Book Promotion 101

So I'm working with a local elementary school to set up a book signing for my book, Mumsi Meets a Lion, at their annual book fair next week. It's the school my son attends, so I had an inside track in a) getting word of the book fair and b) knowing whom to contact about snagging an invite. After contacting the school office, I am in for five slots. I'll be sharing the "stage" with four other recent authors--some new, some old. I have no idea what to expect. I've done readings at this school, so some of the students will remember me--hopefully fondly. Today I nailed down the schedule for the five authors, secured tables and tablecloths, queried the publisher about signage ("signage for the signing"--what a language!), and contacted the school secretary with mildly discreet suggestions for how many books to order and what kind of wording to use in the take-home sheet for the parents.

Today I also visited a local Crossway Christian bookstore to skulk around looking for my book. As soon as my publicist/husband walked in he spied a lady with whom we are friends and who also happens to work at the store and said, "We're here to see if you're carrying Kim's new book!" This subtlety apparently worked because she ran to her desk, grabbed her copy of the book that had arrived the week before from the publisher, and replied, "This is YOUR book?!" I think that was good. Anyway, she said she'd place her order right away. Maybe I'll wear Groucho glasses on my next visit.