Binghamton University Signing

[jpskewedthrone]

This past weekend was Homecoming Weekend for Binghamton University, where I got my PhD in mathematics. Since I happen to know the bookstore owner, at the last minute I ended up doing a signing. So I was there from noon to 4pm, sitting at a table at the front entrance, stacks of books beside me . . . and I discovered once again that there is a disconnect between what people see and their logic circuits.

It was impossible for people not to see me as they came in the door. Most of those coming in were Binghamton alumni of course. I nodded and smiled to each. I also had chocolate displayed as a way to lure unsuspecting victims to the table, just in case. During the first hour or so, I was asked repeatedly by those who not only made eye contact and nodded (and perhaps smiled) whether or not I was the author.

So I ask: Who else would I be? There are stacks of books, all by the same author. There's a table. There's a sign, rather large, saying the author will be there from noon to 4pm signing copies of his books. I was the only person near the table. And I was holding a pen.

In any case, I managed to sell a few books during that time period. During a fit of boredom, I decided I'd been asked the question with the obvious answer enough times to warrant a sign. So with my pen and some paper scavanged from the sign, I wrote up another sign:

Yes, I am the author!

And underneath:

BU Alum 2005

I have to say that many, many more people actually stopped at the table after that. Some because they thought the fact that I had to make such a sign amused them, but others because they honestly hadn't realized I was the author. And as I said in my post on signings, what you're actually selling at a signing is not the book, but yourself. So the sign was extremely helpful. Enough that in the future I will always make a sign (a crude sign, as if I was forced to make it on the spot) that proclaims that yes, indeed, I am the author. Because after I made that sign, I sold another 5 books, in half the time I'd sold 2 before that.

And why did I sell the books? Well, because they actually stopped to talk to me. Some because the sign drew them in, with its innate humor, and they found me humorous, so they bought the book. Others because they stopped and talked about me and BU and what I'd gotten my degree in, which was amusing because I'm a mathematics Phd and yet I'd been publishing fantasy. In the end, it didn't matter why they stopped. THEY STOPPED.

So the signing ended up being both fun and educational. Hopefully I'll be back again during such events, with sign in hand. Becuase I've learned my lesson, that's for sure. *grin*

Comments

"Here's your sign!"

[vespican.livejournal.com]

Sorta reminds me of Bill Engvall's "Here's your Sign" comedy routine. The sign, the real sign is there, but they ain't readin' it. Then you have to put up one to explain the first one.

Anyway, great info for the time when I have the opportunity to do signings.
Dave

Re: "Here's your sign!"

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I'm here to serve as your guinea pig.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I need to come up with something. It might have to be skewed (ha ha) toward whatever the event is though.

[jeanhuets.livejournal.com]

That's great. Lesson seems to be to provide an icebreaker. Lots of people find it hard to approach someone they don't know, but that bit of humor and introduction seemed to put them at ease.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's the general idea I guess. The trick is to do it in such a way that it doesn't sound like you're pushing the book on them . . . you know, in a bad way. *grin*

[shanrina.livejournal.com]

Wow, I didn't realize you'd studied at Binghamton. My father went there back when it was still called Harpur (Harper?) and was actually up there this weekend for his reunion. I've never been there, although I think I've driven past it a few times.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, good ole BU. Six years of PhD torture. *grin*

Really, it was a great college. You'll have to let your father know he missed me (assuming he did).

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

I also had chocolate displayed as a way to lure unsuspecting victims to the table, just in case. LOL! You really DO know what you're doing, Josh! :D That would have gotten me and everyone I know.

I'm filing this advice under "future reference." Great post.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, chocolate. Mmmm. *wanders away in search of (in zombie voice) choooocoooooo-late*

It does help to have an icebreaker

[maiaarts.livejournal.com]

When I worked for the big game company, I got to chose what my business cards title. It said: "Hi! I'm shy!"

I used to put that on name tags as well. People would always be willing to talk to me :)

You might make yourself a permanent sign with its own 'stand' on the back. Laminated or mounted on Foamcor or perhaps a heavy card stock. Then you would never have to make one at the last minute. Make it so you can fit it inside a hardback book or in your 'display' kit, so you will always be able to carry it protected.

And candy is good bait; it usually works with anyone! *applause*

Re: It does help to have an icebreaker

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I think the sign should be geared toward the event, although having a "general" one for bookstores in general might be good.

You headed to Norwescon in 2009? Or is it too early for planning that? I've gotten a membership, so should be there.

[vcmorris.livejournal.com]

Yeah for selling books!

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

I spend a lot of time running green rooms for various British sf conventions. The actual rooms usually aren't green and sometimes aren't even rooms. We have on occasion resorted to a sign reading 'Yes, we know it isn't green.'
Fantasy and maths seem to me to be a logical combination (but then I'm a fantasy-writing mediaeval historian living with a fantasy-gaming mathematician, so...). They're both about finding new ways to define and describe worlds and conditions.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I never saw a problem with messing around with the two of them, and it seems to have worked out OK overall so far. *grin* They complement each other I think.

[cedunkley.livejournal.com]

Yes, I am the author!

Perhaps the above on a T-shirt might also do the trick?

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Oh, I thought about that while at the table. In fact, I mentioned it to the bookstore manager when she stopped by to check up on me at one point. So, let's see . . . Cafe Press perhaps?