A Guide to Signing at Costco by Tristi Pinkston

I was very blessed to have my sixth novel, Dearly Departed, picked up by Costco. I signed there regularly from the end of June to the end of August, and had a fantastic time. I’d like to share with you some of the things I learned during those two months in hopes that they’ll be helpful to other authors who will also be given that opportunity. Keep in mind that these are things that worked for me, and as you go into the stores, you may find your own ways of attracting customers. There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes—although I never have understood why anyone would want to skin a cat.

Preparation:

There are a few things you can do at home before you ever go to the store that will help ensure your success. Eat a good meal with a lot of protein. Dress in nice, but comfortable, clothing. Wear supportive shoes. Yes, ladies, it’s tempting to wear your cute new high heels, but I really advise against it—your feet, ankles, knees, and hips will pay the price. I also found that I became very warm in the store, so after my first few visits, I started wearing my hair up in a clip rather than down. That helped me not overheat. You know what your body needs—honor it and prepare to take care of it.
Supplies:
I recommend that you prepare a bag or a box with the following things—
  • A cute tablecloth. Costco does provide one, but sometimes they are dusty or a little bedraggled, and if you bring your own, you can be sure that it’s in good condition and goes well with your book.
  • A table decoration of some kind. I was given a cute statue of a bookworm, and I sat him on my table at every signing. Not only did he give a little more visual interest to the table, but the little kids just loved him and would often stop to pat his head, which made their parents pause for a moment, which gave me the opportunity to speak with them.
  • A water bottle. You’ll be talking a lot, you’ll get thirsty, and you will want to keep yourself hydrated. [LDSP: and breath mints]
  • A handout. This may be one of the most important things you can bring. I’ll discuss this in more detail below.
At the Store:

Try to arrive fifteen minutes early. When you let the manager know you’re there, they will ask an employee to help you set up, and that usually takes a few minutes. You want to start your signing on time to fit in as many actual sales opportunities as possible, so by showing up a little early and getting set up, you can begin when you’re supposed to.
Put plenty of books on your table. It sometimes feels easiest just to grab one small stack from the table, but you want your table to look abundant. This also gives you, and your customers, a subliminal message: “I expect to sell a lot of books today.” That will create an atmosphere that is very conducive to sales.
Have everything you need out on the table. Signing pen, bookmarks, newsletter sign-up sheet—have it all accessible so that when you need it, you don’t have to stop and dig for it.
The Actual Signing:
Now that you’re all set up and ready to go, it’s time to have some fun!
Personal interaction is the best way to bring people over to your table. Some authors have already created such a name for themselves that they can sit quietly behind their table and they will get mobbed by scores of rabid fans. Other authors, though, are still working on building up their name recognition, and they do that by interacting with the public. Stand, rather than sit. When you stand, you are many times over more likely to attract attention. Smile and say hello to everyone who passes. And … here’s where handouts come into play.
Think of something you can bring with you to give people as they go past. I did bookmarks at first, and handed out hundreds per signing. But that wasn’t the best use of marketing money. Even though I did get a number of sales, the bookmarks were around six cents each, and if I handed out two hundred at a signing, it was adding up to $12.00 per signing for bookmarks. I was also afraid that the customers would just toss the bookmark at their earliest opportunity, and that would be a waste. So I came up with an idea that was unique to my books. I made up a black-and-white flyer on a half sheet of paper that showed the cover of my book and a catchy blurb, and then at the bottom was a recipe. This tied in with my book because at the end of the Secret Sisters Mysteries series, we’re releasing a cookbook that will feature the foods mentioned in all the books.
Then, as people went past, I would say, “Hi! Would you like a free recipe?” If they said yes, I would hand it to them and say, “There’s also some information on there about my new novel.” In this way, I got my information into their hands, called their attention to the fact that there was more on the sheet than just a recipe, and opened up the door for a conversation. Coming in at two for a penny, the fliers were more cost effective, and because people love to keep recipes, I decreased the likelihood that it would just be thrown away.
When They Say No …

Customers in Costco are very busy. I know that when I shop in there, I put myself in battle mode. I have a list, I know where I’m going, and I walk fast. My mom has often complained that she doesn’t like to go there with me because I walk so fast, she can’t keep up. That’s just the mentality of the Costco shopper. We know we need to have a firm objective or we’ll get lost in the hustle and bustle.
As people pass your table, they are very often in this mindset, and they will often say “no” before they even know what you want. This isn’t an uncommon exchange:
Me: Hi there! Would you like—
Them: No!
This isn’t something to take personally. To quote the Madagascar penguins, just smile and wave. (You don’t really need to wave, though.) Just turn to the next passing person. Most customers will be very appreciative of the thing you’re giving them, and will be polite in their refusals, if they aren’t interested.
After the Hand-off:
I believe that in any book signing situation, there are three steps the author should take in feeling out the customer and introducing their product. It has a lot to do with feeling out the customer’s interest level and showing respect by not being pushy. If you offer your information in a non-pushy way, that customer is likely to remember you kindly, and they may purchase from you down the road, even if they don’t today. If you’re pushy and in their face, they will remember it, and they will tell their friends, and you’ll build a reputation opposite to what you want.
The first step is what I think of as the introductory step. At Costco, I’ll greet people with an invitation to accept a recipe. As I hand over the recipe, I tell them there’s also a blurb on there about my new book. If they take the recipe and keep walking, I leave it at that. However, if they pause, we go into the second step.
This is to give them my quickest pitch about the book. In the case of Dearly Departed, it’s: “My main characters are three little old ladies who infiltrate a nursing home to solve a murder.” If they are still engaged, I then say, “It’s a lighthearted mystery comedy, a ton of humor all the way through, without any language or graphic violence.” At this point, they generally either thank me and keep walking, or they start to ask me questions.
It’s important to break up your pitch into sections like this so you can give just the right amount of information to meet the interest level of the person. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve:
  • been at a store and had an author or salesman give me a much longer pitch than I wanted to hear
  • been at a store and wanted to know more, but the author or salesman had prepared a pitch that was so short, I was left wanting, and they didn’t seem to know what to say after that
Be respectful of your customer’s time and don’t try to make them listen to more than they want to hear, but be prepared to have long conversations as well.
When Not to Approach:
To go along with our discussion of being respectful, I’d like to suggest that you not approach the following groups of people—
  • People on the phone
  • Mothers who are currently wrestling with screaming children
  • People who are visibly upset
In each of these instances, step back and give them space. They’re dealing with something bigger than their decision whether or not to buy a book, and to intrude would be rude and thoughtless.
Taking Note of Your Target Audience:
My book is about an elderly Relief Society presidency, so generally speaking, the people who buy my books are middle-aged ladies. When I am approaching people, I tend to naturally gravitate toward those ladies in my marketing efforts, and find myself more rewarded. However, this is not to say that we should ignore everyone else—it’s just saying that we need to be aware of which demographics are more likely to buy. I had a great conversation with a guy studying film making at UVU with an emphasis on horror. That may be about as different from what I do as you can get (except erotica) but we had a great conversation. He didn’t buy a book, but he took my information, and I was able to share some things with him that he found helpful. I also sold a book each to two Goth girls wearing plastic bras. It surprised the daylights out of me that they were interested because I hadn’t pegged them as people who would want what I had to offer, but they came up to me and asked me to sign two copies. This shows the importance of smiling and greeting everyone who passes, even if you think they aren’t likely to purchase.
Sometimes It’s Not about Sales:
During my two months at Costco, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Several of them were aspiring authors who needed some guidance in how to take the next step. Some of them just needed someone to talk to at that moment, like the lady who was planning her husband’s funeral. To me, a successful signing isn’t measured by books sold. It’s measured by lives touched, both me being helpful to someone else, and the things I learn from the people I talk to.
Taking Care of Yourself:

We’ve talked about standing up, but now I want to talk about sitting down. It’s important that you not push your body further than it can go. If you’re not used to standing on hard floors for long periods of time, work up to it gradually. Sit down during slow times. Stay hydrated. Make sure that you’re not hurting yourself. It’s wonderful to have this Costco opportunity—it’s something only a small percentage of authors get to do—but approach it wisely and make sure you’re not hurting yourself. Know your limits and honor them.
Bringing Helpers:
You might find it helpful to bring someone along to help you, especially if you’re in one of the larger stores. I did several signings alone, and at other times brought my mom, my son, or my husband along, and in each case, found that having a helper was a good idea. They could hand out fliers to people while I talked to prospective customers. They held down the fort while I ran to the bathroom. They could refill my water bottle. Having a helper there can increase your productivity. It’s something for you to feel out for yourself, but I found it to be a good thing. And when it came to my son, it seems no one could resist his cute little face. Nearly every person he approached took a flier.
Most Importantly …
Have fun! You’re there to celebrate this awesome accomplishment—you are a published author and you have landed a spot in one of the most coveted sales venues in the nation. Enjoy it. Enjoy the people. Enjoy the chance to share what you love to do. If you find that nothing else I’ve said strikes a chord with you, I hope this does—leave the stress behind and just appreciate the moment. Your talents are being given a showcase. Your name recognition is about to skyrocket. Your opportunity for future sales is going to increase exponentially. You are planting seeds for a bounteous harvest later on. The expression “joy in the journey” is completely applicable here—even if you have a slow day, you are paving a path for your future as your information gets into people’s hands. I did a signing at Swiss Days in Midway and was told over and over, “I saw your book in Costco.” You become recognized, and in this industry, that’s a good thing.
My book is no longer being carried in Costco—you need to hit a certain sales bracket in order to remain in the store over an extended period of time, and because my book is a little more specialized, that didn’t happen. But I know my experiences there are going to help me in a ton of other ways, and I’m so happy for the chance I had to be a Costco author.


Tristi Pinkston is the author of eight published books, including the Secret Sisters mystery series. In addition to being a prolific author, Tristi also provides a variety of author services, including editing, coordinating blog tours, and online writing instruction. You can visit her at www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com or her website at www.tristipinkston.com.

Great! But how do you get in on those signings?

That’s what Brenda commented about this post.

First, talk to your publisher. Sometimes they will set these up for you. I understand Valor did an amazing launch with five of their authors last night. Or, if they don’t usually do this, they might be willing to give it a try, especially if you do a lot of the legwork for them.

If your publisher is not at all interested, then this is when NETWORKING really earns back all the time and energy you’ve put into it. Hopefully you’re part of some writing associations (if you’re not, join some). Many of these associations sponsor a yearly conference and have author signings during the event. See if you can get in on that. Then, while there, get to know the other authors. Find who you really click with and those who have books that will complement but not compete with your book.

Talk to all your author friends and get a group of 3 to 5 authors committed to doing a group signing. It helps if one of the authors is established and has a name that pulls people in.

Designate the author with the best verbal/social/business skills to contact bookstores and set up signings. Pick a theme—these signings work best if you can turn them into a party. Have posters and bag stuffers made for the store. Do door prizes, maybe even cookies. (I always bring special treats and small gifts for the bookstore staff.) Brainstorm and come up with some fun ideas.

Then get the word out: blog, facebook and tweet yourself silly.

When it’s over, be sure to THANK the bookstore. Then build on your success. If your group of authors can pull in 100 people and sell books to all of them (or most of them) then the bookstore is going to think you’re the best thing since sliced bread and they’ll love working with you in the future.

Little Fish?

It is so hard to get back into the swing of regular posts after the story contest. Especially since I’m eyebrow deep in reviewing and commenting on those stories, and reading Whitneys, and a few other things I’ve volunteered to help out with.

So today, I’m going for an easy question:

1What do you think of those giant book signings at Barnes & Noble and Borders, etc. where there are as many as 30 authors there at one time? 2Is that a good thing for a debut author? 3Wouldn’t my book be overshadowed by all the competition?

1. Love them!

2. Yes.

3. Maybe. But in reality, no matter how many authors are at your signing, your book is still competing against EVERY BOOK IN THE STORE. On the plus side, at these big events you’re going to get a lot more traffic at your table than you could generate by yourself. More traffic = greater potential to sell books. Yes, you may be a little fish but swimming in a bigger pond means you’re getting exposure. So dress nice, put on a smile, and go for it! (What have you got to lose? It’s not like those bigger fish will eat you!)

New LDS Bookstore Opening in Pleasant Grove UT

The following message was sent to me by a reader and since I’m all about promoting LDS books, I decided I would post it here. I may regret this if I get bombarded with everyone who wants to promote their business, but I’m taking a chance and hoping it won’t get out of hand.

Dear LDS Publisher,

I know you don’t usually do advertisements like this, but I thought perhaps you would make an exception in this case.

There is a new independent LDS bookstore opening this weekend, November 8th, in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It’s called Provident Book, and it’s located at 661 W State, Pleasant Grove. It’s just north of the PG Rodeo Grounds and in the same strip of shops as Timpanogos Cyclery.

As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s been a long time since there was an independent bookstore in this area and we’re excited to be opening it. We hope your readers that are local to us will come by for a visit and will support us in our efforts to make books by smaller presses readily available to the public. Of course, we’ll carry books from the “big guys” as well.

To celebrate our Grand Opening, we will have over 30 authors there signing books throughout the day. They will include David G. Woolley, H.B. Moore, Rachel Ann Nunes, Jennie Hansen, Michelle Ashman Bell, N.C. Allen, Julie Coulter Bellon, Tristi Pinkston, and Angela Hallstrom—just to mention a few. You can find a full list and the schedule here.

Our store will also carry a fabulous line of toys and games for all ages, LDS CDs and DVDs, and lots more. For a sneak peek, you can visit my personal blog. You’ll also find a printable coupon for 25% off any one item there.

I hope all your readers in the Utah County area will come by and visit—and bring their Christmas shopping list. You will be amazed by what we have!

Thanks (in advance) for helping us spread the word.

Karlene Browning, Asst. Manager
Provident Book/Humdinger Toys

P.S. LDSP—if you come to the store and reveal your true identity, I’ll give you an extra discount. 🙂

Book Signings

How does an author set up a book signing?


Generally, the author doesn’t set up the signing, the publisher does. As an author, you tell your publisher which stores you’re willing to travel to and if you’re traveling, the areas you’re willing to stop to do signings in. Then the publisher contacts the bookstores and tries to set something up. Some stores love author signings, others refuse to do them.

If, however, you have a relationship with a particular bookstore—know the manager, employees, or buy enough books that they know who you are and greet you by name when you walk in the door—then just ask them if they’d be willing to do a signing and what they need from the publisher (usually free returns, posters, etc.) and from you (varies). Then let your publisher call them and work out the details.

And before anyone says, “I’m willing to do whatever it takes, but my publisher just won’t work with me on the book signings,” read this and this and this.

Utah Residency, Optional

An LDS publisher recently requested to see a rewrite of my novel. (Hang on. Is that “An” or “A” LDS publisher? I’m going with “An” since it sounds better.) [Say it aloud and use the one that fits.] Obviously they haven’t offered a contract, but for the sake of fantasizing, I’m going to pretend they will. Since I don’t live in Utah, how will this affect the marketing of my book? For example, book signings, school visits, etc. Also, are LDS publishers wary of taking on authors who live outside of Utah for this very reason? Thanks in advance!

Since the huge majority of LDS books and products are sold in the Utah/Idaho corridor, living somewhere else means you won’t have easy access to multiple promotional signings. It also means you won’t be able to do co-op events with other LDS authors–like workshops or community events or Ladies Night at Deseret Book before conference. Unless, of course, you’re willing to drive/fly out for a week or two and hit all the bookstores who’ll have you. (That will probably not be paid for by your publisher, so think about taking a working family vacation.)

If there’s an LDS bookstore in your area, we will set up a signing for you there and at any other local bookstores that will let us in. If you’re going on vacation to an area that has LDS bookstores, we can try to set up a signing. You can also do RS workshops or firesides locally and within neighboring wards/stakes.

You’re on your own with schools, as is every author. Living in Utah doesn’t mean an automatic pass into the schools. It depends on the type of presentation you’ll give, the content of your book and your connection with the school.

Pretty much anything else can be done regardless of where you live–thanks to the magic of telephone, fax, Internet, and good ‘ole USPS. Radio shows, book reviews, websites, blogs, online interviews, press releases, postcards, catalogs, etc. can all be done no matter where you live.

So, no. Publishers won’t turn you down if you live outside Utah as long as you’re willing to make the effort and do what is within your ability and budget to help promote your book.

Book Signings a la Mode

No, I don’t mean serve ice cream at your book signing. I mean, if you’re going to do a book signing, make it feel like ice cream.

About the comment that publishers don’t want to make the effort to set up signings…uhm, yes and no. Here’s the deal. Let’s say we have 100 authors who all want to do a book signing tour (as in, half a dozen signings each) and they’re scattered all over the U.S. If every bookstore we call says yes, that’s 600 phone calls we have to make, at about 15-30 minutes each, so we’re looking at 150 to 300 hours JUST TALKING TO THE BOOKSTORES!

But of course, they won’t all say yes, so we have to call more stores. And then we have to call the author and make sure the dates we sign them up for are still good. And then we have to work out the details to get extra books ordered, offer a generous return policy, send out posters, flyers, reminder calls.

And if averages hold true, we’re going to only sell a handful of books at each one.

So that’s why publishers aren’t super-hyped about setting up book signing tours and why, if you want one, you’re going to have to do a lot of work yourself.

The exception to this is if the publisher can showcase a group of authors at the same signing–for example, getting a bookstore to do a book signing day where we have maybe a dozen or more authors show up throughout the day to do the signings. Then it becomes a party–ergo, the a la mode reference.

a la mode