HEB book signing

Imagine my surprise as I'm shopping around the HEB (grocery store chain here in Texas) to hear on the loud speaker that there are authors & Illustrators signing books at the front of the building near the second entrance. WHAT, Are you kidding me?! Since when do they do book signings at grocery stores!!

"Watch out people, crazy woman with a cart coming through!!"

Sure enough there they were , about 5 authors and an illustrator set up with people in line signing and chatting away.

I have to admit that I don't remember everyone that was there signing because I zeroed in on the illustrator first and foremost. His name is Bill Reed and has illustrated this fun book by author Paul Epner entitled, " There's A Dachshund In My Bed!"   Really nice guy.    I have to tell you that Paul (author) is an absolute HOOT and I imagine would be (and probably is) a fabulous speaker at school visits and conferences. His book is published by "Imaginative Publishing" located in the Dallas/Fortworth area.

I was so tickled when Paul was signing my copy of his book and says , "oh, are you Roz Art Studios?". "YES I AM!"  Well, you know that made my day. (recognized my name from the email lists)

I never would have guessed that an HEB would be such a great venue for book signings but I'll tell you from where I was standing it looked to be a great marketing idea. I saw Pauls  book in several carts around the store.  Food for thought. ~ Ack...sorry for the pun.

Regaining my focus to continue with my shopping list was very difficult to do. But fear not, I remembered the dog food, grapes and tissues.

* TIP of the day:  Always carry business cards with you. I was asked atleast 4 times for one and I didn't have anything to give them. Lesson Learned.

Comments

[holli]

Who knew grocery shopping could be so fun? And he even knew who you were!! How cool is that?

[paula]

An HEB of all places! So did you buy a book?

I found Bill's website:

http://www.billreedcreative.com/

My favorites are his Tejano album/CD covers!

[roz]

Absolutely! Bought a book and had them both sign.
Thanks for the link , I'll add it to the blog post. =O)

[janee]

What fun! I'm going to have to go buy that book for my sister and all her little wieners. :-)

I failed the business card test this weekend too, Roz.

[violette]

Well it sounds like you had a very cool day indeed!! I think its a good idea to think outside the box when marketing your books and illustrations!!

Violette

[Snowbear]

But you gave them your website URL, right? I find that telling someone that is almost just as good as carrying around those cards.
I never woulda thunk a grocery store would have book signings---hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the promotion queen will have to mull that one over!