DarkSide DownUnder: DarkLight On... DarkSiders & Author / Book Signing Events

Many many years ago I signed at a couple of ARRA book signing events. I had little idea of what I was doing and only had digital titles available. There hadn't been so many book signing events available then but now there are many across Australia.

If you've followed our blog for a while, you'll know that there are DarkSiders who take the opportunity to meet readers at these events, so I asked some to tell us more about them.
- Eleni

Imogene Nix

I’ve done a lot of book signings over the years and one thing that always surprises me, is how many ‘new’ authors ask the same thing. And that’s a good thing, because things are always changing.

From how to sign up (yes, there’s a facebook group for that – check “Book signings in Australia and New Zealand”) to how many the organisers expect. Now, that can be more like how long a piece of string is, but still. If it’s a regular (ongoing year by year) organisers will know how many came through the door last year and it’s worth asking so you get an idea of how many books you ‘could’ sell. Now, at the moment, my experience is people aren’t buying scads, but still. I also know there is a movement that says don’t do pre-orders, but if you have the facility to self-host it, it’s not a problem. I have an extensive list of books and to be honest, I don’t bring them all with me, simply because I have lots! So, having a pre-order suggests to buyers that if I don’t bring them all, they could miss out on the ones they particularly want. I also advocate in having a cash float AND a form of payment system.

Yes, to be honest, signings have changed over the years, for some it’s more business-like with promotional ordering, special releases and so on, but the value (apart from selling books) is the networking. Meeting readers, getting a face put to a name and, of course, catching up with other authors. One thing I do see, however, is writers with one or two books and it seems there’s an imbalance currently in those being more heavily subscribed than long-term authors at signings. For the new comers, signings are an opportunity to meet with establish authors, and they gain a benefit from that, because yes, there’s an opportunity to see how others work, but also meet readers they may not necessarily meet in the first few years.

And for some of us, particularly those who aren’t overly active currently on social media due to other time constraints, they have a readership that is established and who really want to interact with ‘their’ writer/author. So, book signings are never a waste of time. The biggest issue though, may be the author of choice is sneaking out of their shell for a day or so, then will slink back, exhausted by the social interactions!

If you want to know more about prepping for your first book signing, you may find Book Signings for Absolute Beginners an assist.

imogenenix.net

Melanie Pickering

As a relatively new author navigating the world of book signings, I initially saw them as a promotional tool—a way to get my name out into the wider public. While that still holds true, I’ve been surprised to find that I sell far more books at in-person events than I do online. It’s a lesson reinforced by my years in retail and echoed by my husband’s favourite saying: “People buy from people.” More than just being present at an event, forming genuine connections with readers—whether they make a purchase or not—feels like an extension of the storytelling process itself. Not only that, a well-placed book in an online marketplace can easily disappear among millions of others, but book signings create spaces where like-minded readers gather, making it easier to stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Despite the benefits of in-person events, there’s one part of book signings that still makes me uncomfortable—when a potential reader asks me to describe my book. I’ve never been great at self-promotion in this way, and I often feel like my own worst salesperson. Instead of trying to pitch my book in a few sentences, I prefer engaging in meaningful conversations, whether that’s answering questions at a panel or exchanging thoughts with fellow authors and readers. Talking about the broader themes behind storytelling or discussing the writing process feels far more natural to me than summarizing my own work on the spot.

Melanie at ARRA

Looking ahead, I want to make my signings even more successful, but most importantly, I want to embrace the experience with enthusiasm. Making each event about connection rather than just sales will keep the process enjoyable and rewarding, both for myself and for the readers who come to meet me.

melaniepickering.com

Rhyll Biest

Diary of a book signing

I’m at my first ever book signing. Surrounded by posters and copies of my book 'Unrestrained', I sit at a signing table and that section of the Dymocks store in Canberra Civic looks like it’s been dipped in chesticles.

I lay out Minties to lure buyers but they’re wary (the men in particular) and I can see them thinking ‘who is that woman surrounded by man nipples?’ In fact, I feel a bit like a wildlife photographer lurking in a hide as I wait to pounce on anyone who touches one of my prominently displayed books.

Waiting for the millions who will surely flock, I study the Top Ten books opposite me. One is on smoothies and, driven to despair, I succumb to my own Minties. Minutes later, a guy takes one of my Minties without even looking at my book but I’m unable to lock him in a rear naked choke hold as I have to give a Mintie to a child lured to my signing table by the promise of sugar. While handing it to him I try to unobtrusively slip a copy of my book into his mum's handbag at the same time.

About to fall into a diabetic coma, I see an elderly gentleman hobble to my signing table. He rears back when I make eye contact and goes to inspect my book on a shelf at a safe distance from me. Another man picks up my novel and asks 'how did you get my picture?' then goes on to say he only reads military and crime novels.

Finally, finally, my friends and colleagues arrive, donating their time and cash, and braving the judgmental looks of all the romance-haters.

Did I sell a shit-ton of books? Of course not, but it was fun and I got to know the staff at my local bookstore, who told me their favourite romance heroes.

Rhyll's website

L.A. Monteiro

I did my first two signings this year - ARRA Perth and Wild out West.

My goals were to celebrate finishing my first series, meet readers and network with other authors, and hopefully not leave with too much stock. As a bonus I also spoke on a panel and I really enjoyed it.

Did I sell? Yes! I didn't stock enough, actually. I priced to move product, not to profit, and my novellas were at the $15 price point, which may have helped shift stock as most books at the event were $20. I also offered a discount on the full 4-book series, which included a 3D printed bookmark gift.

Did I make money? No. I spent about $1.2k and made about $1k, partly due to my low pricing, not stocking enough, and outlaying for some reusable basics like a square and banner.

What would I do differently? I learned from my first event to add signage for pricing and tropes or comps for each book, and flatten my prices to make my life easier. I'd offer book boxes or special editions in future, beef up my merchandising and get a four tier book stand.

How much should I bring? For the first event I sold about 10 first in series and 5 of the rest. For the second event I think double that plus box sets would have been more appropriate, but everyone told me it's hard to gauge volume.

authorlamonteiro.com

Lilliana Rose

Book signings are incredibly rewarding experiences, because they offer a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with readers and fellow book enthusiasts. There's a unique energy in a room filled with people passionate about stories; engaging in conversations about characters, plots, and the impact of books is always inspiring. It's a chance to hear firsthand what resonates with readers, making the solitary act of writing feel more connected and communal. These interactions often go beyond simple greetings, blossoming into meaningful discussions about the themes and emotions evoked by the written word, which is a truly enriching experience for any author.

Moreover, these gatherings are great for catching up with other authors. Sharing experiences, discussing the nuances of the writing life, and simply enjoying the journey with peers is inspiring. It’s a space where creative minds can exchange ideas, offer support, and celebrate each other's achievements. At their heart, such events are a vibrant celebration of books, a true coming together of diverse individuals—writers, readers, publishers, and more—all united by a profound and shared love for books and the powerful worlds they open up for us. It’s this collective passion and sense of community that makes these occasions so special.

Lilliana's Facebook page

Astrid Cooper

I have never found that book signings on their own are effective promotion, unless it is combined with other events/functions. What I have found that works for me and my author profile with my community is a workshop or meet-the-author presentation where you talk about your “writer’s journey” and why you write what you do and combine it with local interest anecdotes. I ran a successful “writing war history and family history” at the Kapunda RSL clubrooms where memorabilia from WWI highlighted the discussions. This event formed part of the Kapunda Music and Arts Festival. For the Kapunda History Month, I organised numerous events, one of which was a workshop and dinner at the North Kapunda Hotel followed by a special “ghost” tour of the hotel (the most haunted pub in Australia) and shops adjoining, including an exclusive look at the underground tunnels (rarely seen and many rumours circulate about them). The exclusivity was a drawcard. The opening event for the History Month featured the usual talks but I staged a special appearance of an actor that caused a “disruption” to the “officialness” of the event – I like to have surprises and lots of laughs to entertain my readers/audience/participants. I may have sold a few books at each event, but the purpose of the appearances was to promote the town, and myself as author.

When I organise an event, I try to ensure that every person involved gets their money’s worth, (always a free gift, an experience with lots of laughs) and that the game players also get something out of it (RSL had exposure and the Kapunda Hotel had a financial return - food and drinks bought – as well as publicity). I always use “props” for my appearances: for example, historical clothing, relevant artefacts for my history/paranormal presentations and a huge event (the month-long Krazy Kat Art Gallery as part of the Adelaide and River Fringe) to promote my latest book: Pawprints in Our Hearts. I sold many books during this event. Engaging all the senses of the participants has always worked for me. Thinking outside the square engages people – a quirky drawcard, a “stunt” or similar to bring attention to who you are and what you are doing has been an effective promotional tool for me.