Allen Klein (author of The Awe Factor) shares what he does right before and during a book signing to have a successful event.
This month we asked nonfiction authors to answer this question: What essential items do you take with you to a book signing event or speaking engagement?
Trudy Vains
My own book launch was in December last year.
Essentials were:
- Guest list
- Covid Registrations
- Speaker
- Microphone
- Extra books
- EFTpos
- Table cloth
- Petty cash tin
- Extra pens
- Change of clothes (ours was on a hot day)
Trudy Vains – Yoga Teacher, Author, and inspiration to many who live with pain. A journey to spine fusion. www.backpainyoga.com.au
Yve Lavine
The essential ingredients: A pen, the books, a media wall display, and a smile. Additions for me are my bookmarks with images from the participants from the book. As my book is a reflective experience the bookmarks include space for ‘a note to self’ with lines to write as inspiration strikes. http://lavinephotography.com.au/
Krissy Regan
As a non-fiction author I take the following things to a book signing or speaking event:
- Pull-up Banner
- Business Cards
- Brochures/Fliers
- Previous Media Coverage (newspapers, magazines etc.)
- Copies of Books
- Cash
- Square Reader
- My own Table Cloth
- Stationary Box
- Paper bags
- Branded T-shirt
- Hand Sanitiser
- Pens
- HDMI Cable
- Extension Lead
- Batteries
- Laptop
- Portable TV (in some cases)
Ipublished my first non-fiction book in June 2020 and since then have done over 30 public events (signing events and speaking events) in book shops, markets, book fairs, libraries, cafes, fitness centers, hotels etc.
I’m used to turning up with all my kit as each environment, location and audience is slightly different. In some instances I don’t need everything but in many cases it’s useful to have it.
You can view my work here: www.thewellnesspoet.com
Allen Klein
For the past six months, I’ve only been doing virtual book signing due to the pandemic. A lot of people have asked me how I sign books if it’s virtual. I jokingly tell them, “With a very long pen.” In actuality, what I do is sign very attractive book plates and send to the bookstore before the event. What I do take with me to the Zoom signing is my joy of being able to be with readers even if it isn’t in person.
Allen Klein – Award-winning speaker and best-selling author of 30+ books including The Healing Power of Humor, Embracing Life After Loss, and the recently published book, The AWE Factor. www.allenklein.com
Damon Nailer
Essential Items Needed for Book Signing/Speaking Engagement:
1. Books
2. Sign-In Sheet (includes name and email address)
3. Business Cards
4. Brochures
5. Press Kits
Known as a Renaissance Man, Damon DaRil Nailer is a multifaceted entrepreneur who wears the hats of motivational speaker, author, consultant, and educator.
Harry Moffitt
I take my unique collection of cricket bats. Over 11 combat deployments, on nearly 1000 days of operations service, it was my habit to take a cricket bat and ball with me where ever I went. Games were played for rest and relaxation, to build rapport with locals, to gain favour and gather intelligence, and once a game sparked an ‘sledging’ exchange between me and an enemy commander. These games were a kind of therapy, a tonic, and a powerful way to process the extreme experiences and trauma we were exposed to on a daily basis. At the end of these long deployments I had the men and women sign the bats. Other interesting signatures were Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, military Generals, enemy combatants, and even Princes Harry and Philip have signed them too. These truly unique artefacts embody not only my own service, but that of the SAS and of the Australian Defence Force of the last 30 years.”
Harry Moffitt recently retired after nearly 30 years service in the Army, most of which was spent with the elite SAS Regiment. He is now a practicing psychologist and works with high performance individuals and teams.
Dr. Thomas Schröck
Aside from the obvious tools needed for any good presentation, like my glasses, laptop, mobile phone and chargers, I am also a big fan of analogue yet stylish items, like notepads. I use a Montblanc fountain pen with coloured ink, which makes it easy and visually appealing to jot down questions or highlight suggested changes and mistakes in my personal book copy that the audience may point out to me.
Dr. Thomas Schröck is Europe’s leading expert in natural gemstones for investment purposes, a bestselling author on the same topic and CEO of www.thenaturalgem.com.
The NFAA blog is always looking for contributions. Check out our contributions page and see if you or another nonfiction author or speaker you may know could provide an article or interview: Click Here.
The Awe Factor
How a Little Bit of Wonder Can Make a Big Difference in Your Life
Exploring the human ability to be in awe. What does it mean to be awestruck? Or more simply, what is awe? Backed by the latest scientific research, Klein sets out to define awe and its effects on health and happiness. For example, over the past dozen years, or so, scientists have found, among other things, that awe:
- Connects us to others
- Lowers our stress levels
- Enhances positive emotions
- Increases our compassion
- Increases our creativity
Plenty of reasons to be in awe. With a sprinkling of the spiritual and scientific, The Awe Factor takes readers on an exploration of a human phenomenon. From research to first-hand awe-inspiring stories, Klein reflects on feelings of awe, meaning and purpose. And with bonus awe-awakening tools, tips, and techniques, he helps readers become more aware of, and increase, the awe and wonder in their life.