Interview with Christine Fonseca - Part I

            As an unpublished author I often imagine what it would be like to achieve publication. One of those day dreams centers on having my very own book signing. To help me get a better grasp of what that would (will) be like, I have asked Christine Fonseca to my blog for a few questions on the topic.

            Christine writes both fiction and non-fiction. Her fiction titles include: Transcend and Lacrimosa and are both Young Adult novels. She has also written 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Handbook and Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Outbursts. If you see a trend in Christine’s non-fiction work that would be because she works as a school psychologist

            You can find out more about Christine from her blog:

Christine Fonseca

            And now for my interview with Christine.

Randy: What is the best thing about book signings?

Christine: I really like connecting with readers. Book signings, book chats and school visits enable me to do that in a really dynamic way.

 

Randy: What is the worst part of book signings?

Christine: The constant worry that NO ONE will come! I have really moved from traditional signings at a book store to book chats at local schools, etc. Don’t get me wrong – my currently released titles are both educational titles. It makes sense to meet with potential readers AT the schools in a book chat format and partner with a book store to sells books there. That is what I really try to do.

Now, as I break into the YA fiction market, I will happily do more bookstore signings.

 

Randy: How much work goes into a book signing?

Christine: It depends. The signings I do locally are pretty easy – I have a fabulous person at one of the Barnes and Nobles in the area. She really does most of the work for me. On the book chats, that is more work for me – contacting the schools, trying to talk with the “right” person, etc.

 

Randy: How soon after you’re published should you have a book signing?

Christine: My first signing was 7 days after my first book was released. For me, it was a little soon – I hadn’t built up readership and the event was not in my home town. Two things would have improved the outcome of that event – A local signing, and stronger readership.

 

Randy: How far in advance do you plan them?

Christine: For me, I plan three months or more in advance. With my book chats in the schools, I plan out the entire school year in the month of September. For example, I am doing two types of books chats locally this year – one focusing on each of my two books. I have the chats planned between November and April, having 1 to 2 per week during that time.

 

Randy: What is your #1 tip for making a book signing successful?

Christine: PR! That is right – get the word out. The next book signing I do out of my area, I plan on conducting a school visit during the day, with a signing that night. Another good tip – contact the local school district. In the case of my educational titles, this has proven very helpful.