Pens, Props & Personality: What to Bring to Your Book Signing

So, you've landed a book signing—congrats! Whether it's your first event or your fiftieth, showing up prepared can make all the difference between a forgettable appearance and a memorable one. Beyond your pen of choice and your winning smile, there are a few items that can elevate your table, engage readers, and make the experience smoother for everyone involved. Not sure what to bring? We’ve got you covered with a list of creative ideas.

Posters and Banners

A large poster or banner (depending on how much space you have) is a great way to tell people "HEY, I'M OVER HERE!" It's an easy way to let your presence be known and to give your audience immediate information on who you are and what you're doing. Without a poster, you just become a random person sitting at a table, and we want to avoid that as much as possible.

Your publicist is more than happy to order "Meet the Author" posters or a foamcore poster that just has your book's cover image on it. 

With your poster, you will want to get yourself an easel of sorts. A big poster won't do you much good if it's just laying flat on the table! Here is a table top easel that's affordable and if you want something bigger, you can get a full sized easel so it doesn't eat up space on your table, like this one.

Postcards or Flyers

Postcards and/or flyers are great because they're something people can take with them. While we want to encourage people to purchase the book right then and there, that's not always the case. So it's nice to send them away with a little reminder of your book. 

A postcard I find that does well is one that has a vintage image on it. People love those! They make for nice, simple wall art, and you can have the book information on the back. People are more likely to take a handout when it doesn't come across as a direct sales pitch.

Again, your publicist can order these for you, all you have to do is ask!

SWAG

This can mean literally anything, but we recommend you keep it related to your book. One of our authors, Becky Garrison of Distilled in Washington, had various swag from distilleries around town (keychains, coins, stickers, etc). She got them from the distilleries for free. Another Washington author, James Erickson who wrote Washington's Fisher Scones took scones to his signings! And the author of The Texas Chicken Ranch actually had a bowl of customized condoms. These little mementos or snacks are a great way to entice people to come chat with you. People love freebies. 

Consider what your book is about and what swag would go well with the story you're telling. Just keep in mind, alcohol is usually prohibited as a giveaway item.

Vintage Images

Similar to the poster announcing your presence, having images on display (perhaps on tabletop easels like we mentioned before) is a great way to get people to come over to your table. It also provides you with an immediate topic to discuss. 

I bet if you asked your publicist to send you a couple of these images in a small poster size, they would.

and finally...BOOKS!

This shouldn't need to be said, but you should have books on your table for people to flip through (and purchase!). Maybe have one or two standing upright, you could even have a book open to your favorite chapter or image using a cookbook stand like this one. Remember, at the end of the day, people are visual creatures and they won't buy what they don't see. 

A successful book signing isn’t just about the autographs—it’s about the connections you make and the impression you leave. With the right tools on hand, you can create an inviting space that reflects your brand and makes readers feel excited to meet you. So pack smart, stay authentic, and don’t forget to enjoy the moment—after all, you’ve earned your spot at the table. Happy signing!