Yahoo Movies Author ‘bummed’ over book-signing turnout is flooded with support. ‘I am legit crying’
An author was “bummed” about the turnout at her book signing — then she was flooded with support.
Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult and other famous writers commiserated with debut novelist Chelsea Banning, who expressed her disappointment that only two people came to one of her book signings.
“I was pretty bummed about it,” Banning wrote Dec. 4 on Twitter. “Especially as 37 people responded ‘going’ to the event. Kind of upset, honestly, and a little embarrassed.”
I have sat lonely at a signing table many times only to have someone approach…and ask me where the bathroom is.
— Jodi Picoult (@jodipicoult) December 5, 2022
Two days after she posted, the tweet had garnered more than 2,000 retweets and 65,000 likes. While many people shared encouraging words, several writers revealed frustrating experiences from their own book signings.
“I have sat lonely at a signing table many times only to have someone approach … and ask me where the bathroom is,” Picoult commented.
Atwood also chimed in, writing: “Join the club. I did a signing to which Nobody came, except a guy who wanted to buy some Scotch tape and thought I was the help.”
“This thread has almost 600 comments of people just being wonderful and encouraging,” Banning said in a video she shared on TikTok as her post was gaining traction. “And it just reiterates how freaking amazing the writing community is.”
Join the club. I did a signing to which Nobody came, except a guy who wanted to buy some Scotch tape and thought I was the help. :)
— Margaret E. Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) December 5, 2022
Banning, who also promoted other authors’ work while she had the social media spotlight, wrote that the attention helped her book make a mark among best sellers on Amazon. Fellow writer B.K. Clark shared a screenshot showing her novel “Of Crowns and Legends” had risen to the top for Arthurian fantasy, a category of books surrounding the character King Arthur.
“I am legit crying,” Banning wrote in response.
Banning is based in Ohio and told NPR her disappointing book signing was in Ashtabula, roughly 60 miles east of Cleveland.
She published “Of Crowns and Legends” in August, according to her website and Twitter page. The book is about King Arthur’s twins, who must confront challenges as they face the prospect of war.
Banning didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for additional information on Dec. 6. Here are some of the other responses she received online:
Chelsea, during my last trade book tour (early 2020) maybe 4 people showed up for one of the locations. It is embarrassing but it surely does happen. Publishing is such a vulnerable process. It’s a rare author who has not experienced a signing no-show. Keep getting out there!
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) December 5, 2022
I've often been mistaken for bookshop staff and asked for "Where to find the Dead Sea Scrolls" etc...
I once said - "Sorry I don't work here". The woman replied, crossly, 'Well, you LOOK like you do!"— James Mayhew (@mrjamesmayhew) December 5, 2022
We’ve all been there Chelsea. Truth is, unless you’re a “celebrity” author you’re lucky to get more than a few people at a signing. Usually I just sign some stock at the store and leave! Bit at least they’ll advertise the signed books. Good luck
— Sheila O'Flanagan (@sheilaoflanagan) December 5, 2022
I worked on my first book for 4 years. Six people came to the first reading. One person was someone I knew who foresaw the worst and brought 4 family members. The sixth person came in out of the rain. When you don't know whether to laugh or cry, laugh. And congrats on your book.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) December 5, 2022
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