u/CrochetedKingdoms

I published my second book in October of 2025. Sales have been abysmal. I've tried ads, those trope posters(though those are mostly me going "There's bones! There's monsters!" because I was trying to be funny) I've made book trailers, dinky little ads with my art, run sales, and given free copies for streamers to read a few chapters on stream.

I don't have a lot of money, so I ran a gofundme to raise enough money to buy thirty copies of my book. Once the goal was met, I ordered the books, and called a local bookstore and set up a signing. They were ecstatic to support a local author, and the date was set.

Many people made a beeline for my table. They were so excited to support a local author. They complimented my cover(which I designed myself with my own two hands and feet) and I was met with enthusiasm I never thought I'd ever get. Social media had me thinking the concept sounded boring. I gave away stickers I designed myself, and at the end, I had four copies left.

What I would have done differently:

I had no way to contact me on social media. A few people asked for my insta, but I'm barely active on there, so I've made it a point to post more there since the day of the signing. I should have printed out cards with all my handles, as well as my email and where to find the ebook.

I would have given out bookmarks as well. I already make bookmarks, but my printer was out of ink, and I had no money to get more ink.

I would not bring my mom with me. Oh my god, I love her, but she kept telling people my first book sucked, but this one was better. Like good lord, woman. Why? After the third person, I had to tell her to stop saying that. The buyers looked so uncomfortable when she said that.

What I learned:

People really like supporting local authors. I write horror, so maybe that skews things a little, as horror does well at that store(2nd and Charles) You can call up a bookstore and just... ask to do a signing?? The worst thing they can do is say no.

Displaying the book matters, I think. I didn't have anything flashy, just a stack of my books next to me, and some standing upright so people could see the cover more clearly.

Attitude probably helped as well. I kept my posture relaxed, made eye contact as people passed, said hello, but didn't pressure them to come over. Sometimes I complimented people on something they were wearing, and that drew them in, and I made some sales that way.

Overall experience:

I went WAY out of my comfort zone here. I have RBF, but I made sure to at least have a small smile on my face, even when I was not engaging with people. That was tiring, and by the end of the signing, I was completely wiped. Years of customer service prepared me for this moment, though. I have social anxiety so bad that I'm on several medications just to manage it, and was so stressed out the entire time.

People asked me questions about my book, and I answered without giving out spoilers. it was awesome to have people excited to read my book. Being able to talk enthusiastically about something I poured my heart and soul into was such a satisfying experience. I was invited back, and it's spurred me on to keep writing. I was going to write either way, but now that I've seen people actually want to take a chance on me, it's encouraging. A few people bought several copies, one for themselves, and one to gift to someone else.

Final Thoughts:

If you have the means to, I highly encourage you to do this. Like I said before, I crowdfunded the money to get enough to buy the books, I understand a lot of people can't do this, whether it be no support, or what have you. I got incredibly lucky that the people who I did get to read it were passionate about my book and loved it enough to recommend it to people who could support me. I don't think I'm an incredible writer, and made sure to keep the text as readable as possible. Like I said before, I designed the cover myself, making it as unique as I could without making it too confusing.

All in all, great experience, and I will be doing it again.