Try To Act Normal

When an Author visits a Book Club

One of my best friends suggested my book to her mother. Her mother then suggested my book to her book club. I have to say that this is one of my favorite ways to find readers. Word-of-mouth sales are as old as rocks, tested and proved for centuries to be an excellent way to sell your wares. Plus, I like to meet the people who spend time and money on something I made up.

If you’ve never gone to a book club as a visiting author, here are some tips on how to prepare:

1. Reread passages from the book. I know. I wrote the thing, but that doesn’t mean I remember every word. There are certain sections that resonate with readers. I have those highlighted in my copy and I go over them to refresh my memory. You’d be surprised at what you (I) can forget. I published Mad Moon in 2020 and I’m pretty sure the sound of my sons’ metal band practice have pounded a few hundred brain cells to dust.

2. Brainstorm the most common questions you’ll be asked and figure out how you’d like to answer them.

   1. How long did it take you to write the book?

   2. What was your inspiration?

   3. What does the title mean?

   4. How often do you write?

   5. Why does the protagonist feel “X”/make “X” choice/get into “X” situation, etc.

   6. Is “X” a metaphor for something? Can you explain?

   7. What else are you writing?

   8. What research did you do?

   9. Do you have a favorite author/book?

   10. What writing guides would you recommend?

   11. Why did you choose to go the traditional publishing/hybrid/self-publishing route?

   12. *dreaded silence* Okay. This hardly ever happens but is a valid fear. Hopefully you have a host who can facilitate questions or comments and get the crowd started. Should that not be the case, I like to be prepared and have some way to get a conversation started. You can ask the readers a question. For instance, I might say, “So, one thing that I’ve found in discussing Mad Moon with readers is the significant way women depend on other women, whether it’s family or friends. I’d love to know if you all feel the same.” Or, you could start by telling them how you started writing the novel. Find something to put in your back pocket that will give you and them a comfortable way to begin.

3. Don’t be surprised if readers are unable to separate you as the author from the fictional story you’ve written. Unless you’re writing a memoir, you may get seemingly personal questions. Mad Moon has a SA scene and I’ve had more than one reader ask me if this was a personal experience. I don’t take offense to these questions regardless of how tactless they are. I am thankful that the scene resonated and is opening a channel for discussion. I would also say that you will most likely have readers who identify with some aspect (good or bad) and may have strong feelings regarding your writing choices. I have been lucky to have positive discussions with readers who have similar trauma experiences to my characters. Although the fact that they have this trauma is gut-wrenching, it gives me relief to know that they feel seen through the story and were able to enjoy reading it.

4. There maybe be snacks. Make sure you don’t have pepper stuck in your teeth.

5. I like to ask if there are other writers in the room. I think it’s good to know who you are talking to and it’s nice to ask them if they agree or disagree with a point you’re making. This can also be true if you are writing a legal drama, a police procedural, or have any other significant and in-depth character distinctions. Try to get a feel for the readers when you walk in and don’t expect to be the most knowledgeable on your story’s subject matter. You may have done all the research and have a doctorate on the subject, but there’s always going to be someone smarter. Be open to other’s lived experiences and remember that, when it comes down to it, you’re a fiction writer.

6. Self-promotion is key. I know. It’s terrible, but necessary.

   1. Be ready to ask for reviews. Explain that reviews are what sell books.

   2. If you have a newsletter, ask them to sign up.

   3. Tell them you’d be happy to visit another book club. Some readers are members of more than one club.

   4. Ask them to follow you on social and tell them you want to be friends with them and will follow back. Regardless of your status, I find that readers are excited to say they know a writer.

7. Bring marketing materials. Bookmarks, stickers, pens, etc. People love free stuff. Here are a couple of examples of materials I made:

I made them in Canva and printed them. They tuck easily inside the book and are great giveaways. On the back, there are ways to find me on social media, my website address and an ask to please review the book. Below is a bookmark, which people will always take when offered.

8. Bring a nice no-bleed pen and some extra copies of the book. People enjoy getting their books signed. Sometimes readers come to the club without having read the book and will buy one from you in person or will buy one for a friend.

9. Have your own water bottle incase there aren’t refreshments. If I’m nervous, I can get a sudden dry mouth. No one wants to hear me smacking on sandpaper or clearing my throat a hundred times.

10. It’s okay to be nervous. The more approachable you seem, the more likely it is you’ll have a good discussion of your work. Respect the group you’re talking to, listen to their comments, try your best to answer truthfully, and let them know how much their support means to you.

Creating connection through story-telling is such a gift. I think that’s why I love meeting my readers. If you have a book club and you’d like me to come in person or via Zoom, reach out and let me know!