Hastings Entertainment usually welcomes our authors for book signings at their 140+ stores across the nation.  What this means is that any of you who want to schedule a tour you can do so by contacting the community relations coordinator or book manager at each store to set up a signing. 

    Below is the procedure you should follow:

1. Go to the Hastings website, http://www.gohastings.com/Catalog/home.stm and print out a list of all the Hastings stores. 

2. Select  4 or 5 stores close together you would like to visit on a weekend.  They should be not more than 2 hours drive apart.   

3. The best times are  Friday 7-9, Sat 12-2, 3-5 and 7-9, Sunday 12-2 and 3-5.  Two signings per day is probably as many as you should plan on doing.

4. Signings must be booked at least 6 weeks in advance.

5. Contact the book manager at each store by phone them know you are interested in setting up signing. They will usually be very accommodating and set the signing up immediately as long as know they can get the book. Tell them it is available at Ingram.  

6. Check back with the store two weeks before the event to be sure they have your books. You can sell them books from your private stock if you have to, but it's much better if they buy from Ingram.

7.  At the signings introduce yourself to every customer that comes in the store. Don't be bashful.  If you just sit around you won't sell many books.  Be able to give a short pitch about your book and give it often. You should try to sell at least one half the books that the store purchases for the event.  This will get you an invitation to return and help avoid books being returned. The store will usually buy 20 to 30 books for an event.

If you have questions email Lisa at lisa@toppub.com .