First Book Signing: Ahah and Duh Moments

Last Saturday, I read and signed copies of my new picture book, Katie Ling Fashion Queen at the Kingwood Branch Library. It was a blast. Kids are so fun, especially excited, little girls. They were adorable! Many came decked out in sparkly jewelry and bright, frilly clothes. So cute! Although, my experience was a rewarding and unforgettable one, if I had a do-over, I would definitely sit down and make a checklist to check and re-check before the actual event. I made it harder on myself by making a mental instead of physical list. Below are the items that would certainly go on this list. Live and learn, right?

Book Signing Checklist (I know, but I'm a title person)

1. Book Copies
2. Pen
3. Chart for contact information (like if you aren't taking credit card)
4. Business Cards (I used printer paper, but as I handed the flimsy paper to potential buyers, I wished they looked a little more professional)
5. Refreshments (I went this route with homemade cookies and lemonade. Someday maybe this won't be as necessary, but for now, I'm trying to be remembered and make a name for myself)
6. Napkins and Cups (again, cute but cheap from the dollar store)
7. Journals, glitter, sequins, markers, glue for activity (I feel this is important with kids. Many stopped by just from seeing the supplies on the table. While the kids did the activity, parents perused through the book. Luckily, I had everything but the glue and markers from teaching. So, use what you have!)
9. Posters (I made one poster for the front of the children's book section and one to display where we were at, so people walking by would know what was going on immediately. Unfortunately, I didn't think about displaying the poster a week or so in advance at the library. That would've been smart. I made it the day before without much advertising thought. Next time!)
10. One of those wheeled boxes (I borrowed a really deep one from my husband. That was awesome! From where my car was parked to where the actual signing took place was a little ways. This really cut down on the trips in between and gave me more setup time. Thanks hubby!)
8. Last but not least, CASH! (I completely forgot to get cash for those who need change. My mom-in-law ended up running to a nearby store. Pathetic, I know, but like I said live and hopefully learn!)

There you have it! Yes, I definitely could have made my book signing flow smoother in several ways. Nonetheless, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Rick Mickelson, AwareNow Publishing

I would like to welcome Rick Mickelson to my blog today. He is a publisher at AwareNow Publishing. Rick and I worked together on, his latest project and my debut picture book, Katie Ling Fashion Queen. 



 Why did you want to become a publisher? 

I wanted to work with creative people and support them in getting their work from inside their ‘minds and souls’ out into the world.  If it was time for someone to give birth to their book, I was willing to be the ‘mid-wife’ in the process.  The role that I sought was one of facilitation.  That is to say, working as a catalyst so that something creative that is ready to come to life, actually makes it into existence.


What is the greatest  challenge in publishing?  

Making money.

What is the most rewarding aspect of publishing?   

Holding the finished product (a book) in your hands and going through it for the first time as you receive the first print run.  To realize that you have worked with a creative person to create something worthwhile, something of value, from nothing.  That realization produces a heavy dose of satisfaction.



What would make an author want to sign with AwareNow Publishing instead of another publisher.  

AwareNow Publishing does not follow a “corporate model”.  Its primary purpose is work with individual authors, in partnership, to bring creative products into the world.  To this end, authors will find that our publishing house works hard to support and encourage them in every possible way, trusting that the creative processes occurring are happening for very important reasons.  While our company seeks to be compensated fairly for the work and services provided, the primary ‘modus operandi’ is not simply to ‘make money’ at any or all cost.  There is a higher purpose involved.



Is there anything else you would like people to know?   

Yes.  We are expanding our book offerings to include:- Children’s Books, Books on Personal Growth and Transformation, Memoirs and General Interest Books.

Click on the link to the beautifully updated AwareNow Publishing website:  http://awarenow.ca/ 
Check out the website for their various links to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Summer Fun

Summer has always been such a fun time for me. As a child, it meant no school. As a college student, it meant fewer classes. As a teacher, it meant, again, no school. As a mom, well, this is my first summer with George, so we'll see. I'm thinking sand castles and swimming. No matter my age, one of my favorite parts of summer was when my mom would take my sister and I to the McKinney Library (North Texas where I grew up) and we would get to pick out as many books as allowed. Lori, my sister, and I would have those books read in no time and back we'd go. At the time, I had no idea how beneficial that was. I just thought it was fun. What are your favorite summer memories?