Okay. The book is written and I now have no choice but to get the word out myself. So here’s my first go: an author event and book signing at BookPeople in Austin, Texas.
Having never done one of these, I have to admit I was a bit nervous. I had no idea what to expect. And if my anxiety dreams were to be believed, I was guaranteed to show up late (and most likely in my underwear). I worried and worried about what to say and worried even more whether anyone would show up to hear it.
There was a big pile of my books by the front door and this sign by the information desk. You know you’ve arrived when your sign is placed next to the $3.50 BookPeople Mints. Other signs directed people to the third floor for the event. (Yes, BookPeople has a third floor. It’s where the authors without a platform have to go.)
The talk itself was a blur. The good news is, people showed up (even a few people I didn’t even know—a number I’d expected would be near zero). From time to time, the audience laughed at what I said (even the people I didn’t know). A few more folks trickled in as the hour went on and by the time I was done, I think there were about thirty people all told.
I felt greatly relieved when the talk was over and could just relax and sign a few books. Granted, signing more than a ‘few’ would have been nice, but at this stage in the game, I’ll take what I can get. One of the BookPeople employees reminded me that this was a far greater turnout than Ray Bradbury had at his first signing.
I’d promised myself a treat afterwards and got it. We headed to Joe’s Crab Shack where I got me a big bucket of legs. They were good. However, if I had one crab leg wish, it’s that they’d bring them out in waves. By the time I’m done, they’re too cold and the butter just isn’t right.
Anyway, that was my day. Maybe I’ll try it again sometime.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, net sales came to about $148 and expenses were about $291. I may lose money on every sale, but I’ll be sure to make up for it in volume.
