Monday, May 24, 2010

Book Signing Event

I had a very busy day on Sunday. I had a little bit of work that needed to get done prior to Monday so I went in to work before church service. Then I went to church, came home and did last minute prep for book signing. We arrived at 2:30 to set up. I was carrying in a box of stuff when an elderly gentleman got up from a park bench and interrupted me to ask if I was the author for the book signing. I was, so he followed me upstairs. I told him I wasn't ready yet, but that as soon as my books came in I would help him. My sweetie hauled the boxes of books up the stairs. This man had gone to Barnes & Noble to buy Song of the Raven and then purchased Carina also. I signed both. I was amazed. I had not even set up and made my first sale.

There was a beautiful flower arrangement on my signing table which was a surprise gift to me from all my co-workers. One of my good friends helped at my snack table and made sure everyone had cookies, veggies and something to drink.

We got it all set up and the friends and family started arriving. I had a line of 5 people within the first few minutes. I stayed busy talking to old friends, signing books and telling about our sailing adventure. My sister, Alicia, sat by my side and took money. That was the perfect setup; it allowed me to concentrate on my guests. It finally slowed down about 4:30 and then I just had a few here and there until we started packing up at 5:00pm.

My publisher had told me that a first time book release like I was doing would be successful if I even only sold one book. However, he had one author who really did his homework and sold 50. My goal was 50 books. I sold 62! Plus I've sold another 56 to friends, family, co-workers, church and blogger friends and others who couldn't attend. I am extremely pleased with how well the book is selling. (if you want to purchase a copy, please email me at pakart@acsalaska.net)

There was a death in our church family about a week before my book signing event and the memorial service was planned for the same day, but later at 6:30. So as soon as we could get packed up we headed home to unload and then hurried to the memorial service. (I sold 4 more books there - shhhh! don't tell anyone!) There were lots of people I hadn't seen in many years - we ended up visiting until 10:00 pm. We finally got home and in bed by 11:00 - I was asleep by midnight. What a wonderful, busy, fun, and sad day.

PS - remember that I proofed this book about 100 million times? There are officially now THREE typos found to date! I cannot believe I am such a rotten editor!

17 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Hooray that your signing went so well. What a busy day. I am glad you survived it all.

Teri said...

That is just fantastic!!! Now you are the gold standard for other first timers. I am emailing to get my book.

Aunt Krissy said...

I'm so proud of you, even if you are a crappy speller!

Julie said...

What a wonderful day!!! Congrats on all your sales!!!!!

crochet lady said...

That is a beautiful flower arrangement, that was nice of your coworkers. So great that your signing went well and you even exceeded your goal!

Becky from Alaska said...

Oh, I wish we could have been there! I would have loved to be a part of it :( What a rotten thing to be an adult! Okay, not really, but some of it is a pain in the neck. Glad you had such a full wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

I got mine in the mail yesterday and am anxious to start it.. maybe this weekend at the cabin. Bill says he might even read it and he has read 3 books in the 25 years I've known him!! When I read in the front that Krissy had helped edit it, I was worried about spelling errors.. :-) Sorry Krissy!

Rose

Lynn Cohen said...

Mazol Tov, that is Congratulations in Hebrew!!!
SO happy for you. Yes, how do I buy a copy. I want to read it AND see your numbers go UP!!!!
Hugs, Lynn

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

What a wonderful day for you. so happy for you on your goal number being met and some...You looked very happy.

A Lady's Life said...

That sounds great.The flower arrangement is beautiful.So exciting!

Condolences to the family

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you had a great day signing your book. The flowers are beautiful and you look so nice. We finished reading it Tuesday. It was very good couldn't put it down until we finished it. God has blessed you with abundance of talent. We are so proud of you. Keep up the good writing-what's next?

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I didn't do my comment right- just learning. Love ya, MNL

cmarie said...

3 tiepos in a hole book oh heck - I jest rote out a resipe and had 2 misspelled words (are there 2 esses in misspelled or jest 1?) But seriously that photo is wonderful of you and I will be sure to drop you an email when the snail delivers the mail with my copy of your book! God bless your day PAK :)

Kellie said...

Wow PAK!! I'm soo glad you did so well!! Congratulations!

janice said...

Patty - Carina is wonderful!

You are very talented my friend. My advice is to stop working for the Muni and take up writing full time!!!

I don't understand all the sailing terms but you write so well I am right there on the boat with you!

I am looking forward to your next book - a novel perhaps???

janice said...

Aunt Krissy should not talk about your spelling!!

soulbrush said...

you look absolutely lovely here. i am thrilled for you and soo excited. now i know 5 famous people in bloggyland and have a copy of each ones books too. you are one of them. i bow to you, well done.