Some authors just don't get it when it comes to reader relations. When you are chatting it up with your fans, you are your own publicist – and can be your own worst enemy if you don't handle interaction well.

I have seen some authors fall into the Bad Behavior category on numerous occasions. They:

• Apologize for not blogging regularly. 
• • See "Bad Author" by Jane Green – and DO NOT DO THAT!
    
• Sell reader information to a third party.
• Sign readers up for your newsletter – without asking.
• Fail to follow through with a contest – or post the winner.
• Forget readers exist at multiple author book signings.
• Pitch so hard they forget to talk to readers about life.
• Refuse to autograph books because readers didn't buy it at the signing or because it is an older title.
• Pay zero attention to what readers say about their books and instead focus on autographing for the next person in line.
• Never respond to any Wall posts, e-mails, blog comments or Tweets from readers.
• Use profanity in social network public posts.
• Post inappropriate photographs to Web sites and social networks.

I want to pull two of these out for further explanation.

Forget readers exist at multiple author book signings.

At a major conference for readers, some women went to find their favorite romance author. They found her – with her nose buried in a book. There was little activity at her table – and with good reason. Instead of bothering her (since she was obviously too preoccupied to participate) they went around to other tables and discovered  new readers who fit their tastes.

When you are at a signing, you had better put on your best public relations face and get to networking. Readers love to meet their favorite authors. They have grand ideas about what a great person you are. If you hide behind a book, or treat them with disrespect, their fan status immediately evaporates.

Not good at personal interaction but totally rock behind the online veil? No problem! Ask friends or family members who ARE great at interacting with people to join you. They can help pump up the crowd while you autograph. This also helps you relax, since the entire burden isn't on one person.

HOT TIP: It is easy to get into a rhythm if you have a busy signing. You need to move the customers in and out, yes, but don't forget to chat a bit with them along with way. Also be on the lookout for disabled folks who are unable to get through the crush of people to your table – and be sure to step away from the table to personally chat with them.

Never respond to any Wall posts, e-mails, blog comments or Tweets from readers.

No one expects you to respond to everything online. That would be impossible. But you MUST show some sort of interaction with fans and other authors via Tweets, ReTweets, comment responses, Wall posts and more. Please do NOT put the same comment on everyone fan's wall – that is lazy. Do not junk up their Inboxes with group requests, or button/badge/photo requests. It makes you look like a spammer.

After doing an earlier post today featuring a story about why book signings are bad, I came across this Top 10 list to make book signings a success from the Writer's Relief Blog. Check it out:

http://www.writersreliefblog.com/post/10-Tips-For-A-Successful-Book-Signing.aspx

Today, I found an interesting blog post about why book signings are not effective.

The author lists the following as reasons:

• Sales are short-lived
• Book stores don't market signings
• Books will be put on a back shelf – not a front table – after a signing
• Too much time and effort for little return

The author recommends festivals and book clubs  as a venues for signings, and touches on the potential of virtual book tours for sales.

What do you think? Do signings work for you? Does it depend on the author, genre, location of signing?

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.