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Radio and Book Signings: A Marriage Made in Writer’s Heaven
By Dan Case
James Megellas, an unknown author, was a guest on “The Ticket”
radio station. That evening at his first book signing, he sold
125 books—every book in the store.
Was this an anomaly? Maybe. But any author could do the same.
Book signings and radio just seem to go together. The author
that can get on the radio and entertain an audience will do well
at his or her book signings.
But how does one set up a radio appearance and book signing?
Which comes first, booking the radio show or the book signing?
It really doesn’t matter which you set up first. If you have
one, you can easily snag the other.
Find a popular radio program that has guests. The better the
ratings, the more people there will be listening to you and
hearing about your book signing. No matter where you are
signing, you will be able to locate a radio station and its
web site here: http://www.radio-locator.com. Find out the
ratings (how many people listen) here: http://www.arbitron.com.
Contact the host of the program and offer yourself as a guest.
Let them know that you are appearing at xyz for a book signing.
Will they take you? Yes, if you have something to say of
interest to their listeners. It was very easy for James
Magellas to have something interesting to say. He wrote about
his experiences in World War II. He was the most decorated
officer in his unit. The radio show, “The Hardliners,” was on
a sports talk radio station listened to mostly by men and boys
who enjoyed his war stories.
What if you’ve written a novel? What do you talk about? Dorothy
Garlock, well-known writer of historical romance novels, says,
“You need to have something to talk about. I’m interested in
old home remedies and recipes. I spend the entire time exchanging
tales of frontier medicine and grandma’s recipes with listeners.”
Getting phone calls while on the air lets the radio station hosts
know that they have a good draw for their show. Word gets
around—your next appearance will be easier to get.
Set up your book signing at a bookstore. Most bookstores will
be happy to host your book signing, especially when you tell
them you will be on the radio and announcing the event. You
don’t have to have your book signing at a bookstore. Some towns
don’t even have a bookstore. Writers have successfully used
libraries, restaurants, antique stores, fairs, retirement homes,
etc. to host book signings.
Mike Salerno, owner of Salerno’s Restaurant in Flower Mound,
Texas, received a call from former resident and writer, Jim Dent.
Could Jim have a book signing at his favorite restaurant? Mike
had never had a book signing in his restaurant, but he realized
that having such an event could bring him some new customers. So
he agreed. Jim arranged for the local bookstore to handle the
book sales; then he went on three different radio shows the day
of the signing. That evening, over 100 people showed up at the
restaurant and more than 75 books were sold. The restaurant owner
was happy. The bookstore manager was happy. And of course, the
writer was very happy.
Radio and book signings. A marriage made in writer’s heaven.
Don’t be the bridesmaid with your next book. Get married to radio
and turn your next book signing into a major success.
###
Dan Case is the editor of Writing for DOLLARS! the free ezine
for writers, featuring tips, tricks and ideas for selling what
you write. You can receive a free ebook, 83 Ways To Make Money
Writing when you subscribe.
http://www.writingfordollars.com
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