What is proper etiquette for a book signing?

[myavatara]

1. If the chance is given, what are some questions to ask?
2. How do you fawn over the author without looking insane?
3. Do I have to buy the book at that location, or can I bring my own copy (with receipt) in with me?

Thanks in advance.

[tkdeity]

1) ask "Can you make it out to "Dear E-bay purchaser"
2) ask "would you sign my breast?" but only if you're a guy.
3) Tell him/her "I had to make many trips back to the store before I finished reading your book, and the clerk kept taking out my bookmark!"

[Maryn Bittner]

What's appropriate depends entirely on how well the signing is attended. (It always makes me sad to see an author sitting alone at the signing table, smiling, smiling, and nobody paying a bit of attention.)

You'll have only a minute or two of the author's attention. Questions to ask are those the author doesn't hear over and over which can be answered briefly. "Is Aunt Jo based on someone you know? She seemed so real!" or "How did you keep track of the streets and landmarks of Anytown?" would be appropriate.

Fawn? E-e-ew. Compliment truthfully? You bet. "I'm a big reader, and your novel is by far the best one I've read in the last two years." "I cried when Stefano died; you made him that real."

While the signing is to promote sales, no author will be offended if you bring a copy of his/her new release. You can always say, "I couldn't stand to wait until today to read it."

[stephen k]

The chance is rarely given, owing to the sheer amount of people watning books

Don't fawn; you have about 15 seconds to say something, so keep it direct

You can bring, although the book store would prefer an in-shop purchase

[bookloverforever]

1. What are you working on now? When do you think it will be released so I can watch for it? (hey, hey...future sales)
Has anyone welcomed you to our city?? We are so glad you are here.

2. Put yourself in his/her place...how would YOU like a big fan to approach you and talk to them?? Or, "I would really like to tell you JUST how much I love your work, but I'm afraid I will come across just another insane fan of yours." Expect them to respond and the rest will be easy. It's the first sentence that is the hardest. Practice saying it out loud so when you are actually facing him/her you don't freeze up like a Popsicle.

3. The majority of bookstores would let you bring in your own copy. No receipt needed, but let someone know you have it with you as soon as you walk in. If a store would not let you bring in your own copy, then I would shop somewhere else!