I Survived...My First Book Signing

Last week I announced on my blog that I would be doing a book signing on Saturday at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in West Jordan, Utah. Needless to say, the response was wonderful. I had over six-hundred views on my blog (I average about 100 views per blog post...), and I had several likes, comments, and shares from my Facebook post. 

It made the thought of doing a book signing less terrifying.

Perhaps I should clarify. 

I always thought doing a book signing could be an amazing experience. People would come over to the table, talk about books and your book in particular, and even buy a book signed specifically for either them or someone they knew. But there'a also a down side to doing a book signing.

What if no one showed up?

It's kind of like doing stand-up comedy. What if no one laughed?

I was contacted by a representative of my publisher, asked if I'd be available on the 15th, and I told him I was. I then asked if any other authors were going to be there. "Nope, just you," he said. 

Okay, I thought...authors do book signings all the time. It'll be fun. Besides, I had FanX and starting my Halloween gig coming up to distract me from the thought of people not showing up. The days passed and finally Saturday arrived.

Time for the big event.

I should say that walking into the store and seeing my book on the table was a very cool thing. I got a blueberry muffin and some orange juice, set up my table, put up my signs with quotes from my friend Marion Jensen, and then waited. 

At first, no one came. I then saw a familiar face, a face I'd known for decades--my cousin stopped by and picked up a book. I took a selfie. Next my family showed up. Since it was Saturday morning, I wasn't sure if they were coming--there's so much to do on Saturdays. They wanted to surprise me and they did.

I was there for three hours. I sold almost as many books as I did during the three days of FanX. Sure, there were times when no one talked to me (even with my signs...) or seemed interested in my book at all. This was what I was worried about. But something interesting happened. 

I look around. Even though I didn't have dozens and dozens of people lined up, nor were there boxes and boxes of books sold, nor did my hand cramp up because I was signing so many books, it hit me. I was in a bookstore and my book was just as accessible as all the other books and I could talk to people about it. At that moment I didn't care if no one was showing up or those other things weren't happening. I was at a book signing, it was my book, and I was the author. The feeling was awesome!

Thanks to everyone who stopped in and said "hi." Thanks to everyone who offered support on social media. Especially, thanks to my wonderful family and friends who have always supported me. You're the best! Now, let's set up another signing! I'm ready to go!

Six Years Ago I Took A Picture Of A Wish...Today that Wish Came True

Today was exciting for the Taylor household. My book Chaser went on sale on Amazon--the digital copy. I spent much of the day doing a little self-promotion, but hopefully, not too much. I received well-wishes from friends and family and even got a review posted on the Chaser Amazon page (you can access that page: HERE for yourself...).

But it wasn't until I did a little Facebook reminiscing that I found something that totally blew me away. You see, six years ago to the day I was in a Barnes & Noble bookstore imaging a book written by me in their store. I took a picture of the exact place a novel written by Scott William Taylor would be shelved. I used it as my Pic Of The Day. I know I was in Barnes & Noble on January 16th because one of my Pic Of The Day rules is I can only post a picture that I took the same day.

To an aspiring author, Barnes & Noble is like a pinnacle, a place that proves you are a real author. Since 2012 I've learned a lot about publishing. The publishing world is multi-faceted and complicated. Back then, I thought all you did was write a fantastic book and the world rushes to your door with cash and accolades. 

Sorry--didn't happen then; doesn't happen now.

I'm excited about my book, but I'm not unrealistic. And it may never actually be wedged between Patrick Taylor's An Irish Country Village, and Terence Taylor's Bite Marks--especially since mine is a middle-grade novel and the two Taylor novels appear to be written for readers not necessarily in jr. high school. But something made me search a bookstore exactly six years ago today, make a little gap between two books, take a picture, then post that picture on social media with the caption, "Mmmm...I think something's missing." It's taken six years, but today, on a digital shelf somewhere, it finally happened.

A Book Signing In West Jordan, Utah...

It's been a while since I've been to a book signing. Back in the day, when I thought about book signings, I imagined what took place at book signings. There would be a table with books, of course, The author sitting with a collection of pens greeting each guest with a warm smile, a little banter, and a lot of autographs. I saw long lines of excited patrons waiting their turn to greet, banter, and receive the signature.

And I suppose many book signings are just like that. But there are other kinds of book signings out there and they go a little differently than what I've described. Sure there's a desk, some pens, lots of books, and (usually...) a smiling author. Sometimes, however, that long line of anxious and excited book-carrying people just doesn't materialize and people can approach the author without having to wait their turn.

This is, in no way, a reflection on the author, or the quality of his/her writing, it's just a fact of life. Unless you're a household name, or a household name among a specific fanbase or group of people, long lines just don't happen when you're doing a solo book signing. At least, that's what I've seen a couple of times.

At today's event while I was there, a few of Dave's friends gathered to chat and wish him well. If you know Dave, he's a great conversationalist, among other things. And he many times brings along a beautiful guitar on which he strums. I brought my copy of his latest novel. I did not buy it today, but I did buy it at a Barnes & Noble bookstore last month. I stood in line, sort of. I was a little anxious and a little excited, and I was greeted with a smile. So, I guess it's not the quantity of who attends, but the quality of experience of those who do.

Meeting A Fan...At A Bookstore

Back at the beginning of this month, I was with two of my children at Barnes & Noble. The boys were finishing their deserts and I did a little wandering. When you write, one of your dreams is to go into a bookstore and see your book(s) on the shelf. Years ago I even took a picture of where my books would go. I think I even parted the two books showing a space where a novel by Scott William Taylor would sit (but hopefully, not too long...).

Bookstores are, in a way, like a finish line for a writer, even though getting a book published is more the like the start of a new leg of the race, not a finish line. Still, the building, the books, the space on the shelf, remains a goal. Even with none of my books inside, it's still cool to see books written by my friends as part of the store's collection.

I was looking around when I noticed a patron walk in. Two weeks earlier I sold my book, Speckled to her at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX. She has a distinctive hairstyle--that's how I recognized her.

"I remembered you," I said and I think I startled her. "You bought my book at FanX." 

She looked at me, then said, "You wrote, Speckled."

"Yeah, that's mine."

"I can't believe it--I have that book in my car right now. I just finished it and I loved it!"

I stood there, stunned. It is not an everyday occurrence for me, being recognized, and in a bookstore, no less. 

"Wow, thank you," I said. She continued.

"I took your book to work with me and people wondered what I was reading. I loved the way your stories were so uplifting--the first one, about the village elder who looked at the stars (Stars) was my favorite."

I did not know how to react. I probably just stood there with a stupid grin on my face. Her voice carried and my son heard what she was saying. It was almost a surreal experience, my words affected this person I'd only met once in my life.

She said she was going to write a kind review on social media and I should be on the lookout for that. I've since searched for her review and as of yet, she's not posted it. And, to be honest, that's okay. I was lucky enough to hear it in person.

Barns And Noble...You Can Just Tell

Why is it that ALL Barnes & Noble Bookstores smell the same? Tonight my oldest son and youngest son and I entered a Barnes & Noble Bookstore close to our house and it smelled just like all the other Barnes & Noble Bookstores I've ever entered.

I don't know why it is.

But I know, when I open that door, exactly where I am.

Today was my oldest son's birthday and while his siblings were at a social gathering, I took the other boys out for a night on the town. Our goal was to find dessert for the birthday boy. We can't go just anywhere due to food sensitivities my children have. One place we know a lot about the nutritional composition of their food is Barnes & Noble. We know this because the birthday boy works as a barista at the very Barnes & Noble Bookstore we visited tonight. As far as finding a delicious dessert--mission accomplished.

I wanted to go to the bookstore for a few reasons. I wanted to see if they had any copies of Dave Butler's Witchy Eye. They did and I picked up my copy. I also ran into someone who bought one of my books at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX two weeks ago. I'm going to blog about that later--it was surreal and very cool.

Yes, there's just something about a Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Good books, delicious snacks, and an opportunity to support amazing authors. It's one of the best places on earth and they all seem to smell the same.