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Writing a book is often a very different experience from publicizing one. If you’ve made the plunge and successfully taken a book to market, chances are that you’re now facing opportunities to promote and sell your book, including public readings and book signings. If you haven’t given many readings to date, fear not, and read on for some tips to make the very most of your public appearances.
Choosing a Great Passage
For starters, you’ll need to select a passage to read from your book that meets the stated time requirements. Don’t rely on rough estimates that claim it takes a minute to read a page. Instead, actually read through your selection and time it a few different times. Look to choose a passage that requires little explanation and works well as a stand alone piece. If you have to provide a lot of context for your selection at the beginning of the reading, it may lead to a nervous stream of talking that can set you-and your audience-on edge. Be careful, too, about choosing a passage with lots of dialogue, which can be confusing unless you are skilled at clearly distinguishing between your characters. Most important of all, choose a passage that you really love, and your enthusiasm for the work will shine through and give you the confidence you need to make an authentic connection with your audience.
Connect With Your Audience
When reading from your work, it’s tempting to keep your eyes down on the page to make sure you don’t miss a single word, but try to look up from time to time and seek eye contact with various members of the audience. In addition, make the most of the time you have before and after the reading. Before taking the mic, get a feel for the crowd by chatting with a few people and thanking them for coming. During the reading, pay close attention to any other readers so you can participate in some authentic conversation about their work following the reading. As you talk with your potential fans, be sure to listen to what they have to say instead of just pushing your book and moving on to the next conversation. They’ll appreciate your time and will be more inclined to support your work.
Sell Yourself . . . And Your Book!
No one wants to hear self-defeating disclaimers during a reading, so keep the negative self-talk at bay and project a positive, confident image of yourself and your book. Have a pithy one sentence description of your book at the ready when people ask, one that piques interest without giving the whole story away.
By staying calm, positive, and connected, you can represent your book well and find new supporters at every reading you do!