Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising discussion

I attended a home and garden show with my books the other night in a local town (yes, strange combo, but I did sell books) and spoke with their librarian about a potential book signing at the library. She mentioned Q & A as well as maybe reading from the book.

My dilemma here is that I really have trouble reading aloud because of some dyslexia, and I would spend more time stuttering than actually reading the passage effectively.

So, my question to all of you is: what are your tips for doing book signings/q&a, talks, etc? Do you think it's appropriate that I tell the librarian about my not wanting to read aloud because of how bad I am at it? Or would you word it another way?

What are your experiences with signings and talks? Do you have a particular structure you follow, or do you simply sign and speak individually to each person that approaches?

I have to email the librarian back but wanted to be a bit more informed before I speak to her!

Thanks guys!

I'm dyselxic too, so I kind of know what you mean. If you are really worried about it I don't see why you can't tell her you are uncomfortable and explain why you don't want to read outloud, but you are more then happy to do the q&a.

Yeah, that's what I am thinking. I don't want to sound like a stuck up snob; "I'm above reading an excerpt" or something, hahaha. I think the library is happy to have any sort of attention, since it seems like no one goes there anymore! Especially in a small town.

You can tell her why just incase if you still feel funny I'm sure she'd understand! Got to love small town libraries!

For sure. I wish I could say I went more often...! I have a line right in there:

"I am quite interested in the idea of arranging a book-signing, Q&A at the library. Because of some dyslexia, I am actually not very good at reading aloud, so I would just as well not read an excerpt, simply because I think it would frustrate the guests more than entertain them!!"

I haven't sent it yet... I am trying to be funny yet informative at the same time, haha.

Haha i think that works

If you're not ashamed of your dyslexia, why not let the attendees know? They will probably be interested to see that someone with dyslexia actually wrote a book! While I don't have dyslexia, I also have a signing with Q&A coming up in June and I'm just as afraid!

Well, it's been something I really haven't talked about... I simply avoided reading out loud, unless it was in a very informal situation. Always hated school presentations, etc. because I knew I'd screw them up.

Anyway, we'll see what the librarian says...