Being a writer's husband at book signings

 

Following my blog about ‘Being a writer's husband’ I thought that I’d follow it up with a blog about book signings from my perspective, particularly as Gina is five stores into a Waterstone’s Bookseller book signing tour for The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy.

First of all I run around like a headless chicken the night before and the morning of the book signing. I iron Gina’s clothes, top up the car with fuel, make sure we have loose change for parking, a pen, a camera (just in case), money or cards to make sure we can buy at least one new title at each event, snacks, bookmarks, posters, blue tack and copies of reviews for people to read.

Once we get to the book store and settle down, the following photos show what customers see when they come in. What you might think they see first is Gina, sitting demurely with a friendly smile and pen at the ready with her books and reviews.

What they actually see the moment they step in from the outside world is me, grinning like a mad man, handing out bookmarks (over 600 handed out on average per event) to everyone, greeting them and letting them know that an event is on and where Gina is if they'd like to see her.

Charming sight don’t you think? No? Well, maybe you need to be there to really appreciate the (subtle) approach that I take when handing out bookmarks as I pounce on everyone within sight. :)

If someone is kind enough to want to know a little more about Gina and her book before seeing her, I try to switch on the charm like this:

"Sooooo, you're interested in hearing moooore are you?"

It’s something I need more practice with but there’s no harm in trying!

If they show even more interest I will escort them over to Gina and personally introduce them to her as she sits there, smiling in that wonderful big friendly way that she does. I then leave them with her and continue giving out bookmarks near the doorway.

And if someone becomes overly amorous towards Gina (which happens sometimes, see Gina's blog 'A book signing is no place to...'), I will step in politely and make sure Gina is alright. Of course, if they insist on being so rude then I will also insist they give the bookmark back like this:

And so the day continues until it's time to go home, but not before Gina finds a new novel or two to take home as a prize for the day. :)

What wonderful fun we have too!

 

Comments

[Victoria Howard]

I certainly wouldn't have made the sales I did at my recent Borders booksignings without the aid of my partner, Stephen.

So thank you guys!

[Ryoma Collia-Suzuki]

Hi Victoria,

Thanks for commenting. Congratulations on your book signing, I hope all of them are as successful (as if there would be any doubt!) and, not to forget, fun!

I love being involved with Gina's world, in my own way. It's fantastic to hear of another author's partner getting involved in the same way, fabulous!

Love your website as well. :)

All the best t oyou.