; sometimes you'll have 20. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com