One of the most important things an author can do for self-promotion is to do public appearances whether this means doing a signing, a reading, or appearing at a writer’s conference or literary festival on panels. Many readers enjoy meeting a writer whose work they admire, and being able to ask questions or listen to them read their work aloud. And let’s not forget the joy of owning a book signed by one of your favorite authors!
However, there’s more to doing the public appearance than just showing up and being brilliant. Many authors are shy and it can be nervewracking to get up in front of a room full of people and start reading. And there’s absolutely nothing worse than going to a reading where the author takes the word reading literally. I’ve been to readings where the author never looks up from the page, never makes eye contact with the audience, and doesn’t use any intonation at all — just a deadly dull monotone that slowly puts the audience to sleep. And you can safely bet I never attend one of that author’s public appearances again.
The first time I ever did a reading, I was absolutely terrified. I got up, read from the first chapter of my first book, and just sort of mumbled my way through it. I could tell the audience was restless and getting bored with me; so I quickly wrapped it up and gave the stage over to the author I was sharing the stage with and what an education that was! I was lucky enough to be signing/reading with another first time author, Jim Gladstone. The difference between my reading and Jim’s was night and day. Jim, with a theatre background, understood the importance of holding the audience’s attention; he didn’t just read his work, he performed it. I was mesmerized; as was the audience. Jim gave a performance that was not only funny, but poignant as well — it made you think, it made you care, it made you want to buy and read his book. He had different voices for his characters; he slipped into their minds and characters with relative ease; and for me, this was truly an education as I realized what a rank amateur I was.
From that moment on, I made a point of making sure I had adequate rehearsal before any reading. I time my pieces to make sure I don’t go over time and when you are reading in a group setting, there is nothing ruder or more thoughtless than going over your allotted time and I try to find the voice of the character I am reading. I slip into their minds and read the piece as though I am actually the character, rather than just an author reading some words I’ve written. I comb through the book I am promoting to find just the right scene; one that will engage the listeners, make them laugh or groan, and most importantly, make them want to buy my book to find out what happens. When I read my story “Smalltown Boy” at Saints and Sinners two years ago, the main character was a twelve year old boy in a small town in Alabama; so I allowed my own long-buried Southern accent to come out so I could give the piece some reality.
When I was asked to read at the American Library Association convention in New Orleans this past summer, I read from Mardi Gras Mambo. I found a scene where my character, Scotty Bradley, and his two lovers were about ready to go out dancing and were trying on their costumes. It’s a fun scene, as the three guys are practically naked except for some lycra, body paint and glitter and then have to make their way through the crowded streets of the French Quarter to get to the bars before their hits of Ecstasy take effect. They tease each other as they walk, and then when they hit the dance floor, Scotty starts telling the story in a stream of consciousness as I tried to mimic in words how it feels to be on Ecstasy and at one point, Scotty starts singing along with the music being played. The last time I had read this scene, I didn’t sing but at the ALA, I decided to try singing. So, as I was waiting to go on stage and take the microphone, I wandered around in the hallways backstage listening to the songs over and over on my iPod and then I took the plunge. And for someone whose singing voice falls somewhere between croaking bullfrog and Herman Munster, it went over very well. I got rousing applause.
It’s a really good idea to practice your reading before someone and get feedback and pointers. It’s also not a bad idea to take a public speaking course. The better you read, the more likely you’ll be invited back to do it again and you never know when someone might be in the audience who will so enjoy your performance that they will want to include you in some other event they are planning. And the more you get out there in public reading your work, the more name recognition you are going to get and the more copies of your book you are going to sell.
It’s all about sales, remember that!
Greg Herren
October 2006
“Hard Business: Writing Gay Erotica” © 2006 Greg Herren. All rights reserved.