How should authors interact when they are taking part in book events? Should they stay quietly at their tables, behind piles of their recently published novel?
Should they concentrate on a book they’re reading and avoid looking up?
Or should they leap forward whenever anyone comes near and start doing a major sales pitch?
It’s an interesting dilemma and something considered by freelance copy editor, Emma Mitchell, who wrote a blog on her website asking: ‘Do we expect too much of authors?’
Emma recently attended a small book festival and was underwhelmed by the interaction of the authors taking part. The majority were either reading or chatting to the author at the table next to them, she says. ‘Some gave me a little smile, a couple spoke to me about the weather, but that was it really.’
Sounds great fun!
Emma had expected more. But then she considered that not every author is comfortable with public speaking or shouting about their work. Many sit on their own – a lot of the time – writing. They might not know much about marketing and promotion, and they might not have much help and support behind them.
So why should they be expected to ‘perform’?
Adopt a ‘this-is-work’ attitude
As a former newspaper reporter, I had to interview all sorts of people in many different situations, and I adopted a ‘this-is-work’ mentality which forced the shy and insecure me into the background and the inquisitive, interested journalist to the fore.
I’m lucky nowadays that I write fiction with my co-author, Sue Featherstone (below in blue), and I like to think we give each other confidence to perform together at book events.
Even so, I use my old journalistic technique. I wear something that won’t make me disappear into the background (and hope you like the leopard skin look), set out a great display of books, marketing posters, book marks and postcards, take a big breath, stand tall and SMILE around the room. Even if the smile isn’t aimed at anyone in particular, someone will notice and smile back.
People – potential readers, don’t forget – will wander over and I’ll say: ‘Hi… please take a look.’ Some will be interested, asking questions such as: ‘Should I have heard of you?’ (Yes, you authors out there have heard that before.)
Others will ask what the book’s about, which is good as I’ll have prepared a short summary rather than a full, detailed synopsis.
A few will say they’d like to write a book, but haven’t got the time. (And I have, obviously!)
And some will say they don’t have time to read. So why are they at a book event? (Oh, the free canapes.)
Of course, you do get visitors who won’t interact at all. They wander over and, ignoring your welcome, pick up a book, flick through a few pages, put it back down and wander off. If you’re lucky, they might say: ‘Not my cup of tea, love…’ But generally, this type offers no more than a guilty smile and shuffles off.
And other authors? At one event I recognised another writer and went over to her table to say hello and ask how she was doing. She was non-committal. When I saw that her new novel was women’s literary fiction (like Sue’s and mine) and cost the same, I cheekily suggested we should exchange copies of our books. She didn’t think so!
Duly snubbed, I skulked back behind my own table.
Read what Emma has to say on her blog here.
Book Lovers' Booklist 
A timely reminder that when a novel is finished the job is only half done,Now the author has to promote and sell it in a crowded market.
Thanks Geoffrey – we’re trying to battle on through that crowded market place!
Having seen you and Sue doing your thing at Ilkley last year, Susan, I’d say you’ve both got it absolutely right…
Thank you Anne… that’s really good to hear. It certainly inspires confidence.
Great post! I think this will always be a marmite issue for writers, but hopefully it gets easier with practice. You paint such an accurate picture; we do sort of expect authors to be engaging and entertaining (especially if we love their writing) but it doesn’t always come naturally. However, I think being friendly does go a long way in these situations – however daunting it might feel 🙂
Thanks Evie. I like the idea of promotion being a Marmite issue…and you’re absolutely right: however nervous and worried you are about your audience, being open and friendly helps.
It is so hard, this promotion gig. But yes, we’ve got to treat it like a job and just get on with it.
You’re right: we can’t hide away behind out keyboards – we have a job to do…Thank you.
I would say always remember you are human and those looking aroubd are too. A smile costs nothing and I would absolutely come over and chat to you two *from the piccy* as it is inviting & friendly.
It must be so gard as an author but just engagjng in chat or a wee smile goes a long way and may even vet the sale. I am nore likely to try an author who is friendly and engaging and just walk past one who doesn’t seem interested at all. Xxx
Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
I agree, Lainy. Writing is a solitary business, but many of us are writing because we have things to say – and want people to hear. The best way to do that is to engage with people. I shall remember to always give people a ‘wee smile’. Thank you.
Can I ask, what kind of event was that? I’d love an event where you get to sit and chat to people one on one like that, rather than having to do a reading or a talk on a podium. Seems much more informal 🙂 And you probably get a greater mix of people coming to see different authors.
Hi Evie, the event was at Leeds Trinity University. One of the departments was launching a poetry anthology and they wanted to turn it into a poetry/prose event so invited some other ‘local’ writers (including me and Sue). I must say, most of the events Sue and I take part in involve us talking about ourselves and books – and, on the whole, the audience is friendly!