I have stage fright

I have a book signing coming up on Saturday... my first. The people at the store are very friendly, and everyone has been very supportive, but now that it's getting so close I am just a tad... the slightest bit... frightened to death.

Any tips for getting through it without taking to the bottle? I am not expecting much in the way of sales, as I've heard that signings can be a complete wash out, but it's just struck me that if I do have to sign anything my hands will be shaking. Realistically every bit of me will be shaking. I may just vibrate right on out the door.

The best thing I could offer would be to just relax and have fun. Treat those you speak with as friends and let your own enthusiasm carry the moment.

Gina,
stage fright is normal - we all went through it at one time or another.

To calm your nerves, set the bottle next to your pile of books.
If they buy a book, give them a shot. If they don't, you have one.

The thing to remember, Gina, is that people are easily won over by a smile. When you make an ass of yourself (an easy thing to do) people are endeared. If you could somehow arrange it that the first signing is for someone you know, no matter how badly it goes, the next book to be signed will be that much easier. If you don't have a sister/brother/close friend free to attend the signing, take your husband along. He can be first in line and pretend that he's never seen you in his life before. By the end of the signing, he'll be telling everyone that he's your husband!

Three things to remember: smile smile smile

Well, you've gotten some great advice so far.

I did a book signing Friday night, and even after four years, I still dread doing them. I felt better when I decided to just wing it and not worry about saying anything in particular other than choosing several short excerpts to read.

Actually, I had a good time even though I only sold one book.

Malcolm

Abe F. March wrote:

To calm your nerves, set the bottle next to your pile of books.
If they buy a book, give them a shot. If they don't, you have one.

I think I might just try that!


Luckily I smile a lot when I'm nervous, so my teeth will be on display a lot.

My husband will be there, and I'm hoping my mother and sister will make an appearance. There are going to be nibbles, so perhaps the smell of food will draw a crowd.

Abe I love your advice - I have to try that too!

Gina I also find that it helps to keep in mind that people - even those who do no know you - are impressed by the amount of work that they think goes into a book (which is nowhere what it really takes but a great start!) and everyone wants to see you do well. There are more people pulling for us at any given time than not. Best of luck!

Don't worry about it, Gina. Just remember that they are there to see you. You've accomplished something not a lot of others have. Just feel proud of yourself and hold onto that when you feel really nervous.
I know what you mean, though. I have had times when I wanted to cancel booksignings/readings a day before the event.

I"ve used stage fright just to be that little extra prepared. No matter how many children's storytimes I've done, I always get that little case of nerves just before; but once begun, we all just had a lot of fun. Sharing books is always a wonderful experience and, for me, books on art especially so. I'd love to be there but am sending my best wishes for a great time and lots of sales instead.

Having got my wires entirely crossed, I thought for a moment that the signing was not going ahead. I was actually a bit glum about that. Then when I realised I was wrong, I started to feel quite excited... so maybe I am a little less nervous now that I'm actually looking forward to it just a bit. Of course, come Saturday morning you'll find me hiding under the bed.

I am wondering now though, what do I write in a book when I sign it? I have been signing books to send out, and they've had me stumped a bit too. I get emails from those who have ordered the book, and they tell me a fair bit about themselves and ask me to write "something suitable". I suppose it's better than being asked to write "to my darling Joe, thank you for that wonderful night of passion, all my love..."

Is "to Mr Bloggs, with every good wish, me" enough?

Gina,

With your wonderful sense of humor, you'll sail through and have everyone loving you in no time! And buying books!

I do like the "darling Joe" signature, but the "Mr. Bloggs" signing sounds like a better choice since your husband will be there.

With family, friends and food, you've got a great combination going right from the start. Oh yeah, and a great book to boot!

Helen

Well, it happened. I did my first book signing... sold some books and, more importantly, met some great people and had a great time. In fact, I am high (and without the aid of anything alcoholic). Everyone was so nice to me, and I laughed so much that my face aches. I made some new friends. The owner of the store is very supportive of creative people, and it made a real difference to the event. I don't suppose all signings will be this much fun... but it would be nice if they could be.

Brilliant! I am so pleased that it went well!

Congratulations, Gina. Well done!!

Sounds like success for sure Gina! Here's to much more of the same!

That's great, Gina! I'm happy to hear things went so well!

Thanks you guys.

The store owners had a professional photographer there and apparently the pictures will be in the paper later this week. I hope he got my good side.

Out of interest (and risking terrifying myself to death ), what's the worst I should expect from a signing in the future? I've read a few comments around the net by authors who say they'll never do another one because they are such horrid things... so I'm curious now.