If you have self published your book then you are also responsible for the marketing of your book. A great way to market a book is through book signings. Book signings enable you to come face-to-face with readers and create new contacts.

It is more difficult to set up a book signing at a chain book store, such as Barnes & Noble, if your book has been self published. The reason is that traditional publishers have contacts with these chain book stores and also have the marketing dollars to spend to set up book placement in their stores. It is possible to set up a book signing to market your book, it just takes more patience and persistence.

First, understand that your self published book is not automatically placed in a chain book store such as Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble does contain guidelines for submitting your book for consideration. However, self published books are not often accepted because traditional publishers have the clout and money that you do not. Don’t let that stop you though because you may have personal contacts within the chain book store that can help you out greatly.

Let’s say that you do not have any contacts at a chain book store such as Barnes & Noble. How can you set up a book signing to market your book? Spend time in the book store in question and become friendly with the book store staff, business manager, and community events coordinator.

Explain that your book has been self published and you would like to participate in a book signing. Usually book signings for an author from a traditional publishing house consists of one author signing books. When you are self published you may have to have a “group” book signing. This type of book signing usually entails four to six authors that market their book at the same time.

Working in a group like this actually can make marketing your book easier and more successful. When book store patrons walk in the door they are more likely to check out a book signing with several authors then one author. Plus, you can network with fellow authors for more marketing contacts.

When you participate in a book signing you will need to bring your own books. A chain book store will not usually buy any of your books ahead of time. Instead you give them the ISBN number of your book and how many books you have brought. You tally up the remaining amount of books at the end of the book signing to determine how many books you have sold. You would then receive a check from the book store chain within a few weeks. It is important to note that most book store chains also take a percentage of the price.

Also set up book signings with independent book stores. Independent stores are often more willing to help you promote your books.